News story: New Crowded Places Guidance launched

This new guidance is primarily aimed at those with a responsibility for security at crowded places and those who own or run businesses, organisations, amenities or utilities. Some of the terminology may be unfamiliar to some readers. However, we hope the advice can also be of use to anyone who wishes to improve their own security.

The new Crowded Places guidance for the UK has been written by NaCTSO with the support of The Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) and over 100 subject matter and academic experts. It covers the key areas of protective security including physical, personnel, personal and cyber. It provides guidance on how different sectors can act to help make their business, institutions or organisations safer. Its purpose to support those who are charged with security at crowded places mitigate the threat and help make the UK less vulnerable to an attack. The guidance is interactive and designed to assist crowded place sectors assess the risk and build a security plan to help mitigate that risk and recover more quickly should there be a terrorist attack.

As the terrorist threat evolves the guidance has been designed to be a living document taking the best advice from some of the UKs leading experts and organisations. There are many links within the guidance directing you to websites providing support in your planning.

The foundation for the ability to manage during a crisis lies in the preparations we make. It is important that we all recognise the risks, develop security plans, train our staff, carry out rehearsal exercises and understand our roles and responsibilities. Leadership will come from all levels within an organisation during an incident but must come from the top to change the security culture.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Lucy D’Orsi said:

Terrorist attacks are rare in the UK, but recent events have shown that an attack could happen anywhere and without warning. Those locations either public or private where large groups of people gather, for reasons such as entertainment, business, transportation, sporting or social occasions, have always been preferential targets for terrorists. Terrorism has evolved in recent times, with many conflicts overseas influencing terrorist acts in the UK. Social media in particular is being manipulated to incite, inspire and enable groups and individuals to target these crowded places.

The UK Threat level from International Terrorism is ‘SEVERE’, which means that an attack is highly likely. Such an attack can come in many forms, not just a physical but it can include interference with vital information or communication systems, causing disruption and economic damage. Against this background there is a need to make our crowded places as accessible as possible and to minimise the threat. However there is a balance to be achieved where we must all take responsibility for security to mitigate the threat and impact of terrorism.

This new and updated guidance is intended to give protective security advice to those responsible for managing the security of crowded places. Every location is different and I would urge those of you who hold this responsibility to review your security using the information in this guidance to reassure yourselves around your Security Plan.

Guidance within this booklet is intended to not only make the UK more resilient to a terrorist attack but also to support our fight against other crimes. If you have any information about suspicious behaviour or activity you can report it in confidence, either by calling the police or making an online report. Thank you once again for the contributions that I know you are making already.

You play a key role in preventing and protecting communities against terrorism.




Notice: Cole Ambrose Limited: application made to abstract water

The Environment Agency consult the public on certain applications for the abstraction and impoundment of water.

These notices explain:

  • what the application is about
  • which Environment Agency offices you can visit to see the application documents on the public register
  • when you need to comment by



Speech: “The legacy of the ICTY should be a clear and resounding message to those who commit these crimes; you cannot escape justice.”

Thank you Mr President.

I would like to thank the Presidents of the Tribunal and the Mechanism and the Prosecutor for their reports and their presentations. And, at the outset, let me reiterate the UK’s continued support for the ICTY and the Mechanism, and for all that they do to end impunity for the most serious international crimes.

Mr President,

As the ICTY progresses through its final year, the international community as a whole must continue to support the Tribunal so that it leaves behind a continuing and enduring legacy.

Completion of its judicial work remains the priority. We welcome that the Tribunal remains on track to deliver its final judgments in the cases of Mladic and Prlic et al before the end of the year. Let me commend the work of the judges and staff, as well as the Tribunal’s efficiency measures, such as the Prosecutor’s “one office” policy, which have made this possible. We are also pleased that the transfer of residual functions from the ICTY to the Mechanism remains on track.

We are, however, very much aware of the challenges that the ICTY faces. We share the Tribunal’s concern over continued staff attrition and we welcome measures taken to address this. We hope staff will feel able to see their work through to the finish.

Mr President,

The UK is very concerned that – over two years on – the arrest warrants for the three individuals in the Jojic et al contempt case have still not been executed. We strongly urge Serbia to cooperate fully with the ICTY in all respects, including complying with its international obligations in this matter. Failure to do so risks undermining central principles of international justice and the rule of law by allowing those suspected of interfering with witnesses to avoid accountability.

It is essential that the ICTY’s vast experience and lessons learned are not lost – its legacy must reflect its achievements and make a lasting contribution to regional peace and stability. We are therefore pleased to note its forward-looking approach to maximising digital outreach and transforming the ICTY’s website into a permanent repository for the Tribunal’s digital legacy.

The legacy of the ICTY should be a clear and resounding message to those who commit these crimes; you cannot escape justice. Whether it takes two years or twenty, history will eventually catch up with you.

