Terrorists (aka Tourists....according to the House of Commons) Banned From Big Ben!

According to the Sun newspaper all 'foreigners' have been banned from Big Ben over fears that this iconic worldwide tourist landmark could be targeted by an Al-Qaeda type attack. The reasoning behind this is that it is too costly to pre-screen foreign visitors who are looking to tour the location (which are all pre-arranged in any case), however British citizens will still be allowed (after the appropriate checks have been carried out of course).

The only view of Big Ben that foreign tourists will now see!
Photo by Brandon Swartz

I cannot help but think that the House of Commons has got this one a little wrong. Isn't the insider threat one of the most significant security risks to any establishment at the moment? Also what about the British Citizens whom are 'sleepers' and have never been on the authorities’ radar but with the right opportunity wouldn't think twice about causing harm to others.

Since when did British Citizens pose a lower risk then most foreign citizens - apart from of course a number of obvious countries!?

So what is next banning tourists from St Pauls, London Eye or the Natural History museum? You heard it here first.............

Securing Britain in an Age of Uncertainty: The Strategic Defence and Security Review

The Government has published its Strategic Defence and Security Review: Securing Britain in an Age of Uncertainty [PDF, 800KB] which sets out how it will deliver the priorities identified in the National Security Strategy [PDF, 375KB]. It describes how HMG will equip our armed forces, our police and intelligence agencies to tackle the threats we face today and in the future.

National security is the first duty of Government. Britain as a country continues to have global responsibilities and global ambitions. We will remain a first rate military power.

National security depends upon economic security, and vice versa. Bringing the defence programme back into balance has required some tough decisions but is a vital part of both how we tackle the deficit and how we protect our national security.

Faced with these challenges, the Government has been determined to make the right decisions for the long term defence and prosperity of the country.

This Review will equip the UK with modern defences: Armed Forces and equipment fit for the 21st century; strong security and intelligence agencies; and diplomats and development aid which can help us prevent threats before they become a reality. We will double the amount of aid we spend in conflict countries, tackling threats at their source.

We will continue to invest in our security and intelligence agencies. And we will establish a transformative national programme to protect ourselves in cyberspace, backed by £650m of new funds.