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(TENSE, PULSING BEAT)

(MAN SPEAKS, CUTS OUT ABRUPTLY)

(WOMAN SPEAKS, CUTS OUT ABRUPTLY)

FEMALE REPORTER: The last decade has seen a renaissance

for international terrorism.

(EXPLOSION)

This has been precipitated, at least in part,

by a status quo of negotiation and concession

enabling many recent terrorist actions to be successful

for their perpetrators.

These successes increased the various groups'

perceived legitimacy... (TV SHUTTING OFF)

(TENSE MUSIC)

(PEOPLE SHOUT, CHANT IN ARABIC)

MALE REPORTER: In overseas news,

US Special Forces have made a disastrous attempt

to free 52 Americans held captive in Iran. Casualty...

(STATIC CRACKLES)

(TENSE MUSIC CONTINUES)

MALE REPORTER: Back at home, exactly one year ago tomorrow,

the British people voted Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher

into power.

Mrs Thatcher's unswerving commitment

to economic and social reform

has been controversial, and she remains a divisive figure

in a tenuous position. On today's programme...

- that kind of resource is not adequate.

- Though we have to leave it. - Mr Timms, thank you.

- With the bank holiday nearly here,

many Londoners will be planning to go away.

But for those left in the city,

there will be plenty of diversions.

(IN ARABIC): God is with us.

(DOOR BANGS OPEN)

MAN: Get down! Get down, or you die!

(WOMAN SCREAMS, MEN SHOUT IN ARABIC)

(TENSE MUSIC GROWS)

(GLASS SHATTERS, MEN SHOUT IN ARABIC) (RAPID GUNFIRE)

(SCREAMS) - Everyone out!

Out! Hurry up!

Get down!

(WOMAN SCREAMS)

(SHOUTS)

- Sam Harris, BBC.

- Everyone, on your knees! - Down! Down! Down!

- Do as he says.

- OK. Good.

Hassan.

(TENSE MUSIC)

- Don't be stupid, you'll get us all killed.

(FIRES GUN) (WOMAN SCREAMS)

- Don't move! Don't talk!

(SOBS)

You... you want to die?

I said, 'You want to die?'

(GATE CLANGS SHUT, CHAINS RATTLE)

(MAN SPEAKS ARABIC)

- It's definitely the Iranian Embassy.

Weren't Chris and Sim getting visas for Iran today?

MAN: Oh, bloody hell.

(SIRENS WAIL, INDISTINCT POLICE RADIO CHATTER)

- No closer.

- BBC. I have colleagues in there.

- Yeah, back, I said.

(DOOR OPENS, CHILDREN SHOUT, MEN SHOUT)

- What's going on?

- Hey, you can't do that.

- Free country last time I checked, pal.

(SIRENS WAIL)

- No, no, no, no, no! Get back!

All of you, get back!

MAN: Wait, wait, wait, wait!

- I'll be back.

TERRORIST: Bring negotiator now!

- Shit. - I want a negotiator here now!

- Tony, you're not going to believe this.

(DOOR BURSTS OPEN, GUNFIRE EXPLODES)

(MAN) MUFFLED: Clear! Go! Go! Go!

(MAN GRUNTS LOUDLY)

- That was shit.

(LIGHTS CLICK ON)

(BREATHES LOUDLY)

(PANTS) How's that, then, Roy?

- You never checked behind the door.

- Oh, fuck. - You're dead. So is he.

(PAGER BEEPS)

All right, boys! Get yourselves outside now!

- Outside, boys! - Someone's pushed the wrong button.

- 30 seconds! Let's go! Now!

- Now, boys!

- John!

- What's the deal, mate? Don't tell me it's a fucking exercise.

- Nah, terrorists in London.

Multiple hostages.

- Huh?

- We're finally fucking on.

- Right, lads.

We're off to London to meet the fucking Queen!

Do some shopping.

(MUSIC BUILDS)

(POLICE RADIO CHATTER)

(WOMAN SPEAKS FARSI)

(MAN SPEAKS FARSI OVER PHONE)

- They say they are the Democratic Revolutionary Front

for the liberation of Arabistan.

