London Cellphone Terror Alert System Recommended by Report into Potential Attack

The "terror preparedness" review, carried out by Lord Toby Harris of Haringey, includes 127 recommendations for the British government, the mayor and other agencies and was commissioned by Sadiq Khan. 

​One suggestion includes the trial of a new public alert system to let Londoners know by cellphone if a terrorist attack is being carried out in the capital.

An inquest into the terrorist attacks on London in July 2005 found that Transport for London radio system for its tube staff was not compatible with the system used by the emergency services.

"London needs to become a city where security and resilience is designed in and is part of the city's fabric, and where everyone who lives and works here sees security and resilience as their responsibility just as much as it is for the emergency services and civic authorities," Lord Harris said.

​Responding to the report, London mayor Sadiq Khan said: "Lord Harris' many recommendations deserve careful consideration and exploration over the coming months so we can take steps to ensure we are as prepared as possible."

​Among the recommendations in the report by Lord Harris, he also suggests: mobile and temporary barriers and security bollards to protect central London and government areas; evacuation plans for all schools in London, with a specific governor responsible for security; more affordable housing for front line emergency responders; and for London's mayor to attend emergency COBRA meetings in the event of a terror attack.

Lord Harris also thinks that London's Metropolitan Police Service should take control over the capital's underground network from the City Police and cites concerns about communications systems not being able to work effectively on the Tube.

It's thought the most significant terrorist threat London faces is in the form of a firearms attack.