The security of the UK has been the focus of an extraordinary level of interest since 9/11. This has given rise to new legislation, created new partnerships between the private and public sectors and produced a plethora of initiatives, all accompanied by a vigorous public debate. But the challenge for Government is to ensure it is one step ahead of the threat. This is of crucial importance if we are to confront and defeat the myriad of threats we face, not least the challenge posed by terrorism.

Sir David Omand led a thought provoking discussion on this challenging and timely subject. Appointed as the first UK Security and Intelligence Coordinator in 2002, Sir David has first-hand experience of exercising overall direction (on behalf of the Prime Minister) and the construction of the national counter-terrorism strategy and building national resilience. This appointment followed a long and distinguished career in the Ministry of Defence where he was Deputy Secretary for Policy. As Director of GCHQ (1996-1997) Sir David reshaped the organisation for post Cold War conditions, leveraging the opportunities of new technology. He was made Permanent Secretary at the Home Office in 1997. He served for 7 years on the Joint Intelligence Committee. He is currently completing a degree in Mathematics with the Open University and is a visiting professor at King’s College London.

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