NINE recommendations to prevent a repeat of the July 7 terror attacks and improve the emergency response have been made by the coroner at the inquests of the 52 people killed.
Earlier today Lady Justice Hallett gave a verdict of “unlawful killing” for all those killed by the four al Qaeda-linked suicide bombers on July 7, 2005, on three Tube trains and a bus.
Among recommendations is a request for improved procedures to ensure “human sources” are shown the “best possible quality” pictures of terror suspects are shown to informants.
This follows revelation that a colour picture of ringleader Mohammed Sidique Khan with known radicals was not shown to a supergrass in the months before the attack.
The Rule 43 report also asks security services to better record decisions relating to the assessment of targets, after MI5 decided two of the bombers were not priority targets after appearing in surveillance of another terror-related plot.
Questions relating to the efficiency of the response from emergency services and transport for London are also addressed in the recommendations.
One asks for a review of how London Underground ensure the current is off on the tracks, after the inquest heard firefighters refused to go to one stricken carriage because of uncertainty about the live rail.
Another asks for frontline staff on the transport network to be given “major incident training” and establish a “common rendevous point” which is made known to all services at incidents and manned by a member of London Underground staff.
The way emergency situations are identified and communicated between Tube staff and emergency staff should also be looked at, after nearly an hour's confusion about what was happening hampered initial rescue efforts.
Transport for London is asked to look at putting first aid kits on Tube trains and examine how appropriate stretchers located at stations are for the role, given problems with tight stairwells and access.
Ambulance services are asked to review the way they assess casualties at scenes with several victims, and the Mayor of London and Secretary of State are encouraged to ensure more funding for the air ambulance.
However, there is no legal obligation for any services to take the recommendations on board.
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