Amber Rudd announces review into handling of recent terror attacks
2 min read
The Home Secretary has announced a review to learn lessons from the recent terrorist attacks in London and Manchester.
The project will be overseen by David Anderson QC, the former independent reviewer of terrorism legislation.
Amber Rudd’s announcement comes after a van drove into pedestrians in Finsbury Park earlier this week.
It was the third apparent terrorist incident to have struck the UK within a month, following the bombing in Manchester and attack at London Bridge.
The review will run alongside an examination of the UK’s counter-terrorism strategy, announced by Theresa May after London Bridge.
In a Commons statement, Ms Rudd said: “We need to do more… doing more also means asking difficult questions about what has gone wrong.
“In light of the attacks in Manchester and London, Britain’s counter-terrorism strategy will be reviewed to make sure that the police and security services have what they need to keep us safe.”
She added: “In addition to this, there will be a review of the handling of recent terror attacks to look at whether lessons can be learned about our approach.”
Mr Anderson described his appointment as "a remarkable if rather daunting privilege".
In response, Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott cautioned against beefing up the powers of police and security services after the spate of attacks.
“We would warn against a move towards legislation rather than looking at the issue of resources,” she said.
“On that view, we are supported by Max Hill, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, his objective view is that current powers are sufficient.
“My view... is that we do have the appropriate laws in place. Essentially the police and security services do have the powers at their disposal.”
Ms Abbott instead urged the Government to reverse previous cuts to the police budgets.
She said: “It was wrong that since 2010 we have lost 20,000 in police numbers and we oppose further cuts to the police budget that are in the pipeline.
“Will the Home Secretary now commit to halting these cuts or does austerity still apply to our safety?”
However, Ms Rudd said the police budget was being protected and claims to the contrary were “scaremongering”.
“There’s been a lot of scare mongering about changes to the budget but that budget will be protected and we'll make sure that we always give the police and security services the resources that they need,” the Home Secretary responded.
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