Reid chairs first security dept meeting

Reid becomes 'anti-terror minister'

Thursday, 19, Apr 2007 12:00

Plans to split the Home Office came into practice today, as John Reid chaired the first meeting of the new Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism.

The home secretary met with representatives from a range of government departments, along with leaders from the security and intelligence agencies. Today's agenda includes the current security and terrorism threats to the UK.

Meetings will be held weekly, to complement the monthly ministerial meetings of the prime minister's committee on security and terrorism.

The Home Secretary said the new security office "will bring a new drive, more cohesion and greater strategic capacity to our fight against terrorism.'

He added, "It will enable us to better respond to the new and increasing challenges we face in the all-important task of protecting the country's security."

The prime minister confirmed a restructuring of the Home Office last month. Ministers claim the move is necessary for the department to meet the changing security environment and the newly formed Office for Security and Counter-terrorism will enable a streamlined and coordination response to threats.

The new office "provides a strengthened framework for the UK police and security services to disrupt terrorist attacks and bring those planning and carrying out terrorist attacks to justice," Mr Reid continued.

After today's meeting, the home secretary will meet with police chiefs from England and Wales to discuss Home Office restructuring and its implications for terrorism, crime, immigration, asylum and identity, which he has retained control of.

From next month, the second part of the restructuring will come into effect. The new Ministry of Justice takes responsibility for prisons, probation and criminal justice and will combine with the existing Department for Constitutional Affairs.