London: Terrorist threat to the capital

Are the politicians giving us enough information?

With the increasing terrorist threat, Londoners are concerned about the risk of a major attack on the capital. London is prepared for a major attack, but why aren't politicians telling us about the plans?

As the momentum towards war with Iraq builds up, the threat of a terrorist attack on London also looms large.

Recent arrests in the UK and abroad suggest there's been an escalation of terrorist activity.

So what are the chances of a terrorist assault on London, and should we be worried about how the emergency services will deal with any disaster?

Are we prepared?

"It's not if, it's when" - that's what we're being told about a terrorist attack on the capital. So are we prepared for the worst - a major terrorist attack on a public building, a major landmark, or on the tube?

The answer is yes, although it seems that information on the exact nature of emergency measures is thin on the ground.

Each London borough has a plan, as does each NHS trust, as does the transport system. So why don't we know about them?

Why don't we know where to go in an emergency or what the police would do? How many Londoners know how to protect their homes? Do we know where to go for help and advice?

The fear factor

The Politics Show has found that the government doesn't want to worry us so they're keeping information about the response to a terrorist attack down to a minimum.

The politicians are concerned that the public could panic, resulting in widespread fear and paranoia. This in turn could have a detrimental effect on business, public confidence and morale.

But are the politicians right - is ignorance bliss? Do we - the public - have a right to hear about the full extent of the threat? Shouldn't we be told the full facts so we can prepare for the worst?

Opinion is divided on how much or how little information is good for us.

Terrorist alert

Some commentators believe that Londoners need to be ready to react quickly in the event of a chemical or biological attack.

But how many of us know how we would cope in the case of an emergency. What measures can we take to protect ourselves in our homes or out on the streets?

We want your views

So is there a case for the government and local councils to produce pamphlets on precautionary measures?

Perhaps there should be better dissemination of information about the measures the police and emergency services have been planning?

What do you think? Do you think that we should we have more information about emergency planning? Maybe you're happy that the government aren't alarming the public unduly? Either way, we'd like to hear your views.

Email us below with your thoughts and we'll put them to the decision-makers.

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