London mayor Sadiq Khan has been urged to hold talks with the insurance industry as one of the ways to improve the capital’s preparedness for terrorist acts.
Khan previously appointed Lord Toby Harris of Haringey to conduct an independent review of London’s readiness to respond to major terror incidents following the attacks in Paris, Brussels and Nice.
Harris made 127 recommendations for Khan, the government and other agencies to consider including potential talks with the insurance industry.
“There should be discussions with the insurance industry, so that businesses and venues are required to obtain and act on advice in return for lower premiums or making take-up of advice and training compulsory for certain businesses or establishments,” Harris said in his report.
In response, Khan said that the recommendations “deserve careful consideration and exploration over the coming months so we can take steps to ensure we are as prepared as possible.”
Harris said in his report that London’s emergency services for major incidents have improved, with responses now substantially faster and more effective than five years ago.
He described London’s intelligence agencies and counter-terrorist police as “amongst the best in the world.”
“Nevertheless, a serious terrorist attack remains highly possible and we cannot be complacent,” Harris said. “London needs to become a city where security and resilience is designed in and is part of the city’s fabric.”
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