Bomb-proof shopping centres in terror crackdown

Store windows will be relocated so they do not shatter in a blast and developers will be refused permission for underground car parks at public buildings.

Arsenal's Emirates stadium has been at the cutting edge of the new techniques, which will also be used at the 2012 Olympics sites.

The Gunners' ground features a pair of huge cannons near the entrance, which are actually cleverly disguised "tank traps" to stop car bombers.

Concrete blocks spelling out the club's name serve a similar purpose. Plans for an underground car park were dropped in case of an attack in the confined space. Access roads to railway stations may be redesigned so that it is impossible for a hijacked lorry to pick up enough speed to smash through a wall.

The moves came as the Prime Minister was setting out plans to defend Britain's infrastructure and major venues from suicide bombers.

Among measures tested in recent months are the use of scanners at entrances to London Underground stations and other busy public places.

Scanners are already used to check people entering major Whitehall buildings and they could be rolled out to other venues in future. Military police may also be deployed to protect important installations like gas pipelines and communications hubs.

Some 900 shopping centres, sports stadia and entertainment venues have been assessed for security dangers over recent months. Altogether 10,000 premises have been issued with advice.

Power stations, fuel dumps and other sensitive sites have also had new security plans rolled out. The West review was prompted in the summer by attempted bomb attacks in London and Glasgow.

A second review into strengthening Britain's borders by integrating immigration and visa officers will also be published today. Mr Brown's statement will update Parliament on the current security assessments but detailed policies will not come until the Government issues its first National Security Strategy, a comprehensive overhaul of protection measures.

The premier is expected to tell MPs that a battle to win the "hearts and minds" of young British Muslims is at the centre of his new policy. There is concern among ministers and the public that young people are being targeted by extremists seeking to brainwash them into becoming suicide bombers. Clearer guidance is being issued to schools and universities to watch for student organisations that could poison vulnerable minds.

Since the attacks on America in September 2001, spending on the Security Service has been doubled but the apparent prevalence of extremist elements has increased.

The head of MI5, Jonathan Evans, last week warned there were 2,000 individuals who pose a threat to national security and that children as young as 15 were being recruited by al Qaeda.

Lord West said it was vital for the public to play their part in spotting potential terrorists.

"People do not go around in fear and terror because that's not the British way," he said. "But they do need to be aware of things and vigilant."

He also dismissed as "ludicrous" a claim by the new head of the Muslim Council of Britain that anti-terror laws were making Britain like Thirties Nazi Germany.