10/04/2006

Government unveils counter-terrorism centre

The government has unveiled a new centre designed to lead the Ministry of Defence's scientific response to terrorist threats.

The Counter-Terrorism Science and Technology Centre will co-ordinate MoD's technical response to terrorist incidents such as last year's attacks on London and the threats the Armed Forces face in areas of conflict overseas.

The centre will also provide a 'one-stop shop' for other government departments who use MoD expertise to tackle domestic terror threats.

Announcing the new centre, Defence Secretary John Reid said: "Terrorism is a real threat to us all and we must do everything we can to ensure the UK is best equipped to deal with any incident both at home and wherever our Armed Forces deploy.

"This new centre will provide a world class hub to ensure government laboratories, industry and academia are used as efficiently as possible to enhance innovation and keep one step ahead of evolving terrorist threats."

Experts from across the MoD Counter-Terrorism community, academia and industry will provide counter-terrorism research combined with support to technology acquisition and counter-terrorism operations.

Ken Brigden, the Centre's Director, said: "As threats against the UK Armed Forces are becoming increasingly sophisticated and diverse science and technology advice plays an even more crucial role in the planning and preparation of military operations.

"This centre will be staffed by the very best MoD, academic and industry counter-terrorist technical experts with cutting-edge expertise in chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive threats. Terrorist threats evolve rapidly so the centre will respond, not just to current threats, but also anticipate threats as they emerge and develop."

(KMcA)


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