Yahoo News What is Operation Temperer: Theresa May becomes first PM to deploy up to 5,000 soldiers on streets
Theresa May’s unprecedented decision to deploy up to 5,000 armed troops at key strategic sites makes her the first Prime Minister to use a new plan for a show of force in the face of major terrorist threats.
It puts her at odds with her predecessor David Cameron who was reluctant to use the controversial power.
Operation Temperer - the government plan to put thousands of soldiers on the streets in response to a major terrorist threat, was devised in 2015 and had been a secret until it was accidentally leaked to a newspaper.
Whitehall officials had been keen to keep it under wraps because it was considered so sensitive.
David Cameron was fearful that implementing the plan would provoke comparisons to the Troubles in Northern Ireland, when British soldiers patrolled the streets for decades.
He also worried that it might give the impression that the government had lost control and was imposing martial law.
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The only other Prime Minister in recent times to deploy soldiers in mainland Britain in response to a terrorist threat was Tony Blair, who sent tanks and 450 members of the armed forces to guard airports in 2003 after warnings of a plot to bring down an airliner.
He was strongly criticised for risking undue panic, and military chiefs have since warned that once soldiers are deployed, it is difficult to justify pulling them back without also lowering the terrorist threat level.
Mrs May announced that the police had asked for military support, and the Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon approved the request, meaning Operation Temperer is now in force for the first time.
Mrs May said: “This means that armed police officers responsible for duties such as guarding key sites will be replaced by members of the armed forces, which will allow the police to significantly increase the number of armed officers on patrol in key locations.
“You might also see military personnel deployed at certain events, such as concerts and sports matches, helping the police to keep the public safe. In all circumstances, members of the armed forces who are deployed in this way will be under the command of police officers.
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“Precisely how the military and armed police officers will be deployed is an operational decision for police commanders.”
Earlier Mrs May vowed that the British spirit will “never be broken” in an emotional speech paying tribute to the victims of the Manchester terror attack and warning that terrorists will “never win”. Speaking outside Downing Street, the Prime Minister, who worked through the night to coordinate the Government’s response, condemned the “appalling, sickening cowardice” of the suicide bomber who killed 22 people and injured 59 others.
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Shortly after chairing a meeting of the emergency Cobra committee on Tuesday morning, Mrs May praised the actions of the emergency services and public in Manchester.
She said: “Let us remember those who died and let us celebrate those who helped, safe in the knowledge that the terrorists will never win – and our values, our country and our way of life will always prevail.”
Mrs May also warned there will be “difficult days ahead” as police and security services work to discover how an attack on such a scale could slip through the net undetected.
The former Home Secretary also vowed to ensure police had everything they needed to step up security in major cities.
A host of major events have been cancelled this week and political campaigning for the General Election has been halted in a mark of respect for the victims. “This was among the worst terrorist incidents we have ever experienced in the United Kingdom,” Mrs May said.
“Although it is not the first time Manchester has suffered in this way, it is the worst attack the city has experienced, and the worst ever to hit the north of England.
“All acts of terrorism are cowardly attacks on innocent people, but this attack stands out for its appalling, sickening cowardice – deliberately targeting innocent, defenceless children and young people who should have been enjoying one of the most memorable nights of their lives. We struggle to comprehend the warped and twisted mind that sees a room packed with young children not as a scene to cherish, but as an opportunity for carnage.
“But we can continue to resolve to thwart such attacks in future, to take on and defeat the ideology that often fuels this violence, and if there turn out to be others responsible for this attack, to seek them out and bring them to justice.”
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Later in the day, the Prime Minister travelled to the city where she met police chiefs, Andy Burnham, the city’s mayor, and emergency service workers. She also visited Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.
On Tuesday night Mrs May chaired a second Cobra meeting with members of her Cabinet and security officials after Salman Abedi was named as the suicide bomber.
She also spoke to world leaders, including Donald Trump, who offered their support following the attack.
“The president reassured the Prime Minister that Americans stand with the people of the United Kingdom and that our resolve will never waver in the face of terrorism,” his spokesman said.
“He offered American aid in the United Kingdom’s investigation and vowed to continue the mutual fight against terrorism.”
In a handwritten note in the book of condolence opened in Manchester, the Prime Minister wrote: “Here in this great city a callous and cowardly act was met by the inspirational bravery of our emergency services and the unbreakable spirit of the people of Manchester.”
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Later this week Mrs May will travel to the G7 summit in Sicily to lead discussion on anti-terror measures with other world leaders.
A Downing Street spokesman confirmed the trip would go ahead.
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