Mr President,

With regard to the Mechanism, the Mechanism has entered an important phase, shortly commencing a retrial in Stanisic and Simatovic and undertaking complex appeals in Karadzic and Seselj. We look forward to the Mechanism’s continuous, expeditious and efficient treatment of these cases, and to receiving updates as they progress.

We remain concerned that the situation of Judge Akay has not yet been resolved, and by consequent ongoing delays in the Ngirabatware case. We hope that a pragmatic resolution can be found as quickly as possible.

We fully support co-ordination between the Prosecutor’s Office, national enforcement agencies and Interpol in regards to apprehending the eight remaining fugitives, and we welcome the Prosecutor’s initiatives to improve tracking activities. We hope they can be brought to justice soon, and we urge all States to cooperate to this end.

We also welcome the relocation of two further acquitted and released persons from Arusha and support the Mechanism in its ongoing work in this respect, recognising the challenges.

Mr President,

In addition to the work of the Mechanism and the ICTY, there can be no doubt that effective national prosecutions are vital in achieving justice for the victims of atrocities and holding perpetrators to account for their crimes.

So we are troubled by the Prosecutor’s report for the ICTY that regional judicial cooperation is moving in the wrong direction. It is imperative that all States work together to achieve justice. We strongly urge all relevant authorities to initiate discussions immediately to remove any barriers to investigating and prosecuting the most serious crimes of international concern. And we call on regional States to work with the Office of the Prosecutor in order to develop practical proposals to improve the situation as soon as possible. Individuals suspected of war crimes cannot continue to be shielded from justice simply by virtue of their location.

We are also deeply disturbed by the Prosecutor’s reports, both for the ICTY and the Mechanism, of denial of crimes – in particular genocide – and revisionism. If such crimes are to be prevented in future, it is essential to accept the ICTY and Mechanism’s findings and rulings on the tragic events of the not-so-distant past.

Thank you Mr President.




Press release: Battle of Messines Ridge Centenary

Events took place in Belgium today to mark the centenary of the Battle of Messines Ridge. The battle has considerable historic and symbolic significance for Ireland and Northern Ireland, as it was the first time that the 16th (Irish) and 36th (Ulster) Divisions fought alongside each other during the First World War.

The UK and Irish Governments, in partnership with the Messines authorities, hosted a shared commemorative event at the Island of Ireland Peace Park in Messines. The Peace Park was opened by Her Majesty The Queen and then President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, in 1998 and is a memorial to all the soldiers from the island of Ireland who died in the First World War.

The Duke of Cambridge, the Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Princess Astrid of Belgium attended the ceremony and laid wreaths at the foot of the Round Tower memorial, before meeting invited guests including descendants of those who fought at the Battle.

The Act of Remembrance included readings by members of the Royal Irish Regiment and the Irish Defence Forces, and musical interludes performed by the Royal Band of the Belgian Navy.

Speaking ahead of the commemorations, where he laid a wreath on behalf of UK Government, Lord Dunlop said:

We have seen all too well how history can divide, but our ambitious goal throughout this decade of centenaries is to seek to use history to bring us together.

This shared ceremony is an opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of those who fought at Messines Ridge, as well as to further strengthen the important relationship that exists between the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Following the main service at the Island of Ireland Peace Park, a short, private service was held at Wytschaete Cemetery where over 1,000 servicemen of the First World War are buried, including many from the Battle of Messines Ridge. His Royal Highness, the Taoiseach and Princess Astrid, alongside representatives of both governments, paid their respects at the 16th Irish Division Memorial Cross before meeting family members of servicemen buried in the cemetery.




News story: Autonomous last mile resupply network event – information pack

The autonomous last mile resupply innovation network event was held on 23 May 2017.

At the event in London, a series of presentations provided details of three challenges that make up the Defence and Security Accelerator competition Autonomous last mile resupply.

Event slides

To set the scene, Accelerator Innovation Partner Mark Darvill opened the event by giving an update on the Accelerator and an overview of proof-of-concept research funding opportunities for innovative science and technology providers.

Challenge context and overview

Lt Col Peter Hale and Peter Stockel, Dstl’s Autonomy Innovation Lead gave an overview of the competition and outlined it’s strategic importance.

Challenge purpose and scope

Lt Col Mark Stuart then briefed the audience on how autonomous systems would help British Army supply front line troops with vital supplies and gave examples of the types of environments the system would have to cope with. Mark Emerton, Dstl’s technical lead shared scenarios which brought the challenge to life. Details were provided from a military and technical perspective.

Competition process and overview

Information on the competition’s scope, process and key milestones was briefed by Rebecca Varney, Accelerator Competition Manager.

Graham Farnsworth, Dstl’s Intellectual Property Manager outlined the new short form contract.

How to work with the Accelerator

The Accelerator team then outlined how organisations can work with the Accelerator and gave advice on how to submit good proposals for funding.

The competition closes at noon on 21 June 2017.

All queries will be answered by email. Send queries to our competition DSTLLastmile@dstl.gov.uk and Accelerator accelerator@dstl.gov.uk email inbox.