7/7 Looking Back, Moving Forward – a new website, a new report

The key message of the report is that London’s resilience planning is stronger than ever having built on the experiences of the terrorist events of 7 July.

The debrief looks back, noting successes in several key areas, including:

o the initial response by London Underground staff was exemplary;

o London buses reacted quickly and effectively, by initially withdrawing services from central London and then maintaining staff morale in order to reinstate the network in time for the evening peak;

o 1200 hospital beds were made ready in three hours;

o London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service’s mutual aid arrangements were successfully triggered; Local Authorities were also well supported by the voluntary sector ambulance;

o London’s emergency plans were successfully deployed: the London Emergency Services Liaison Panel (LESLP) Major Incident Plan, Operation Benbow (joint operation by London’s police forces), the London Command and Control Protocol, Local Authority Gold Protocol, First Alert Protocol, Public Information Plan, Mass Fatality Plan and Disaster Fund Plan.

The report also notes a major step forward for the partnership in developing the new London Prepared website. Last week www.londonprepared.gov.uk was re-launched, with a new design and more up-to-date content. The site will provide advice about emergencies to Londoners, businesses and visitors before and during an emergency.

The report can be found on the homepage of the London prepared website. It is also available in hard copy. Contact Becky Drake on ext. 3670 if you have any questions.