(MAN SPEAKS FARSI OVER PHONE)

- They demand the release of 91 Arabs held in prisons in Iran.

(MAN SPEAKS FARSI)

(LINE HANGS UP)

- What is it?

- Unless these demands are met,

they will kill a hostage at noon tomorrow.

- Perfect timing.

You know DS Tucker.

- Of course.

- Max.

- Tom Lovett... You'll be supporting him on the day shift.

- We were both on the Bramshill negotiators course.

- I remember.

- Good. Now, time to put theory into practice.

We know they have one of ours...

A PC Trevor Lock of the diplomatic squad.

- Yeah. Armed... Smith & Wesson .38 revolver.

Don't know if he's used it, still got it or what.

- If he's still got it, they won't expect an English copper to be armed.

- Yes. Could be a good or a bad thing.

DELLOW: Gotta keep them talking.

- Standard Army field phone.

No listening devices, so nothing to find.

But we hang up here, it's off.

They hang up, it stays open. Never switches off.

Which means that, well, we can hear anything they say

within range.

- That's very clever. - Yeah.

- Well, let's get on with it, shall we?

- Police are settling in tonight

for a long wait around the embassy in Kensington.

The embassy's in Princes Gate, just off Kensington Road,

and the area almost from the Albert Hall to Ennismore Gardens has been sealed off.

Dozens of people from nearby houses and offices

in this most fashionable part of London have been evacuated.

- I lived right through London throughout the war,

so bombing was something that I was brought up with.

- Metropolitan Police are by now all too experienced

in this kind of incident, and well-oiled plans

have sprung into action.

FEMALE REPORTER: In scenes more reminiscent of Northern Ireland

or America, guns appear on the streets of the capital.

The question here, too, is

do authorities face terrorism with negotiation or force

on British soil?

This is Kate Adie, live from Princes Gate.

- The rest of today's news a little later,

and of course we'll be going back to the embassy

if there are any developments.

- I'm starving.

- Here. You'll need to be.

- Guess what I just heard? - What?

- The terrorists called BBC Television Centre.

- What are they demanding?

- I don't know.

- I guess the real question is what will Mrs T

and the Government concede to them?

- I don't know. Not these bloody sandwiches, I hope.

- You've had worse.

- When? - (CHUCKLES)

- No, don't get up, gentlemen, please.

- I think you know everyone.

MI5, MI6.

Metropolitan Police.

- Colonel Rose? - Special Air Service.

- Well, I have spoken to the Prime Minister,

and she is firm...

The rule of British law must be applied here.

On that she will not be swayed.

So, what is the, uh, first order of business?

- Uh, to determine the Government's bottom line

on negotiations.

- And under what conditions the SAS would take over

from the police.

- We can't give them what they want, I'll tell you that much.

The Iranian Government are point-blank

refusing to play ball.

They're not releasing anyone from jail.

- Well, are your men ready to go in, Colonel, if need be?

- An immediate assault plan has been drawn up

based on what little intelligence we have.

If it comes to it, it won't be pretty.

(MAN) INTERCOM: Fucking press are everywhere.

Do not let them make you.

- All right.

Just remember, lads, we're cleaners.

- Aye. Cleaners armed to the fucking teeth.

(TV PLAYS FAINTLY)

Now, this is more like it, lads.

(INDISTINCT VOICES)

REPORTER: no sooner did the Iranians burst into the Iranian embassy,

police interpreter made the first contact with them

and began the delicate task of

trying to get the hostages released

and find out what precisely the raiders wanted.

They are demanding the release of 91 Arabs held in prison

in south Iran.

If the demands are not met, they will blow up the hostages

and themselves.

Police are keeping the Foreign Office

informed of developments, but they are in full charge.

Most of the negotiations have been conducted with one man.

The police are operating with their customary caution.

Fewest possible details of the police operation

have been disclosed.

RADIO: In a tense reference to the siege, in the Commons this afternoon,

the Home Secretary said, "We are in the middle of delicate operations."

WHITELAW: And of course we assume

there is a significantly greater number

of Iranian hostages, mostly staff of the embassy.

- He reiterated that police aid the release of the hostages

without bloodshed.

- Iranian Government's accused Western governments...

It's the West's fault, as usual.

Have you seen this? Dear old Mail. Never fails.

This, apparently, is our fault.

- Watch out! BBC are here,

inflaming the situation as usual.

- Piss off, Jimmy.

- Yeah, piss off, Jimmy.

- OK.

- Let's get on with it.

Nice cape. (LAUGHS)

- Thank you.

(SIGHS)

- Hey. Tom didn't go home last night.

- You're joking. - No. Wish I was.

Stayed here with the night shift. He's wound tighter than a horse's arse.

- Seen this? A hostage in the embassy

called the BBC's London office. It was leaked from there.

- I thought they cut everything.

- Apparently there's a phone still operating.

- We can't negotiate in the bloody press.

- One hour till deadline, boys.

Maggie's made it clear anybody gets killed,

she's sending us in.

- Is there anything else we should know? - No. It's a black hole.

- So it's in through the front door

and hope the whole place doesn't go "bang", then.

(TENSE MUSIC)

Right.

(WEAPONS CLICK, RATTLE)

- You all right, mate? - Yeah.

(PHONE RINGS LOUDLY)

- Get him talking. - We need to buy some time.

- Hello?

(SPEAKS FARSI)

(TERRORIST SPEAKS FARSI)

- He demands the release of his comrades in Arabistan.

Your Government must or they will take action.

- Tell him our bosses are looking at their demands,

trying to contact Iran.

(SPEAKS FARSI)

(TERRORIST CHUCKLES, SPEAKS FARSI)

- They have already talked to Tehran.

- Tell them they have no power in the situation. They're trapped.

(SPEAKS FARSI)

(CONVERSATION BETWEEN TERRORIST AND INTERPRETER PLAYS)

(TERRORIST AND INTERPRETER ARGUE IN FARSI)

(SHOUTS IN FARSI)

(LINE HANGS UP)

- Don't they understand?

- Tom...

What did the Iranians say to them?

- They welcome all the hostages to be martyrs

for the great Islamic State of Iran.

(TERRORIST SPEAKS FARSI)

- This is Sunray. Stand to.

15 minutes till deadline. Stand to.

- We're on, boys.

- Let's fucking have it.

(GUNS CLICK)

(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)

- Max...

the Army's next door, champing at the bit to get in.

I think the boss said it's the SAS.

- You serious?

(SIGHS) That's all we need.

- Word from upstairs is if someone's shot, they go in.

- We'd better make sure no one is.

(RECEIVER CLICKS, LINE RINGS)

(SILENCE)

(RECEIVER CLICKS, LINE RINGS)

(INDISTINCT FARSI CONVERSATIONS)

- Hello?

TERRORIST: Hello? (SPEAKS FARSI) Hello?

- Can you speak English to me?

Do you speak English?

- Yes. I speak.

My name is Detective Chief Inspector Max Vernon.

- Where is the woman?

- She's not here.

Will you speak directly to me?

I want to help you, Salim.

- You don't help, we will kill them.

- No, no. If you do that, then I won't be able to help you.

Do you understand?

SHOUTS: In five minutes,

we kill unless you follow our demands!

- Salim...

listen to me, please, very carefully. Will you do that?

My Government is not on friendly terms with your Government.

Even if they were, we can't force the Iranians

to do anything they don't want to do.

Please.

Understand... we can't release prisoners in Iran.

That's simply beyond our power.

The Iranians have washed their hands of us.

You and I have to solve this now.

If you were to release a hostage, it could help.

- You think I don't know what you are doing?

Hmm?

- I'm trying to help you. - You are preparing to attack!

- No. Believe me when I say this, Salim...

I want this to be resolved peacefully, without violence.

(SCOFFS) Every day in my land, it is violence on my people

by the Persians.

- I can't do anything about that. - I wish I could. But I can't.

But right here, right now, you and I can stop violence.

If you help me.

There's still a chance.

(GUNSHOT)

(MAN SPEAKS FARSI)

- Christ! What's going on in there?

(GUN CLICKS)

- Stand by.

(BREATHES LOUDLY)

- Salim.

(TERRORISTS SHOUT IN FARSI)

(POLICE RADIO CHATTER)

Salim.

(SIREN WAILS)

(CAMERAS SNAP)

(INDISTINCT POLICE RADIO CHATTER)

- He's been shot.

(MAN GRUNTS IN PAIN)

- Salim!

(MAN GROANS)

(CAMERAS CONTINUE SNAPPING)

- Where were you shot?

- What? No. I'm sick. I've got gut rot. - Look, I need to talk to the bloody police.

- All right. Just lie back. - Let go!

You mustn't go in there.

You've no idea what's waiting for you.

(BREATHES LOUDLY)

(PHONE RINGS)

- Yeah.

They've released a hostage.

Says they're armed to the teeth.

SALIM: That man was ill. We let him go.

- Thank you, Salim.

(LOUD BREATHING)

(HECTOR ON RADIO): Stand down.

I say again, "Stand down."

Thank you.

Now, if you don't meet our demands, they die.

- We have food. You must be hungry. Let us feed you.

- You bring, Mr Max. - Only you. (HANGS UP)

- Do we have any food?

(HECTOR ON RADIO): Whitehall is saying back off.

(MAN ON RADIO): You've gotta be joking, boss.

(SIGHS) UNDER BREATH: Fuck.

(RADIO): They released a hostage.

(CAMERAS SNAP)

(REPORTER ON TV): There have been developments

with the siege at the Iranian Embassy in London.

We now cross to Martin Young.

- The hostages, most of whom are Iranian,

are about to receive their first meal...

- Mum, it's Dad!

(REPORTER): Policemen have brought food in containers,

which have been placed on the ground near the front door...

to the embassy.

A lone policeman now carefully opens some of the compartments

for the gunmen to inspect at a distance.

The policeman takes care that none of his movements

can be interpreted... (STATIC CRACKLES)

The containers are now placed in a box

that is fixed to a pole...

- Who the fuck is this?

(REPORTER): He will now wait for the container to be removed from the box.

The gunmen move cautiously as they take the food inside.

(WOOD CLATTERS)

- Mr Max.

- Yes? - You tell them we will kill a hostage

if our demands are not met.

You tell your Government we will kill.

We want Arab ambassadors now.

- One of the mad police. - He's gonna get himself killed.

- I'll bet he's never seen a weapon in his life.

- Can you give me more time?

I want to help you. I need more time.

- And we want two buses... - To take us to Heathrow.

- All right. I'll ask the bosses.

Please understand, it won't happen quickly.

(TERRORISTS CONFER QUIETLY)

- One more day. That is all.

- 48 hours. - No!

- Salim, please.

Everything takes time here. It's complicated in London.

(SIGHS)

I want to help you.

Please, let me help you.

(SIGHS)

48 hours.

- After that, we begin shooting them.

(GUN CLICKS) JOHN: Fucking police.

REPORTER: and the conversation

appears to be at an end.

ANCHOR: That was Martin Young from the siege at Princes Gate,

where all but one of the hostages... (TV CHANGES CHANNEL)

- London senior policemen seem confident

that caution and patience will bring this matter to

what they call a "non-violent conclusion".

- Well, this "softly, softly" approach

is designed to put pressure on the gunmen,

who it's assumed are already nervous and getting tired.

- What do you think might be in the minds of the terrorists now?

- I imagine they feel quite excited and elated.

In a sense, things are going their way pretty well.

- Post-World War II Soviet

anti personnel fragmentation grenade,

also known as the RGD-5.

- Very destructive in confined spaces.

(SNIFFS) 4 ounces of high explosive,

350 steel fragments, if you're interested.

The X-RAYs have got at least one each.

- And they claim to have a doomsday device.

- So, 30-plus rooms over six floors rigged with explosives.

