Weekly Digest Advisory Services Newsletter
4th August 2021 Agenda
1 2 3 World COVID-19 Industry News News News
4 5 6 Protest News Terrorism Monthly and Guidance News Industry Insight World News
03rd August – On Tuesday the UK Government summoned Iran’s UK Ambassador to account for any role Iran could have had in the drone attack last Thursday. The incident involved a drone attack on a merchant tanker, the MV Mercer Street (Israeli owned and British operated) and left one Briton and a Romanian dead. Investigations by the US, UK and Israel have led the allies to believe Iran was responsible for the attack with UK Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, calling it: "Deliberate, targeted, and a clear violation of international law" and UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson describing it as "An unacceptable and outrageous attack on commercial shipping".1. Iran has denied the recent accusations calling them ‘baseless propaganda’.2. 02nd August – Belarusian athlete, Kryscina Tsimanouskaya appealed to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for help at the weekend after publically complaining about the Belarusian Olympic Committee at the Olympic Games. The Athlete had complained about being entered into a 4x4 relay having never trained in the discipline. After her complaints, her participation in the games was suspended. Her suspension was reportedly attributed to concerns for her mental health and psychological state. At Tokyo’s international airport Tsimanouskaya expressed severe concerns for her safety if she returned to Belarus (currently experiencing civil unrest since the 2020 presidential elections). She was assisted by Japanese authorities and the IOC and as a result she was granted a humanitarian visa by Poland.3. 30th July – Cargo container shipped the Ever Given made port in Rotterdam during the weekend to unload the first of its Europe-bound cargo after its grounding in the Suez Canal in March delayed its journey by four months. Compensation negotiations concluded last month allowed the ship to carry on with its journey. The Ever Given arrived four days early on the 4th August into Felixstowe in the UK and is now due for inspection and repairs.4. COVID News
02nd August - The total confirmed COVID-19 cases in the UK are 5,902,354 compared to 5,770,928 as of 28th July (+131,426). The UK has reported 129,743 deaths this week compared to 129,430 as of 28th July (+313), according to GOV.UK.
03rd August – The Chinese city of Wuhan, the epicentre of the COVID-19 outbreak, has made the decision to test its entire population (11 million) after a number of ‘locally transmitted’ cases were found amongst migrant workers. Seven cases were recorded after the city had not recorded any local infections for over a year. Mass testing, city wide quarantines and lockdown restrictions are enforced across cities in China as the country tries to cope with the spread of the Delta variant.5.
02nd August – Imperial College London researchers tested a number of heavily used areas at major train stations across the country to test for lingering traces of COVID-19. Researchers took swabs from escalator handles for example and air samples at London Euston, Birmingham New Street, Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Piccadilly stations, finding no traces of COVID-19. Rob Mole, Senior Programme Manager for Network Rail's response to the pandemic, advised this was due to the rigorous regular cleaning undertaken by his staff and the use of face masks. He asked travellers to ‘do their bit’ by continuing to wear face masks.6.
29th July – A number of scientists have concluded the COVID-19 pandemic originated, as first reported, from a ‘wet market’ in Wuhan, China and not, as some have speculated, from a lab leak within the province. Industry leading scientists including Stephen Goldstein, Evolutionary Biologist at the University of Utah and Jonathan Stoye, Group Leader of Retrovirus-Host Interactions Laboratory at the Francis Crick Institute in the UK, have reported the evidence clearly shows a strong correlation between the first reports of both the outbreak and subsequent deaths, and the location of the ‘wet markets’. 7. Industry News
CYBER SECURITY 1st August – Alessio D'Amato, Health Minister for Italy’s Lazio region has announced the company responsible for the area’s COVID-19 vaccination programme which has been targeted by a serious hacker attack. The company was forced to deactivate its systems including their health portal and vaccination network. The attack has left citizens in the area unable to book vaccinations.8.
ENERGY 30th July – Teenage activist Greta Thunberg has criticised the recent news that London’s Science Museum has signed a ‘gagging clause’ with oil giant Shell. Shell currently sponsors the museum’s ‘Our future planet’ exhibition, the likely clause it refers to is an agreement between them and the museum ‘not to damage the goodwill and reputation’ of the oil giant. The clause is reported to be standard for such sponsorships, but Thunberg was quoted as saying:
“The ‘Science’ Museum just killed irony (and their own reputation).”9.
AEORSPACE/DEFENCE 29th July – In celebration of Heathrow’s 75th anniversary the airport has announced free flights as part of its ‘Come Fly Again’ campaign hoping to reunite families kept apart during the pandemic. Heathrow airport is offering free flights, free meals, and gifts from a number of retailers such as Fortrum and Mason, Leon and WH Smith as well as Heathrow Meet & Greet and Heathrow Express. Over 18s can enter by emailing [email protected], describing who you would like to be reunited with, where you would like to travel to and why this reunion is so important to you.10. Protest News
Sat 07th August– Operation Uprise Location: Central London – TBC @1pm Cause: March against the Crown Corporation. TELEGRAM: https://t.me/londonofficialworldwiderally
Sat 07th August – Anti-vaxx march Location: Goffs park, Crawley @12pm Cause: Anti-vaxx for Children and anti-vaxx passport demonstration TELEGRAM: https://t.me/publicssssssz
Mon 09th August – Official Voice Location: Central London TBC Cause: Anti-lockdown protest, members will occupy 2 locations and refuse to move TELEGRAM: https://t.me/M1L2B3M7
Anti Vaxx Campaign Update Piers Corbyn, was targeted by social media influencers over the weekend. The influences attempted to obtain a video clip of Piers Corbyn accepting a £10,000 bribe to not mention AstraZeneca unfavourably in anti-vaccine propaganda going forward. The cash was then swapped for monopoly money when Mr Corbyn was distracted. When approached after the incident, Mr Corbyn stated the video had been heavily edited. To see the video clip in full, please click here. Corbyn uses websites to promote his anti-vaccine, anti-lockdown agenda including his https://www.corbyn4london.com/ website from his attempt to be elected London Mayor earlier this year, and https://www.stopnewnormal.net/ where he details upcoming events and provides documents supporting his COVID hoax agenda. Protest Guidance
General advice • It is recommended to avoid all demonstrations or public Patrols gatherings as some protests may escalate into violence. • on approach to site, organised travel from transport • Increase patrols in order to identify suspicious activity in • Anticipate localised travel disruption in the area of the hubs). the area. demonstration. • Morning briefs to include lockdown measures • Vary patrols with changed routes and frequency. • Allow additional time for transport times or and scenario discussion to aid personal confidence arrange alternate routes to minimise potential delays. in SOPs. (Temporary lockdowns can reduce risk • Check all exterior perimeter fencing or the like for areas of trespasses in the event of a protest.) of weaknesses/gaps. • If in the area of a spontaneous protest, it is recommended to leave the area by the quickest means • Escalation and incident procedures to be Staffing Levels possible and seek a secure location. briefed. Allocated team leads to be communicated. • Consider increasing the number of staff on duty. • Continue to monitor media sources for updates • Named first aiders on site to be communicated to the and additions to the scheduled events. rest of the team each morning so staff know who to • Consider patrols to be done in pairs if appropriate. escalate casualty alerts to. • Consider the possibility of regular protests occurring Social Media and Cyber Security throughout the summer as they are often not isolated • Further guidance to staff could be given regarding their events, with activists returning to the same locations personal cyber security to ensure no cyber-attacks via • Monitoring of social media platforms for time and again. home working Wi-Fi. chatter regarding protests outside the location throughout the day. Consideration given to any Keeping Staff Informed and Prepared Access Control suspicious activity nearby. • Inform staff that routes to work may be impacted by • Secondary entry and exit points to be used on site, in • Staff access to the building may be protest groups. Advise staff to avoid crowded areas order to keep main access areas clear. prevented. Consideration should be given to working where possible. from another location. • Perimeter surveillance to be proactively undertaken. • Keep staff abreast of developments throughout the day • Further guidance to staff could be given regarding their and provide guidance on how to approach the site • Reinforce security on approach to site (physical barriers personal cyber security to ensure no cyber-attacks via (e.g. consider dressing down, no identification on display preventing pavement incursion). home working Wi-Fi. Terrorism News
The current threat level for the UK is ‘SUBSTANTIAL’, meaning a terror attack is ‘likely’. For further information, please see this link.
