TA may be given role in home security

The Territorial Army Army could be given new duties as a "homeland defence" force in response to the 11 September atrocities, Geoff Hoon, the Secretary of State for Defence, indicated yesterday.

Mr Hoon said that the terror attacks had highlighted the need for greater security measures at vital installations around Britain, which would require the deployment of armed personnel "over and above" the regular forces. He emphasised that no final decisions had been made on who might be given responsibility for enhanced security in the UK, but he did not rule out using the TA for the job.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Westminster Hour, Mr Hoon said: "I certainly recognise that, with the kinds of threats we faced on 11 September, we have to protect key installations in the UK."