- Each terrorist ready to pull the pin for Arabistan.

- Aye, it'll be a real Wild West show, boys.

- Aye.

The new deadline is 48 hours.

The head shed's drawing up plans

that avoids storming the embassy.

But we need a new Immediate Action Plan

in case these inmates go off their medication sooner.

Preferably one where everyone doesn't die.

(SIRENS WAIL)

(ROCKS CLATTER)

(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)

(QUIET CHIPPING, SCRAPING)

(MICROPHONE FEEDBACK ECHOES)

(SOFT COUGHING)

(INDISTINCT SPEECH ECHOES)

(INDISTINCT SPEECH PLAYS)

(MAN COUGHS)

- We know there are some hostages on the second floor.

The intel's never going to be perfect, ever.

- The clock will be fucking ticking.

What about soll ladders? Here and here?

- Too exposed.

- Always fight down, right?

Look. Excuse me, let's have a minute.

Based on the intel that we have right now,

we make our approach...

from the roof.

Yeah?

We use caving ladders down at these top windows,

we make entry, we dominate the area

where the hostages are being held,

and then we fight our way down from there.

Click. Stronghold.

- Fucking Einstein over here, huh?

(CHUCKLES)

RAY: There's at least 25 of them.

Five women, maybe more.

All got families, all got lives.

(SIGHS) It's a bloody nightmare.

And Trevor Locke.

(PHONE RINGS)

- Yes? SALIM: You tell your Government one more day.

We will kill a hostage unless our demands are met.

We will kill

until you bring an ambassador here with the bus. (HANGS UP)

(INDISTINCT TALKING, POLICE RADIO CHATTER)

- Hector's got a new plan.

We're gonna give them a bus,

gonna let them take the hostages to Heathrow,

then we're gonna take the bus.

- Piece of fucking cake.

(WINDOWS SHATTER)

(SAS SOLDIERS SHOUT)

MAN: Clear! Go! Go! Go! Go! Go! Go! Go!

(GUNSHOTS)

- You're a dead man walking.

(PANTS)

- The Army now appear to be directly adjacent

to the Iranian Embassy,

although officials continue to deny their involvement.

REPORTER: The police haven't actually seen

any of the hostages so far.

They will say that food has been taken in

but no personal contact has been made between the police

and the hostages.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

REPORTER: For their part, the police feel that

as long as the Government are letting their deadlines pass,

then there's a strong hope that

their suicidal fervour will wane.

- That was shit.

- Go! Go!

- There don't seem to be any hard and fast rules,

but in general, experience suggests the longer it goes on,

the less likely it is to end in tears, so to speak.

- Nah, too slow.

- Need to get it down to six seconds.

- We assumed that they are going to break down

by certain techniques that we know work on Western people.

It's a false assumption.

- So to sum up, I mean, everyone involved there...

Police psychiatrists and psychologists

are facing perhaps the trickiest situation

we've experienced so far in London, in your view?

- Uh, that would be fair, yes.

- Go! Go!

(GUNSHOTS)

- Get down! Get down!

- Clear!

(MUFFLED SHOUTING)

MAN: Last bullet.

- Clear!

(PANTS)

(LAUGHS)

- There will be no bus assault at the airport.

- It's ready. And workable.

- It didn't work for the Germans at Munich,

and this Government will not copy their failed plans.

- The special projects team are elite soldiers.

But they are not superheroes.

They have never been used on British soil.

Certainly never assaulted a six-storey building

filled with civilians...

and terrorists ready to blow themselves up if we attack.

- Are you saying your men can't handle it?

- I back them 100%. They know the risks. But be certain you do.

Now, I would advise you to seriously consider any plan

that avoids a stronghold assault.

- On a positive note, The Arab League have agreed

to help with negotiations.

- Uh, there may be an impediment to that.

The Prime Minister believes it is vital that this country

is not seen as a soft target for terrorism,

especially in light of The Troubles.

She has instructed me to make it plain that the terrorists

will be subject to the laws of this land.

And under no circumstances will they leave this country.

MAX: So it's jail or a box?

