UK prepares to deal with Mumbai-style attacks

The Mumbai terror attacks have led to Britain preparing more detailed plans to counter terrorism, particularly for the hotel and restaurant industry, according to the UK government.

The Mumbai terror attacks have led to Britain preparing more detailed plans to counter terrorism, particularly for the hotel and restaurant industry, according to the UK government.

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In the section 'Implications of the Mumbai attacks' from the strategy paper 'Contest Two' released on Tuesday Home secretary Jacqui Smith reveals that after the Mumbai attacks, agencies and departments studied its implications for the protection of the people, critical infrastructure and Britain's response capability.

As the nodal agency, The National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) has set out guidelines under Project Argus to handle terrorist attacks in crowded, places, shopping malls, hotels and restaurant industry, stadia, cinema and theatres.

The paper says, "Following the Mumbai attacks NaCTSO accelerated the roll-out of its protective security guidance for hotels and restaurants.

"Project Argus training exercises have been developed by NaCTSO for night-time economy businesses, airport and railway terminals and one will be developed for the hotel sector."

Argus uses a simulated terrorist attack to prompt discussion to identify the measures service providers can take to prevent, handle and recover from a terrorist attack.