Ex-security chief warns on complacency over terror attacks

Chris Phillips said terror threat is ‘substantial’ and has developed a mobile phone app to help save lives in an attack

THE threat of terrorist attacks is real and businesses need to guard against complacency, the former head of the UK National Counter Terrorism Security Office has warned.

Chris Phillips told GB News: “The key word is complacency. The police security services are stopping offences on a regular, consistent basis.

“What we do know is one of those at some stages can get through and it’s a difficult thing to say that terrorism in this country is real. It is real right across the west.

“But without scaring the horses, we don’t want people to actually not do what they want to do. But if we can, we can train staff to do the right things when something happens, then we’ve got a much better likelihood of actually saving lives.”

Speaking to Liam Halligan during On The Money on GB News, Mr Phillips explained that he was launching an app – called Protect Duty along with tech firm YUDU Sentinel- that is designed to help businesses and staff cope during a terror attack.

The app’s name is inspired by new legislation that is likely to be introduced in Parliament soon which will compel businesses to ensure staff and customers are protected in the event of a terror attack.

After 30 years spent working in the police service, he founded a management consultancy called International Protect and Prepare Security Office (IPPSO).

Asked if the UK has world class security in the commercial sector: “As an example – hostile vehicle mitigation measures, to stop vehicles from crashing into people. We’ve got companies in this country who are second to none, really, really good, likewise, right across the field of security,

“What we have to do as well, is to make sure the SMEs in particular aren’t complacent. We’re talking about pubs, hotels, shopping centres, those kind of businesses which need to remember that there is still a very real threat of terrorism.

“It’s substantial. That means a terrorist attack could happen at any time. And it will happen.

“The best thing that they can do is go through the ‘what ifs’, understand what they should do in the event of something bad happening, and make sure their staff understand how they can do that. 

“This app gives them the opportunity to do that. And what it does as well is it lets someone test their knowledge.”

He said that terrorists will never be able to gain the upper hand: “The police will catch the top guys, but you have to understand within the world of cyber and other crimes these days it’s a worldwide issue.

“You’ll have someone in Albania taking money from the people in the UK through Bangladesh, so it’s a worldwide issue.

“The key thing here as well, is crisis responsive management, and making sure the pub owners, the restaurant owners know what to do if something bad happens and make sure that their staff, the front facing staff, know what to do.

“That’s why this app is useful because if I find a suspicious bag, by pushing a button I’ve got the answers in front of me.”