Two seemingly connected failed terrorist attacks in London and Glasgow have marred newly installed British Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s inaugural days in office. On June 29, 2007, London Metropolitan Police encountered an explosive device inside an abandoned Mercedes sedan in London’s Haymarket area. Hours later, a second abandoned vehicle was discovered in the vicinity of Hyde Park. The following day, two unidentified men attempted to drive a sport utility vehicle into Glasgow International Airport.
Replacing Tony Blair, the longest-serving Labour party politician to date, Prime Minister Gordon Brown faces an uphill battle in the prevention of terrorism in the United Kingdom. Already being lauded for his stance against the failed attacks, Prime Minister Brown is proving tough on terrorism.
To this end, following recent failed attacks and in the face of a successful terrorist attack on British soil, we will likely see a significant ramp up in already stringent anti-terrorism legislation.
Failed Terror Attacks
As we previously reported, at approximately 0200 local time British police diffused a suspected vehicle born improvised explosive device (VBIED) in an abandoned car in London’s Haymarket theater district. Hours later a second suspicious vehicle was found in close proximity to Hyde Park. Approximately 36 hours after two car bombs loaded with fuel, gas canisters, and nails were found in central London, on June 30, 2007, a seemingly connected attack occurred at Glasgow International Airport. Shortly after 1515 BST, a burning Jeep Cherokee Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) crashed into security barricades outside the main Glasgow International Airport terminal in Scotland. The SUV was traveling at approximately 30 mph when the driver executed a sharp turn towards the terminal gate. After the explosion, two unidentified men emerged from the vehicle. One struggled with police before he was subdued; the second suspect exited the passenger side door and attempted to open the vehicle’s rear door while engulfed in flames. The second suspect remains in critical condition at Royal Alexandra Hospital.
On July 2, 2007, a bomb disposal unit performed two controlled explosions on a suspicious device in the parking lot of the Royal Alexandra Hospital. It is believed the two men arrested in connection with the terror plot shared a rental house in Houston, approximately two miles from Glasgow’s airport.
PM Brown Faces Challenging Atmosphere
Friday, June 29, 2007, marked the first day in office of Britain’s new Prime Minister, Gordon Brown. Brown faces an uphill battle in the prevention of terrorism, due to Britain’s relationship with its close ally and friend, the United States, its internal demographics and subsequent involvement in the Iraq war. Prior to entering his new home on 10 Downing Street, Brown signaled his intentions stating now is the time for change in the British government.
In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the UK has faced a series of terror plots. Under newly established anti-terrorism legislation, British police continue to arrest and detain upwards of 1,000 individuals suspected of Islamist extremism. To date, approximately 200 terrorist networks comprising 1,600 identified individuals are currently under investigation.
Additionally, the UK’s decision to support the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq has likely angered some disaffected Islamist extremists resident in the country.
Britain Raises Terror Alert Level
On July 1, 2007, British police searched several homes near Glasgow International Airport, the site of a failed terrorist attack involving a sport utility vehicle (SUV). In a widely publicized interview, Prime Minister Brown indicated the country was clearly dealing with al-Qaeda-inspired terrorists. Additionally, Brown’s newly appointed terrorism advisor, Lord Stevens, announced the attacks indicate al-Qaeda is importing tactics utilized in Iraq and Bali, Indonesia to the streets of the United Kingdom.
As of July 3, 2007, British police have arrested a total of eight suspects in connection with the June 29 and June 30, 2007 failed attacks. Police officials confirmed as part of a continuous inquiry into the incidents a number of homes in the residential area of Renfrewshire are being searched. In Houston, just outside of Glasgow, police cordoned off the area surrounding a two-story home.
Following the attacks, Britain subsequently raised its national security level to “critical” the highest level, indicating terror attacks may be imminent. Responding to media inquiries, Brown encouraged Britons to realize the extent of terrorist threat the country faces, citing it is long-term and sustained. Brown advised Britons of the extent of the threat the country is facing, stating it is clear security forces are dealing, in general terms, with people linked with al-Qaeda. The weekend’s failed attacks are a continuation of an ongoing war being waged against the UK security services and a network of UK and foreign Islamic terrorists.
Keeping a Watchful Eye on Britain
As we have previously reported, the United Kingdom remains at significant risk for terrorist attacks. The June 29 and 30, 2007, failed terror attacks coupled with recent convictions of al-Qaeda members to include top al-Qaeda personality Dhiran Barot’s UK-based “sleeper cell” accomplices, indicate the serious threat of terrorism Britain faces.
In the aftermath of the July 7, 2005, London transport bombings, British security services continue to ramp up anti-terrorism measures. Should a successful terrorist attack occur on British soil, we believe Prime Minister Brown will likely enact substantial increases in already stringent security procedures, to include proposed anti-terror legislation that permits law enforcement officials to arrest and detain individuals suspected of terrorism for up to 90-days without formal charges.
