21st Century Terrorism
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New UK Laws
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Proposed New Counter Terrorism Laws (UK)
The UK Government is developing new counter-terrorism laws that will impact the private sector.
Under the proposed rules, certain private premises will be legally required to create and carry out Counter Terrorism plans. This duty will only apply to organisations that meet specific thresholds.
The goal is to strengthen security and ensure better preparedness against terrorist threats. By making these plans a legal requirement, the government aims to protect both private spaces and the wider public.
As the laws take shape, affected organisations should stay informed and be ready to comply once the regulations are in place.
In essence, these laws will move the private sector within the UK, from old school 20th century security mindsets, in to the 21st century and deliver credible security systems.
Experts?
There’s a growing fallacy that only so-called CT experts can handle counter terrorism in the private sector.
Historically, neither UK private organisations nor government agencies were involved in private sector CT. But over the past 20 years, the threat has grown and so has UK government interest.
Still, some officials wrongly believe that only those labeled as terrorism experts are qualified. This view reflects a closed group think mindset and a lack of real understanding of how CT works in the private sector – basically unconscious incompetence.
The gap between government agencies and private sector counter terrorism is vast, it’s like comparing chalk and cheese.
In recent years, there’s been a push in the UK to create a closed circle of so-called CT experts and establish an approved list of advisors. However, people behind this initiative lack real-world experience in private sector CT. Their expertise is rooted almost entirely in government agency backgrounds, which do not translate well to the unique challenges and dynamics of the private sector.
Despite this, they often position themselves as experts, leveraging past government roles to build credibility, misleading organisations in the process. Its a great example of the Halo Effect.
Security Professionals
People responsible for organisational security, safety, crisis management and emergency response in the private sector do not need to be a terrorism experts. Instead, their primary focus should be on understanding the threats and fully comprehending how the private sector can mitigate those threats.
The requirement lies in implementing proven mitigation approaches to safeguard assets, employees, customers, and the overall business.
Having a strong understanding of the threats allows these professionals to tailor security measures to address specific risks faced by the organisation.
It also helps them allocate resources effectively to achieve the best risk mitigation outcomes. All they need is some guidance through private sector courses and seasoned consultants.
UK and USA Security Professionals
UK and US private sector security professionals are widely recognised as global leaders in protective security and counter terrorism. Many have decades of hands on international experience in high-risk regions facing daily terrorist, insurgency hybrid threats.
Their expertise spans industries like oil & gas, defence, construction, hospitality, and retail. Any organisation seeking CT advice must verify real-world experience, anything less is a risk.
The UK has a deep pool of seasoned international security consultants. Relying on theory-based advisors with no practical background is a recipe for failure.
Useful Links:
Author:
Tony Gledhill, a seasoned protective security consultant and founder of Mildot Group. With extensive international experience, Tony has designed and executed security strategies for leading energy and construction organisations operating in high-risk and complex environments. His private sector expertise extends to training international government protection teams responsible for VIPs and critical assets, plus thousands of armed & unarmed private security guards. Leveraging over 18 years in the private sector after a distinguished 22-year military career, he brings a wealth of real-world knowledge.
Armed with real world operational insight, he knows what can be achieved with reasonable and practicable security solutions.