Counter Terrorism

Supported by:

Thursday 8th September 2011, Royal Society - London, 08:45 - 16:00

Counter Terrorism: Protecting Our Nation from Security Threats

Overview

Strategies for protecting national security and combating terrorism are top policy issues for UK and international governments. The changing nature of the terrorist threat, as demonstrated with recent political events, poses a dynamic challenge to security agencies. Organisations working to protect the nation must constantly evolve to meet the security challenge.

In October 2010, the government unveiled the National Security Strategy, outlining the developing risks facing the UK. Amongst the Tier One threats, the paper identifies terrorism, cyber-attacks, military crisis and large hazards as the current most pressing threats. The strategy highlights how global interconnectedness has heightened the UK’s vulnerability to attack, but also offers international solutions to terrorism.

National security strategies not only have to consider the protection of the population, but must also look to the safety of the critical infrastructure on which we rely. The UK government must undertake extensive work with international partners in order to protect supply chains and have recently extended their commitment to overseas aid.

In June 2011, the government published a radical new PREVENT strategy, outlining the government's plans for promoting community relations and tackling extremism. the strategy aims to support individuals and deter participation in terrorism.

To ensure that the UK is in the optimum position to tackle terrorist threats, the government undertook a comprehensive Strategic Defence and Security Review. The review sets out how the armed forces, police and intelligence agencies can work together to strengthen security and also implement financial efficiency savings. The review will be built upon as the global security situation develops, particularly in regards to the UK’s commitments in the Middle East.

Agenda

This forum offers an inclusive programme covering topical security issues. Sessions will discuss technological and security policy developments, the role of surveillance and programmes to promote community cohesion. Drawing on expertise from across all related sectors, delegates will hear expert guidance on how to form effective strategies to enhance national security.

08:45	Coffee and Registration
09:40	Chairs Welcome and Address Lord Carlile of Berriew QC, Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation 2001 – 2010 (CONFIRMED)
09:50	Opening Keynote Address: Future Challenges for National Security Implementation of the National Security Agency Developing a coordinated response to terrorist threats Evaluating the extent of the terrorist threat Strategies for challenging extremism both nationally and across borders Responding to an evolving global situation Maintaining the security of national critical infrastructure Learning lessons from 7/7 – implementing effective strategies Economics and security – assessing and responding to threats Findings from the Strategic Defence and Security Review Charles Farr, Director General, Office for Security and Counter Terrorism, Home Office (CONFIRMED)
10:10	Questions and Answers Session
10:25	Assessing and Managing Risk Working across agencies to deliver strategies Identifying and protecting areas most at risk of terror attacks An assessment of the current and developing threats to critical infrastructure Ensuring security analysis plays a major part in all business and public sector planning Developing business continuity plans Chris Phillips GCGI, FSyI Managing Director, International Protect and Prepare Security Office (CONFIRMED)
10:45	The Future for the Armed Forces Outcomes of the Strategic Defence and Security Review The impact of public spending reductions on the armed forces The future for the Territorial Army and Reserve Forces The nature and extent of security threats Mark Phillips, Research Fellow, Military and Intelligence, Royal United Services Institute (CONFIRMED)
11:05	Questions and Answers Session
11:25	Coffee and Networking
11:50	Prevent in the Community Understanding what drives an individual to extremism The role of the community in tackling extremism Separating Prevent and community cohesion programmes The impact of counter terror legislation on community relations Ensuring prevention projects provide value for money Future for Prevent strategies Professor Ted Cantle, Executive Chair, Institute of Community Cohesion and Associate Director, Local Government Improvement and Development (CONFIRMED)
12:10	Implementing the PREVENT Strategy in Local Government The challenges facing the public sector in implementing the PREVENT strategy Ensuring PREVENT doesn’t alter the relationship between individuals and the public sector New approaches to tackling extremism in the community Resilient communities – promoting community cohesion Ewan King, Director, Office for Public Management (CONFIRMED)
12:30	Questions and Answers Session
12:50	Lunch and Networking
13:50	Protecting the Nation – Responding to Evolving Threats Legislative and policy responses post 7/7 Effectively identifying external threats Understanding the factors that drive terrorism and the goals that underpin terrorist attacks How can strategies adapt to meet evolving security threats Learning lessons - ensuring the emergency services and national infrastructure are prepared for terrorist attacks Rt Hon Keith Vaz MP, Chair, Home Affairs Select Committee (CONFIRMED)
14:10	Questions and Answers Session
14:25	Case Study: Security at Large Scale Events – 2012 Games Effective security at large scale events and crowded places Working in partnership with local policing services to deliver security programmes Learning lessons from large scale events – Royal Wedding Ensuring the workforce have the skills to effectively tackle security threats The implications of the international security threat on the Olympic Games Ben Fletcher, Head of Public Affairs, Olympic and Paralympic Security Directorate, Office for Security and Counter Terrorism, Home Office (CONFIRMED)
14:45	Securing Mass Transit Networks The impact of the terrorist threat on the mass-transit sector Learning lessons from previous terrorist attacks The arousal/reassurance paradox - shaping public awareness Technological developments – the cost benefit debate Not doing the terrorists job for them Adrian Dwyer, Counter Terrorism, Risk Advisor, British Transport Police (CONFIRMED)
15:05	Questions and Answers Session
15:25	Chairs Summary
15:30	Coffee and Networking
16:00	Close

*Programme subject to change without notice

Exhibitor

Txttools

Audience

The audience will include representatives from central government, security agencies, police service and law enforcement, local authorities, armed forces, NHS, transport networks, community safety teams, emergency services, town centre managers, aviation and shipping industry, border control, neighbourhood wardens, education authorities, licensing teams, planning authorities, social inclusion officers, community cohesion officers, schools, local criminal justice boards, prison/probation service, PCT's, academia, the private, legal & voluntary sectors and all those involved in national security.