The Tories have renewed calls for the Government to appoint a minister with specific responsibility for security.
Patrick Mercer MP, Shadow Homeland Security Minister criticised the failure of the authorities to learn the lessons of 7-7. He said: "The Government must appoint a single Cabinet-level minister for counter terrorism or homeland security to inject energy and drive into dealing with this serious problem."
A London Assembly report said poor communication and lack of basic medical supplies undermined the massive rescue operation, with emergencies crews unable to communicate by radio and having to rely on an overwhelmed telephone system.
Tory comment
Mr Mercer pointed out that the system was still deficient almost a year on from the bombings, and said: "There’s no doubt that the response by the emergency services last July was effective and brave. However, there were lessons to be learnt and it is a disgrace that many of the inadequacies that emerged on that day have still not been rectified nearly a year later."
He added: "Individuals acted with great bravery and initiative, but the fact remains that nearly a year later there is no system by which people on the surface can talk to those under the ground. Even now there are problems such as the fire alarm system on the Victoria Line being out of use for nine months. We are nearly a year on from the attacks and it appears that the Tube system is just as vulnerable, and our enemies are just as keen to attack it. We need a single minister at Cabinet level to take responsibility for this area. If we have a single minister at Cabinet level then that person would have the energy and focus to concentrate specifically on the issue of terrorism."
You can download the London Assembly report:
