National security
Wednesday, 19 Mar 2008 13:00
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Gordon Brown has set out Britain's first ever national security strategy.
The prime minister unveiled plans for a national security council similar to that used in the US in a statement to the Commons after PMQs this lunchtime.
It follows concerns that the number of threats to British security has risen dramatically in the last 20 years.
Terrorism is joined by threats from climate change, internet hackers, global crime networks, rogue states and others, defence analysts say.
As a result Mr Brown plans to coordinate the work of intelligence agencies, government departments and police forces to improve Britain's security with the publication of a national security strategy.
On Monday the prime minister's spokesperson said Mr Brown had been pressing for such a document since before his arrival at No. 10.
Today's goal, Downing Street said, is "bringing together all of the main agencies and departments of government who had an interest and a role in relation to security issues in the broadest possible sense".
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