6. The Lord Mayor’s Defence and Security Lecture. 20 July 2017

This is an annual lecture held in the Egyptian Room of the Mansion House which is chaired by the Lord Mayor. The first lecture was given in 2012 by the then Director General of the Security Service (MI5) and in the following year by the Chief of the Defence Staff. Each year since then a highly ranking speaker, including Theresa May when she was Home Secretary, has addressed a large audience which includes the Masters of many Livery Companies.

This year the lecture was given by Cressida Dick CBE QPM, the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police on the subject of Policing and National Security. This was highly appropriate in the light of the terrorist attacks during this year. The City has its own police force under the command of the Commissioner of the City of London Police and Cressida Dick made it quite clear that she worked closely with that police force and also with the other forces throughout the country. Among other things she made reference to the swiftness of action following the recent attacks and the bravery of officers. She referred to the huge numbers of potential terrorists that are under constant observation and that five planned attacks had recently been thwarted. Much of the latter was due to the very close working relationship between the security and policing services. She also made the point that everyone needs to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour.

This was a very interesting and informative lecture. It was followed by a drinks reception where I was able to meet and speak with a number of Livery Company Masters.