Jump directly to the content
WIDE OPEN TO TERROR

How UK is preparing for ‘next Bataclan’ as wide-open borders mean terrorists returning from Syria can easily bring weapons into the country

FANATICS can easily smuggle guns through ports in cars or lorries due to loose border security making a Paris-style attack more likely

composite uk bataclan

BRITAIN faces a Paris-style terror attack unless border security is drastically tightened, a report warned yesterday.

Experts say fanatics can easily smuggle guns through ports in cars or lorries.

Unless the issue of wide-open borders is quickly dealt with Britain could face a Paris-style terror attack
6
Unless the issue of wide-open borders is quickly dealt with Britain could face a Paris-style terror attackCredit: Reuters

Checks on rivers should also be ramped up after protesters used boats to storm London City Airport last month.

The study estimates 425 IS recruits have returned here from Syria. Author Lord Toby Harris also revealed 32 calls a day are made to the anti-terror hotline.

He said there should be “significantly enhanced” screening of cars and freight and more aerial surveillance at ports.

A lack of security checks for cars and lorries entering the UK via the channel means terrorists will find it easy to traffic weapons
6
A lack of security checks for cars and lorries entering the UK via the channel means terrorists will find it easy to traffic weaponsCredit: PA:Press Association
Now 425 ISIS recruits have returned from Syria, a report also recommends ramping up armed police presence
6
Now 425 ISIS recruits have returned from Syria, a report also recommends ramping up armed police presenceCredit: PA:Press Association

Lord Harris added: “Our borders are not as secure as they should be and much greater efforts should be made to prevent the illegal transportation of weapons and people into the country.

“It would be naive in the extreme to assume would-be ­terrorists will not attempt to exploit any such weaknesses.”

An attack like Paris, where 89 died at the Bataclan theatre last November, would cost Britain more than £1billion said the peer.

After an attack on the Bataclan arena in Paris killed 89, the UK is on red alert
6
After an attack on the Bataclan arena in Paris killed 89, the UK is on red alertCredit: Getty Images
Lord Toby Harris says terrorists will exploit border weaknesses to plan and equip themselves for attacks
6
Lord Toby Harris says terrorists will exploit border weaknesses to plan and equip themselves for attacksCredit: Reuters

related stories

No 10 planning 4,000 strong force of armed police to swarm streets in case of Paris-style atrocity
GUN COP ARMY

No 10 planning 4,000 strong force of armed police to swarm streets in case of Paris-style atrocity

French police hunt radical preparing for a terrorist attack on Paris but won't release his picture
PARIS TERROR ALERT

French police hunt radical preparing for a terrorist attack on Paris but won't release his picture

Cops foil 10 UK terror attacks over last two years as spooks warn ISIS is 'not whole story'
JIHADS BUSTED

Cops foil 10 UK terror attacks over last two years as spooks warn ISIS is 'not whole story'

ISIS jihadi captures his OWN death at the hands of a Kurd sniper in chilling Call of Duty-style bodycam video
THE FINAL MOMENT

ISIS jihadi captures his OWN death at the hands of a Kurd sniper in chilling Call of Duty-style bodycam video

 

He makes 127 recommendations in the review ordered by London mayor Sadiq Khan.

One is a system to inform people of a fast-moving attack by text to their phones.

Lord Harris called for extra armed police on motorbikes, and more with Tasers. Mobile temporary barriers should be put in place to stop a lorry attack similar to Nice.

Drones could also be used to thwart terror cells. More mass ­casualty vehicles are needed and 999 crews should also be trained for chemical, biological and nuclear threats.

6

Fifty of the 73 highest-risk places in the UK were in London.

The report also calls for more CCTV on the Tube and a register of all Thames boats.

Lord Harris ruled out gun cops on “virtually every street corner” because it would change “the look and feel of our capital city”.

The Home Office said: “We will consider the findings carefully.”

Topics
YOU MIGHT LIKE
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
MORE FOR YOU