BSIA urges future government to consider needs of the security industry

Following the announcement of the next General Election, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) is urging the major political parties to engage with the security industry and consider its needs as part of their election manifestos in the run up to 6 th May.

Working with the Government has long been at the heart of the BSIA's activity and the Association is proud to maintain good relations with key decision-makers at the highest levels. Continuing these relationships and establishing new ones will be high on the BSIA's agenda once the new Government is announced.

The BSIA will also be looking to develop its close working relationships with the Police and the Home Office in tackling crimes and in particular the issue of cash and valuables in transit (CVIT) crime. Other key partnerships between the public and private sectors involve the Government and the BSIA working together on the national counter-terror strategy, known as CONTEST. Once the new government is announced, the Association will seek to continue its involvement in any development of this strategy.

James Kelly, Chief Executive of the BSIA, comments: "Building on these relations is of paramount importance to the Association. The private security industry is already recognised as a key player in securing the nation with the Police, Home Office and Government acknowledging its importance, but the BSIA will be looking to develop this even further and take this important message forward to the new government."

"As well as continuing to serve our members and promote quality security measures, the BSIA will be looking to step up its work in helping the public sector to protect the nation, counter terrorism and secure the critical national infrastructure. These are vital to both the industry and the nation and we will look forward to working with the new Government on these issues, which require particular attention with the Olympic and Paralympic Games coming to London and the change of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012 into the Cultural Olympiad."

"The political parties must take note of the industry's needs and consider them as part of their election manifestos in order to continue the good working partnerships and build on the existing achievements."

For more information about the BSIA, visit www.bsia.co.uk