31st July – An unnamed 17-year-old boy from Gloucestershire was sentenced to a 12- month referral order (including rehabilitation), having been found guilty of 11 counts of collecting material of use to a person committing or preparing for an act of terrorism. Despite the teenager being described as having an interest in an ‘extreme form of neo- Nazism’, the presiding judge felt the boy did not pose a ‘significant threat’ to the public.11. 02nd August – An inquest into the February 2020 Streatham terrorist attack revealed concerns were raised prior to the release of Sudesh Amman, the suspect shot dead by anti-terror police after stabbing two people in London on 2nd February. Amman was sentenced to 40 months in prison in 2018 and served a partial sentence before being released in late January 2020 despite objections from the police who directly approached the HMP Belmarsh prison governor. Amman has repeatedly indicated he would carry-out attacks on his release, telling a fellow prisoner he was 'not finished with these non- believers yet'. He was originally arrested in 2018 for planning a terror attack which was reduced to the lesser offence of being in possession of ISIS propaganda which in turn restricted the length of his sentence.12. Counter-Terrorism Guidance
THE FOLLOWING ADVICE IS FROM THE NATIONAL COUNTER TERRORIST SECURITY OFFICE BOMB THREAT MARAUDING TERRORIST ATTACK • Remain calm and talk to the caller GENERAL ADVICE RUN • Note the caller’s number and record the call ACT (Action Counters Terrorism) • Escape if you can On identifying suspicions activity, individual, vehicle or • Is there a safe route? Run, if not Hide • Write down the exact wording and time of the threat: suspect object, move away and call 999. • Insist others leave with you, 1. Where exactly is the bomb right now? Or use the confidential hotline - 0800 789 321 • Leave belongings behind. 2. When is it going to explode? • Do not attempt to film the incident. Run. 3. What does it look like? • Provide updated and regular threat briefings to staff 4. What does the bomb contain? • Conduct and maintain an effective risk assessment. HIDE 5. How will it be detonated? • Maintain training and staff engagement with ACT app. • If you can see the attacker, they may be able to 6. Did you place the bomb? If not you, who did? • Use the Easing Lockdown Vigilance Campaign Toolkit see you. Cover from view does not mean you are 7. What is your name? safe. Bullets go through glass, brick, wood and SUSPICIOUS ITEMS 8. What is your address? metal. You must still hide, even If you are behind a 9. Do you represent a group or acting alone? CONFIRM locked door. 10. Why have you placed the bomb? • Has it been deliberately hidden • Be aware of your exits • Is it obviously suspicious • Be quiet, silence your phone and turn off vibrate If possible, note the following • Is it typical for this location • Lock/barricade yourself in The caller’s • Move away from the door CLEAR Sex / Nationality / Age • Do not touch the item , move people away from the TELL hazard What threat language was used • Call the police • Be out of sight of the package or behind hard cover Well spoken • Nature of the Incident - What is happening? • Cordon off the area in advance of police arrival. Irrational • Location - Give an address or general location Incoherent COMMUNICATE • Suspects – Where are the suspects? • Inform your control room/supervisor • Direction – Where did you last see the suspects? Caller’s voice • DO NOT USE MOBILE PHONES/RADIOS within 15 meters • Descriptions – Describe the attacker, numbers, Calm / Excited features, clothing, weapons etc. Accent – note if possible CONTROL • Stop people entering the site if it is safe to do so • Public should be stopped from entering the area Background sounds • Try to keep eyewitnesses on scene. Street noises/House noises July Insight – ‘The Bill Debate’ (Page 1 of 3)
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The Bill Debate
The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill (PCSC) proposes changes to the criminal justice system (which, if introduced will have implications for England and Wales’ justice system):
“..The police with the powers and tools they need to protect themselves and the public, while overhauling sentencing laws to keep serious sexual and violent offenders behind bars for longer, and placing greater emphasis on rehabilitation to better help offenders to turn their lives around.”1.
