Counter-terror simulation to test emergency services' responses

The Home Office, the Ministry of Defence, and Counter Terrorism policing have planned and carried out a national exercise to simulate a security emergency, in order to test their response.

Carried out between 5th and 7th February, more than 120 members of the armed forces, policing, and government put their training into practice by responding to a national emergency, such as a terrorism incident, and testing their reaction.

As part of the government’s regular counter-terrorism procedures, the exercise, Octacine 2, aimed to test how well the police and military work together in extreme circumstances, as well as familiarising people with different sites and participating in joint briefings.

Armed officers were temporarily relieved of their routine roles so they were able to participate, and roleplayed protecting and reassuring the public in a time of heightened tension.

It simulated the response that would be triggered under Operation Temperer, a plan drawn up in 2015 to provide military support to the police in extreme national emergency circumstances, like a surge support in response to a terror attack or threat. Operation Temperer covers all of Great Britain, and is directed by the National Police Chiefs’ Council Counter Terrorism Coordination Committee.

Minister for armed forces, Luke Pollard, said: “Our national security is the foundation for this government’s Plan for Change and exercises like this are critically important to ensure we can respond to threats quickly and effectively.

“I’d like to thank all members of our armed forces who are held at readiness throughout the year, ready to keep the public and country safe at a moment’s notice.”

The exercise included a live-play exercise, when the Operation Temperer national mobilisation coordination centre was stood up and military and police officers were sent to 11 sites across the country.

Security minister, Dan Jarvis, said: “Exercises like Octane 2 are vital to ensure that our armed forces and policing partners are able to work well together to protect the British public from ever present threats.

“I am grateful for their tireless and dedicated work in serving our country, and their ongoing preparation to perform those critical roles that keep us safe.”