More than seven million people watch Counter Terrorism safety video as UK Policing increases its global CT presence

The key advice is:

Run- to a place of safety. This is better than trying to surrender or negotiate.

Hide- it is better to hide than confront. Barricade yourself in, turn phones to silent and use only when it is safe to do so.

Tell - Make sure you know the local emergency numbers in the country you're travelling to. For all EU counties it's 112.

Counter Terrorism Policing (CT Policing) has significantly increased its international presence in the last two years, with many more staff currently deployed overseas working with local authorities to help protect British citizens from the global terror threat.

As UK schools break up for summer holidays and the travel industry prepares for one of the busiest periods of the year, the UK's most senior counter terrorism officers are asking holidaymakers to play their part by watching a short video instructing them what to do in the unlikely event of an attack.

The video can be found by visiting www.counterterrorism.police.uk/staysafeor on YouTube.

CT Policing - in association with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Home Office and The Travel Association ABTA - launched the four minute film just over a year ago and since then more than seven million people have learned how to keep themselves and others safe should the worst happen.

ABTA have also translated the video into 15 different languages for use in multiple countries, to improve awareness amongst the holiday representatives, hotel staff and security guards who look after millions of UK tourists every year.

The video was first created after 30 British people tragically lost their lives in the 2015 Sousse attack in Tunisia.

Since then CT Policing’s international footprint has expanded significantly, with increases to the number of officers providing a range of security liaison and advice to other countries, ensuring they are better prepared to keep people safe when overseas.

This is a 'whole system approach' to fighting the threat from global terrorism. By warning and informing citizens, training and advising industry and close liaison with domestic and international partners, each of these strands comes together to better protect the UK and its interests at home and abroad.

The FCO also advises holidaymakers to read the FCO Travel Advice - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-adviceand to sign up for email alerts to be notified of any updates for their destination, either before or during travel. Travel advice provides objective information and advice to help people make better-informed decisions about foreign travel.

Chief Superintendent Nick Aldworth, National Coordinator for Protect and Prepare, says:"The chances of being caught up in a terrorist incident are still low, but sadly we have seen atrocities take place in the UK and abroad, especially last year. So it is important everyone stays alert and knows what to do if the worst was to happen.

"An important part of my job is deploying police officers and staff around the world to share the UK's world renowned security expertise, to better protect our citizens from harm.

“Now we are asking the public to play an active part, by taking the time to watch this video.

“We want people to think of this in the same way they do the safety film airlines show before take-off. They don't expect anything bad to happen but it is a sensible safety precaution to show people what to do."

Security Minister, Ben Wallace MP, says:"Fortunately the majority of us will never experience a terrorist attack whilst enjoying a holiday abroad and there is no need to be alarmed.

"However, it is important that we all remain vigilant to the threat.

"I urge all holidaymakers to take a moment before heading off on their travels to view the Run, Hide, Tell advice, which could be life-saving should the worst happen.

"I also urge everyone to read the small print on their travel insurance to make sure they have the appropriate level of cover."

Minister for Counter-Terrorism, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon says: “We work closely with our international partners to ensure that British holidaymakers are safe overseas.

“While the chances of getting caught up in a terrorist event are extremely low, it is important that people remain vigilant.

“Before going away do take a moment to check the FCO’s travel advice to make sure you’re aware of what’s going on in the country you’re going to.

“We encourage everyone to take sensible precautions whilst abroad, and if an incident occurs, remember the key advice to Run, Hide, Tell.”

Nikki White, Director of Destinations and Sustainability from ABTA adds:“We recognise the importance of raising awareness and providing clear guidance for our Members and their employees.

“We know that customers would look to those staff working in their hotels and resorts to take the lead and respond quickly to an emerging situation.”

Notes to Editors:

The National Coordinator for Protect and Prepare Policing, Chief Superintendent Nick Aldworth, will be available for interview in London between 7am and 9am on Friday 6 July 2018. Please call Chris Taylor on 07785 417 239 to arrange an interview.

The Run, Hide, Tell International safety video is available on www.counterterrorism.police.uk/StaySafe, YouTubeor can be downloaded. [Note- please do not publish the link to the direct download - media resource only.]

There is no specific information that British holidaymakers will be targeted this summer. The relaunch of the film and supporting information is part of a general campaign to raise awareness among the public. It highlights the steps people can take to minimise the impact of an attack – including knowing the local emergency services number.

This innovative approach encourages everyone to be prepared should the worst happen. The central message is Run, Hide, Tell and was first launched by UK police in December 2015 after attacks in Paris.  It was re-issued to the public by officers during London’s Borough Market incident.

The original film to launch Run, Hide, Tell was based in an office block setting but today’s video shows an event taking place in a hotel. In June 2015, 30 British travellers were among 38 killed by terrorists at a resort in Tunisia. UK authorities were determined to work with the travel industry to do everything possible to learn from the tragedy. 

The travel industry is providing training for staff working at home and overseas, to help keep customers safe. These include how to spot suspicious items and activity, as well as what to do in the event of a major incident. Thousands of holiday reps, hotel and security staff have received the training.

The videos can be viewed on CT Policing YouTube, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) websites.

The longer version of the film, plus two more linked films titled 'How to recognise and report Suspicious Behaviour' and 'How to react to a Suspicious Item', along with a handy guidance leaflet, are also available specifically for industry via the NaCTSO website www.gov.uk/NACTSOand can be viewed on YouTube.