Dame Cressida Dick: We must all remain vigilant to the terror threat around us

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick must reform her force quickly, the Labour leader said (PA)
PA Wire
Cressida Dick29 October 2021

The selfless acts of heroism by police officers, first responders and the public, when on 29 November, 2019, they responded to a terrorist attack at Fishmongers’ Hall were being recognised today at a ceremony I attended with the City of London Police Commissioner Ian Dyson.

Although we were celebrating and commending some truly remarkable feats, it was with an enduring sadness, knowing that despite such heroic efforts, it was not enough to save Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones, who were tragically killed; our thoughts continue to be with their families and loved-ones.

It was just before 2pm when the attack started and many members of the public immediately responded, giving no thought to their own safety in order to stop the attacker and help those seriously injured. Shortly after, officers from both the City of London and Metropolitan Police, along with other emergency service colleagues, were called to London Bridge to face a deadly threat. Our officers showed the very best of policing. They did so without hesitation, putting their own lives at risk to protect the public and save lives.

At the conclusion of the Fishmongers’ Hall Inquests, the Coroner, HHJ Lucraft QC highlighted the ‘remarkable courage and compassion’ of the public, as well as the ‘commendable bravery’ shown by police officers, which undoubtedly saved lives. So it is only right that we are formally recognising those incredible acts of public and police at today’s ceremony of commendation.

Such an impressive and professional response by our emergency services to an attack like this, however, does not happen without being prepared. We continually and diligently prepare and practice our response together so that should the worst happen, we are able to respond in the best possible way.

Sadly, we recently saw in Essex yet another terrorist attack with the terrible murder of Sir David Amess MP, and with it, a chilling reminder that the threat of terrorism is very real.

Counter Terrorism investigations across the UK remain at record levels, with more than 800 live investigations and 31 foiled plots since 2017. A significant proportion of that activity has a connection to London, so it’s vitally important that Londoners continue to be alert and vigilant.

This is particularly true as we continue to enjoy regaining our freedom in the run-up to Christmas - we must all remain vigilant and if you see or hear anything suspicious then I urge you to report it to us.

We cannot defeat terrorism alone - we need your help and support. There are few finer examples of that public support than the courageous actions of those who took on the attacker at Fishmongers Hall back in November 2019.

But bravery has many forms and we also need people to have the courage and confidence to report something to us that might feel wrong or seem suspicious - trust your instincts and ACT. Reporting something to us won’t ruin lives, but it might just save them.

Today’s commendation ceremony is a reminder that even in the face of great evil, there are people – members of the public, police officers, paramedics – who are willing to confront it head on. We remember their incredible actions, everyone affected by the attack. And we remember Jack and Saskia.

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