- Well, we're still talking to the Arab League

to see if they will help, so it's not a total dead duck.

- We need to give them something tangible; make them feel like they've achieved

what they set out to do. Then maybe they'll give up.

- Well you'd better think of it before noon tomorrow.

Because if they do start shooting, the SAS will go in,

and it'll be a fucking bloodbath.

- All right. This is good.

Perfect point for abseil tie-offs.

Watch it.

Oh my.

(TERRORIST SPEAKS FAINTLY)

Looks like happy families down there.

COMMENTATOR: And that on the green might well be the...

GROGGILY: You all right, mate?

- I need a word.

WHISPERS: Fucking hell.

- The, uh, the brass won't sanction the bus plan.

- Why? - Politics.

- Fuck's sake.

- The Colonel's ordered us to prepare a stronghold assault.

- We've waited too long, then.

Roy, they're gonna be fucking waiting for us to set up...

- No, no, no, no.

We've found, erm, a light well on the embassy roof

that wasn't on the plans.

It leads all the way down to a glass panel

on the second floor.

- That's perfect for a distraction charge.

- Exactly.

Hector wants me to detonate it, right?

So I want you to step up and take my place as assault team leader with Tom.

- Don't you think it'd be better to use one of them?

One of the older guys?

- I mean, I'm only three years in... - I've thought it through.

(CHUCKLES) Do you want the fucking job or not?

- Yeah, I want it.

- Call signs.

And Rusty, mate, aggression's good; control's the key. Yeah?

This is how it will go down, mark my words.

Mrs Thatcher's gone in for a fight.

You're dreaming if you think we're gonna go in there and clean this up nicely.

- We have an alternate plan

that will guarantee every hostage comes out alive.

COLONEL ROSE CONTINUES: We have entry into the embassy

through a skylight.

An assault squad could enter under cover of darkness

with silenced weapons.

We could neutralize the terrorists.

(SILENCED GUNSHOTS FIRE)

- You can't be serious.

Who do you think we are? John Wayne?

- I can hear the sphincters tightening in Whitehall

as we speak, Mike.

And the headlines... 'SAS Assassination Squad'?

ROSE: I'm sure. But no other plan comes close.

- I'll take it to the Prime Minister.

But I know what the answer will be.

It's down to the negotiators to break the deadlock...

or your men will have to storm the embassy.

- I just wish the Army would hurry up and storm the place.

- What?

- "If it bleeds, it leads". It's gonna make our careers, Kate.

- Are we really part of the same profession?

- I don't think we're part of the same species.

When was the last time you printed the truth?

- You know the old saying...

"You wake it sing, you make it dance, you make it up."

- Jimmy, omit emotion, report the facts, remember?

It's not a football match.

- That's boring, isn't it? - Look, trust me, all right?

I've covered every siege since Troy,

and the Army are not going to attack.

- Oh yeah? How's that, then?

- Look at it. The place is a fortress.

Be an absolute slaughter.

(TERRORISTS ARGUE)

(SHOUTS IN ARABIC) (GRUNTS)

Hassan! Hassan!

(WOMAN SCREAMS)

Faisal...

(IN FARSI): - Faisal, calm down.

- No more talk.

(TERRORIST SPEAKS FARSI, HOSTAGES SCREAM)

- Get down! - (TERRORIST SPEAKS FARSI)

- Something's got them wound up.

TERRORIST: Sit up!

- Can't you see he's not well?

(TERRORISTS SHOUT OUTSIDE ROOM)

(TERRORISTS' SHOUTING PLAYS)

(TERRORIST IN FARSI): - We have waited long enough.

What are we doing?

- Quiet.

- They lied to us...

They lied. One day they said...

and the police would give in.

I don't want to die here.

- Salim.

Salim.

(GRUNTS)

- There is an argument between Salim

and this other one called Faisal.

Faisal says all they do is talk.

They need to show they mean their threats.

They have agreed they will kill a hostage

unless their demands are met today.

- Max.

Can I have a word?

The Arab League has refused to be part of negotiations.

So, uh, no ambassadors.

