The UK's Counter Terrorism Strategy is divided into four elements: Preventing, Pursuing, Protecting and Preparing. The most effective way of fighting terrorism is by having a robust law enforcement system which can gather and analyse intelligence on terrorists, effective police forces able to investigate their crimes; and by having the legislation in place so that they can be prosecuted properly and quickly. Throughout the UK's presidencies of the EU and the G8 this year, the UK has been developing a co-operative international approach. This co-operation is essential to achieve long-term success in the fight against terrorism.

Infrastructure can be considered from various viewpoints: technical; continuity of economic activity; national security. The subject, which is far from new, has come to the fore recently for two reasons: the information revolution and the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001. The task of ensuring protection (or, rather, of achieving ‘resilience’) is becoming ever more challenging. The concept of critical infrastructure is evolving rapidly, and the protection of information-related critical infrastructure is gaining in importance. The use of risk analysis is becoming more widespread. Genuine progress is being made, although there are still many shortcomings at the practical level. However, we currently lack a research capability or a forum for the comprehensive exchange of views on this subject.

Extracts from Michel Wachenheim’s speech to the Aviation Security World 2005 symposium (AVSEC World 2005), 26-28 October 2005 in Geneva.