5. MEDIA BRIEFING AFTER THE 7/7 ATTACKS Could the 7/7 attacks been prevented?

We had a surveillance operation ongoing before the 7/7 attacks. We were trying to ascertain who where the members of the cell and what there purpose where. We suspected certain members were sending money and men to be trained in Pakistan. Two unknown suspects were seen with a known leader of a cell and where followed but there was no evidence at the time of criminality. Due to the 7/7 attacks MI5 and the police are now working side by side due to the creation of counter terrorist units. Info collated from the BBC News

Why werent the Emergency Services able to respond quick enough? Due to various circumstances, for example: Emergency Services were not alerted early enough and not enough of them were designated to their destinations. Due to a Communication System that did not work underground, Emergency Services were hampered. There was no Procedure Underground to switch off power so Emergency Services were prevented in carrying out their tasks. There where issues regarding the managing of all Emergency Services to combine their skills to fulfil their tasks effectively. Info collated from the Emergency Planning Society

Could the Victims deaths been prevented? Unfortunately due to the severity of injuries of each of the victims, no matter how much time was spent by the Emergency Services they could not be saved. Our Condolences go out to their Families, may they Rest in Peace.

What were the Recommendations given after the 7/7 attacks? MI5 must review its procedures on showing photographs to informants, and make sure they see the best possible pictures MI5 should examine its procedures to see if it can further improve the recording of decisions on the assessment of targets Emergency planners should review the inter-agency training for front line staff, particularly with reference to the Underground system The way Transport for London is alerted to major incidents, and the way it tells other agencies about emergencies on its network, should be reviewed

Transport for London and the emergency services should review procedures for agreeing a common initial rendezvous point. That point should then be permanently manned by an appropriate person from London Underground There should be a review of procedures for telling emergency services that the power in Underground tunnels has been switched off, and that it is safe to go onto the tracks Transport for London should consider whether first aid kits can be carried on Tube trains, and whether the stretchers stored at stations are suitable for use on both trains and stations London Ambulance Service and London Air Ambulance must review training of their staff for triage, or assessment, at incidents with multiple casualties. Particularly, staff should be told that performing triage does not prevent them giving immediate or basic medical treatment The government, the Mayor of London and other bodies should examine the funding and capabilities of the London Air Ambulance, which currently relies on "corporate funding and charitable donations" Info collated from the BBC News

Since the Horrific King's Cross fire of 1987. Sir Desmond Fennell's report into that disaster made a string of recommendations including ensuring that communications worked underground - and that the emergency services and London Underground workers could all talk to each other on the same system. But 18 years later, the Tube's system was still not fully compatible with the three services. The London Underground's system has been updated since 2005. SHOCKING AND DISTURBING.