- Why?

- The Arabs want to give the terrorists safe passage

out of the UK.

- And our Government refuses?

ROY: We trained him to be a killer.

He's detached, professional.

Drop of a hat, he'll pull the trigger.

He's my choice.

- Isn't he up in court for a drunken street fight?

(SIGHS) - Well, he works hard, plays harder,

I'll give you that, boss.

- That's not my point.

It's about leadership.

- Boss, this is the SAS.

We're not philosophers; we're not warrior poets.

We're the enforcers.

Once we let these dogs off the leash, we know what they'll do.

It won't be pretty. And when it comes time,

we need someone up front with a heart of a lion and the brains of a fucking judge.

- All right, sergeant.

But you'd better make sure he doesn't go off grid.

- Sir.

(PHONE RINGS)

- Max Vernon.

- Where are the Arab ambassadors we asked for?

Why have you not brought them to us? And the bus.

- Salim, there's a problem.

- We can no longer wait for problems!

- The ambassadors, they...

they're coming, but it may take some time.

- Your Army is going to attack us.

- Nobody is going to attack you.

- We can hear them in the walls and outside.

Stop the noise. Do you hear?

- Are we doing that?

- Psst!

- Consider it done.

- I want to speak to the BBC.

- The BBC?

That I can do.

Um, it may take a day or two to organize.

- No! Now!

- Salim, you have to understand, the...

This is a free country. I can't order the BBC to do anything.

If you would release another hostage,

it could help, believe me.

(SIGHS) - Salim!

- Salim.

- Salim.

(IN FARSI): Don't say another day.

- They need one more day, what can we do?

(TERRORISTS ARGUE)

Come! You will come. You!

You!

Sit down!

Come.

Come.

- One more day. Do you hear me, Mr Max? - Yes.

(TERRORIST SPEAKS FARSI)

(SPEAKS FARSI)

- There are others here who would not be so kind.

Do you know of my country, Mr Max?

My people are tortured and oppressed by the Persians.

Do you understand... what is at stake here for us?

- I'm trying to help you, Salim.

- Good. Because this is your last chance.

(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)

REPORTER: After four days, as more deadlines pass,

another hostage was released from the Iranian Embassy today.

Tensions are easing as hope grows ever stronger

for a peaceful solution.

(SLAMS PHONE DOWN)

REPORTER: Do you think there could be a situation like the situation in Tehran,

where the hostages are held for months?

- Well, that's all right, as far as we're concerned.

- We all have to agree to be gentlemen,

but the sword of Damocles is hanging over everybody's head.

WEAKLY: The hostages are in a terrible state now.

But even they do not know what the terrorists are saying.

- What are they saying?

- They are preparing to kill all the hostages...

(SOBS) if they do not get what they want.

(SIGHS)

- Right, the boss has approval for the Deliberate Action Plan

to storm the Embassy.

When there's proof of murder, we're in.

(TENSE MUSIC)

RUSTY: Stand by. Stand by.

Go! Frame charge.

Room clear.

- Clear. - Go.

You two clear that room there.

Where's Jerry? Jerry, man, watch the stairs.

X-RAYs may escape down. There will be shooting, so watch your arse.

Tak, Basement's that way.

Mink, you head upstairs. Take control, all right?

We can evacuate the hostages from up there.

- Clear! - Any questions?

If we do it 20 times faster, we just might save someone.

Let's go again.

- Move it!

Frame charge!

(SUSPENSEFUL DRAMATIC MUSIC)

(RUSTY GIVES ORDER)

(EXPLOSION)

(SOLDIER SHOUTS)

(GRENADES BURST)

(GUNSHOTS)

- This is a tricky one, Rusty.

Maggie owes us a few fucking pints, that's for sure.

- Hey, Rusty, tell Maggie her gear's shit.

- Honestly, mate, I don't think she cares.

No craftsman blames his tools, pal.

- Oh.

- Who the fuck's this?

- Caretaker. Knows the place inside out.

- Oh, it's all wrong.

- What do you mean it's all wrong? - Here... it does not open this way.

