The Mirror – by Nick DormanArmy chiefs have drawn up plans to deploy 1,900 troops in support of police as security awareness in Britain intensifies after the terror in Paris.
The move follows Home Office officials reporting that police do not have enough firearms-trained officers to protect all potential targets.
Officers at the military’s Joint Headquarters drafted the plans in Civil Contingency Operations and have asked Army Headquarters in Andover, Hants, to identify available troops.
They will guard installations, with specialist intelligence units supporting the Home Office with surveillance and electronic interception.
In London, where Met Police have more than 2,000 gun-carrying cops, a special Counter Terrorist Unit has 250 officers trained in an “armed response role”.
A senior military officer said: “The delicate decision for politicians is when and how to use the Army without causing panic.
“I expect we will see a small number deployed first and if the situation warrants it more will be called out.”
Sources at Army Headquarters in Andover said two battalions could be called out at short notice.
Met chief Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said it was unlikely a Paris-style attack would happen in Britain.
“We have the intelligence, the officers and the staff who can work hard on these issues and we will do a good professional job. Let’s not overreact,” he said.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “There are no current plans to mobilise UK troops following the tragic events in France.
“Potential responses are regularly reviewed but we wouldn’t discuss details.”
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/paris-terror-attacks-plans-deploy-4957635
and so it begins.
You are right, I believe this is happening because of the collapse, they are the first to go over the edge and we are hanging on the edge.
Agreed…
Escalation rising.