07/01/2004

Government unveils revamped civil emergency plans

The government has unveiled new powers to deal with potential disruptions caused by terrorist attacks and other emergencies.

The new Civil Contingencies Bill published today, which repeals outdated legislation from 1920 and 1948, sets out a single framework for civil defence in the UK.

It also aims to ensure that the front line response elicited can deal with the full range of emergencies from localised major incidents through to "catastrophic emergencies" by setting out responsibilities for agencies, local government and central government.

Minister for the Cabinet Office Douglas Alexander said: "The Civil Contingencies Bill is an important element of the Government's work to enhance the resilience of the United Kingdom to disruptive challenges. We have worked very hard with practitioners to get this bill right, and I am confident that we have achieved the right balance."

The government has also published a report on the results of the public consultation exercise and its response to the report of the Joint Committee of the House of Lords and House of Commons on the Draft Bill.

(gmcg)

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