Security 'not at fault' on 7th July
''They did not look carefully enough at the sort of people who might be tempted into becoming terrorists''
Professor Anthony Glees, Centre for Intelligence and Security Studies.
'Counter-terrorism officials say lead bomber Mohammed Sidique Khan, who prior to 7 July was suspected of petty fraud and not terrorism, was considered a low priority to whom it was not worth diverting resources. ' ( BBC)
Really?
Since when did M15 bug 'low priorities?' For months?
'They are not pointing the finger of blame at anybody'
Frank Gardner BBC security correspondent
It's not about blame.
It's about saving lives.
More on ''the unprecedented threat''
UPDATE: More about this report on the BBC World Service Newshour
BBC WORLD SERVICE NEWSHOUR QUOTE OF THE DAY
''I don't think it's fair to say: 'It's ok, don't worry, nobody is to
blame, there were no failures of intelligence...' Because it strikes me that if
you had this mass-murderer in your sights, and you let him go on to kill people,
then there has been a failure of intelligence.''By the 10pm news, on BBC1 ( featuring fellow KCU member Kirsty!), the fact that Khan had been bugged, then let go, going on to suicide-bomb people, was the main story, with the emphasis subtly changed from 'M15 not to blame' to 'M15 taken off bombers trail'. And that he had consorted with *other terrorists who were deemed a more imminent threat. And Frank Gardner, the BBC Security correspondent said it was a compelling case for a public/independent inquiry. As did Patrick Mercer of the Opposition.
*There will be more on the implications of this later...
I wonder when this trial ( codenamed' Operation Crevice') will conclude? And what will happen when it does? Quite a lot, I should imagine. Meanwhile...
UPDATE 2: ( 31/3/06)
The Times 'M15 facing criticism over surveillance of 7/7 bomber'
The Independent 'July 7 leader slipped out of intelligence net'
The Mirror 'THE SPIES WHO FAILED US'
The Sun 'SPOOKS 7/7 BLUNDER RAP'
posted by Rachel at 9:15 am
A committee of MPs - the majority of whom are from the governing party - says that the government did screw up.
Funny that.
Mind you, if they do a public enquiry, the judge will be "a safe pairs of hands".
The Anon
P.S. You could try lending them a Bernie, interest compunding to the principal.
I just actually read that myself on BBC.
Like you said, we don't want to point fingers, we want to know the answers to save lives!!!
Hope your having a restful time - thinking of you.
xx
Bugging people is easy. It takes up very little in the way of resources. The hardest part is usually getting the warrant.
Listening, transcribing and analysing takes up a vast amount of resources. A huge amount of recorded material is not analysed because the target, while being subject to surveillance, is not considered a priority.
Its good to see that more newspapers have mentioned that MI5 were aware that these bombers were up to something. Its still not enough though. I think the calls for an inquiry will become louder after we have been presented with the 'narrative' which is bound to be unsatisfactory. We have to keep applying pressure until that happens, unpalletable though that may be. x
Heard you on the world service, you sound healthier and more relaxed. Good. And you got quote of the day!
I think the fact we are no safer than on July 7th sums it up perfectly.
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@ fjl
We can only expect security services to do their best. But in order to do so they obviously have to adjust their tactics. It's too late and pointless to blame them for July 7th. Anyone who is doing so is a complete prune. (i.e. the Mirror)
After all they keep telling us there is still a real terrorist threat.
Holly has just written a great post. If this turns into a stupid blame game, it will be a disgrace.
This is bigger than politics.