Security probe amid fears of Tube attack

MPs are to investigate Tube security amid concerns that it remains vulnerable to a terror attack more than three years after the July 7 bombings.

The Commons counter-terrorism sub-committee, chaired by Tory MP Patrick Mercer, is starting an inquiry focusing on transport security, particularly the Tube, the new system of regional intelligence hubs, the ability of special forces and the police to respond to a Mumbai-style attack and the Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism.

Mr Mercer, who led a government review of safety at public places, believes there may be measures to give greater protection on the Underground and improve the response to another attack by extremists.

"The bombings on the Tube in 2005 caught us with our pants down," he told the Commons. "We were lucky that the numbers of dead and injured were not hideously worse.

"I implore ministers to look carefully at the new style of attack and the new volume they come in before we are caught as badly in the future."