§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what assessment of key point defence he has made since 11 September; what the outcome was(a) in Scotland and (b) in the rest of the UK; and what assessment he has made of the resources available in the UK to guard key points in the event of an emergency; [20887]
(2) what assessment he has made of the adequacy of volunteer reserves in Scotland to undertake key point defence. [20888]
§ Mr. IngramThe security and defence of key points within the UK is a matter for the police. Should the threat warrant additional security, beyond that which a particular constabulary are able to provide, they can call on assistance from other police forces across the country and, ultimately, from the armed forces. Under current arrangements, regular service personnel would be used to augment the police. Arrangements for mutual aid between police forces and for military support to the police are the same throughout the UK.
All counter terrorist contingency plans, including those relating to key points in the UK as a whole, are being reviewed to ensure they remain robust and relevant in the light of the terrorist attacks of 11 September. As part of work on the New Chapter of the Strategic Defence Review, consideration is being given to a possible increased role for the armed forces including the Territorial and Reserve Forces, in homeland security.