The Leader of the Conservative Group of the Isle of Wight Council wants the Island’s emergency planning arrangements and local contingency plans to be reviewed to ensure they are fit for purpose for fear of possible terrorism here in the light of the Paris attacks by Islamic extremists.
Cllr Dave Stewart, who also Chairs the Hampshire Police and Crime Panel, has put down a Motion for next Wednesday’s Full Council meeting which says:
“In the light of recent events in France this council undertakes to actively engage with the Hampshire Police & Crime Commissioner and Hampshire Police to ensure our council members and our wider community are made fully aware of the Prevent Strategy and that our emergency planning arrangements and local contingency plans are reviewed to ensure we as a community are equipped to respond to a terrorist attack or similar incident.”
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Speaking today, Cllr Stewart says:
“Like all of us, I’m sure, my thoughts and sympathy go out to the families and loved ones of the victims of the Paris attacks. But such events also provide a ‘wake up’ call for us all on what is clearly a war without boundaries.
“Now is the time to ensure our council, our partners and our community are ready to provide the right response here should it be necessary. This approach reinforces the council’s underpinning priority of keeping our community safe.
“Firstly we must be constantly vigilant against risk of terrorism through prevention activity because our transport links are inevitably vulnerable and the Island is the host to some of the biggest sailing and music events in our nation’s calendar. These are all, sadly, potential targets.
“Secondly, we must review our emergency planning arrangements to make sure that in the event of an attack on the Island, or to its transport links then our Emergency Services and the Council itself are all ready to respond immediately and with maximum efficiency.
Article continues below this advertisement “The risk may be low and we are fortunate to live in what is perceived by many to be a really safe place – nevertheless we should take all necessary steps to keep it that way”.
