Terror Alert
Conservative MP Patrick Mercer, who worked on the Government review on terror attacks told an invited audience of business and security experts that terrorism was an industry’s problem as much as the Governments.
He said: "The whole aim of the Lord West review is to reach out to the private sector and say to them, 'This is not just Government responsibility'.
He went on to say that “you the private sector must understand where your responsibilities are – to your workforce and to society in general. Be prepared to invest in methods that will protect your business and protect your people.”
Designers, architects and urban planners have been told they need to incorporate counter-terrorism measures in the design of their buildings. He added that there was recognition that places previously unprotected - shopping centres, places of entertainment - do need enhanced measures.
"In the past, military bases, airports, critical facilities like those have required to be enhanced and there have been guidelines and a standard set, this is a new area and the standards are being started and the guidelines set now for these buildings," he said.
Frames and glazing were also mentioned, they should have a robust construction that can withstand a blast at street level and, importantly, the windows need to stop potentially lethal flying shards.
The professional installation of Johnson Window Films Safe Plus range offers protection to people and property. The durable polymer film construction and tough adhesive bonds to glass, creating a functional “safety net” that holds glass in place at impact and preventing flying glass.
Ultimately, businesses are going to have to decide: are they prepared to pay an extra 2% to take these new measures, or are they prepared to see a building knocked out of service after a terror attack.