Brought before Parliament in March 2021, the proposals have been met with nationwide protests. In some instances the protests against the Bill have turned violent and we have seen clashes with the police, a police station stormed and police vans set on fire (Bristol) and vandalised.2.
The Bill’s proposals The following are some of the main proposals put forward for the PCSC Bill: 3.
1. Smarter sentencing powers for offences including: assaults on emergency workers; the (Big Issue 2021) murder of children; Death by dangerous driving and community sentencing options for youth offenders. 2. Stronger police powers to tackle disruptive non-violent protests and increased powers to tackle unauthorised encampments causing distress to communities. 3. Stronger management of terrorist watch lists 4. A reform of pre-charge bail options and removal of automatic early release for serious crimes. July Insight – ‘The Bill Debate’ (Page 2 of 3)
Passing of the Bill
The Bill currently awaits its 2nd of three ‘readings’ in the House of Lords before being passed for Royal Assent. The second reading is an opportunity for the House of Lords members to review the key principles and highlight areas of concern or identify areas needing amendment.4. The Bill passed through the House of Commons despite strong opposition and it is probable the House of Lords will also highlight the ongoing contentions surrounding the debate.5. If passed the Bill is predicted to have cost implications to the region of 100-140million/GBP per year for England and Wales combined.6.
The trending debates surrounding the Bill. (Parliament 2021) The Bill has been met with criticism from a number of protest groups, culminating in regular nationwide demonstrations entitled ‘Kill the Bill’ which has seen protests over the past five months take place up and down the country including, but not limited to in London, Bristol, Leeds, Newcastle, Liverpool, Bournemouth, Brighton, Weymouth and Luton.7.
The Big Issue and traveller campaign group Drive to Survive indicate the new trespassing legislation will put:
“Gypsy, Roma and Traveller groups at risk and threatens to push rough sleepers deeper into homelessness”8.
And Ex-Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn has told protestors to:
"Stand up for the right to protest, stand up for the right to have your voice heard"9.
Sisters Uncut, one of the founding ‘Kill the Bill’ protest groups has also expressed their consternation at the proposals stating:
“Passed by the Commons or not, we refuse to accept the bill and its racist attack on our communities especially the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community, whose very way of life is criminalised by this bill’s widely-slammed trespass provisions…”10. July Insight – ‘The Bill Debate’ (Page 3 of 3)
EQUAL, the Action for Race Equality in the Criminal Justice System has sent a joint response to the Government on behalf of a number of organisations including the Prison Reform Trust where they voiced concern that: “The government’s Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill will further entrench racial inequality in the criminal justice system.”11.
A complete copy of their joint response can be found here. The reply from Alex Chalk MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice can be found here.
Shadow Home Secretary, David Lammy MP has also voiced his concerns and described the legislation as: "Poorly thought-out measures to impose disproportionate controls on free expression and the right to protest".12.
Sir Bob Neill, Conservative MP for Bromley and Chislehurst, highlights the co-operation and support the Bill received from criminal justice agencies and other social justice charities. He explained to his constituents his reasons for supporting the Bill in a statement saying:
“Of the 307 pages that make up the Bill only 11 relate to protests. Indeed, the vast majority of the Bill focuses on other issues, from important changes on road traffic offences and the early release of serious offenders, to common sense reforms like increasing sentences for those who attack emergency workers to allowing British Sign Language interpreters in jury deliberation rooms. It is for that reason many organisations working in the criminal justice sphere, including professional associations like the Law Society and Magistrates Association, as well as charities like Nacro, have welcomed it.”13.
The Law Society has confirmed its support for the Bill but has expressed some concerns and suggests that funding will be a main factor in its success.14.
The Police Federation who have been campaigning for greater protection for serving police officers expressed their support for the Bill: “For almost a decade, the Federation has been campaigning to bring about a positive change in the law to better protect police drivers…..This change is much needed and long overdue.”15.
Completion Date There is no estimated completion date for the Bill and its passing by Royal Assent may be delayed if the members of the House of Lords voice concerns that warrant further discovery.16. The Bill will continue to meet with opposition. Protest plans are already in place for @killthebill_manchester to protest at the Appleby Horse fair from 13-15 August and Drive2Survive are also encouraging their supporters to join them in demonstrations over the summer. Contact