- What?

- And this... the door is on the other side.

Here, you will end up in a cupboard.

- Thank you.

Let's get it changed, mate, quick as you can, please. Yeah?

- Yeah.

- Let's gear up. Let's go again.

We'll rehearse it till we can do it in our fucking sleep.

- We need an ambassador there now!

- The Arab league refuses point blank

until there is the option of freedom for the terrorists.

- Can the Prime Minister be moved on this?

- I'll ask.

The Iraqis are willing to help.

- I bet they are.

Sami Mohammed Ali, Iraqi Intelligence.

Box 500 traced his movements to a boarding house

in Earl's Court.

(CHILD CRIES)

(DOOR BANGS OPEN)

ROSE: Sami probably smuggled the weapons in diplomatic bags.

Left for Iraq one day prior to the attack.

(SIGHS) - Gentlemen, we are plainly on our own.

(PHONE RINGS)

- Hello. Salim?

- Well?

- Your demands will be read out in full tonight

at 6 o'clock on the BBC.

- Do you promise this?

- I promise you.

- 6 o'clock. If not, I will kill a hostage,

then one every half hour.

(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)

- Why don't you eat something, Trevor?

WHISPERS: You're not still thinking of using it? The gun?

- I might have to, Sim.

Can't you feel it?

Like animals to the slaughter.

All we do is eat and sleep,

but we know it's bad news in the end.

(RADIO): Bravo Three in position.

("BBC NEWS" THEME PLAYS)

(REPORTER): Good evening. This is the BBC News at 6 o'clock.

Police released a statement today

saying that the terrorists in the Iranian Embassy

had requested a plane to take them out of the country.

As yet there's no word from the Government

as to whether this demand will be met.

We'll have more on the siege later in the programme.

But now for today's main news.

Alex Higgins has been advised...

- Is that it?

(RADIO): They're not reading it out. Stand by.

- They were meant to read it in full.

(BBC NEWS CONTINUES PLAYING)

- Christ, they'll kill them.

(PHONE RINGS)

(TENSE MUSIC)

(RINGING CONTINUES)

Hello.

- Mr Max?

(COCKS GUN, BREATHES LOUDLY)

Mr Max?

- Yes, Salim, it's Max.

- Thank you for what you've done, Mr Max.

(SNIFFLES) We are very happy.

Very happy.

- Well, that's good to hear, Salim.

- They just read it out in full on the BBC World Service.

- We will release two hostages.

Two hostages...

(SNIFFLES)

(EXHALES)

(SIGHS)

- After five long days,

a further two hostages have been released

after the terrorists' demands were read out

on the BBC World Service.

MALE REPORTER: The statement of the group holding the hostages:

"The reason for us to come to Britain

to carry out this operation is because of the pressure

and oppression which is being practiced

by the Iranian Government in Arabistan

and to convey our voice to the outside world

through your country.

Once again, we apologise to the people and the Government

for this inconvenience."

(SIGHS)

KATE: The terrorists want freedom from repression

for the Arab-speaking part of Iran called Arabistan.

There is now a growing sympathy for this oil-rich.

Arab-speaking state ruled by the Persian-speaking.

Iranian majority. Syrian news reports repeated instances...

- Looks like we missed our chance, boys.

- What do you reckon?

- Hmm?

- What do you reckon?

- Nothing.

Doesn't change a thing.

(TV CONTINUES PLAYING INDISTINCTLY)

(TERRORIST SPEAKS HARSHLY IN FARSI)

(IN FARSI): You're murdering our brothers daily...

I'll make an example of you.

Look at me!

Hmm?

(SPEAKS FARSI)

(TENSE MUSIC)

KATE: Radio Tehran reports that an assault is about to be made

on the Iranian Embassy at Princes Gate.

While officials deny any such action

and insist negotiations are ongoing,

the Iranian Government itself is calling

for the use of force.

- You've got that wrong.

Bet you anything you like they'll give up now.

- I hope you're right, Jimmy.

- You. Come with me. Now.

- You'll go blind the amount you stare at those boards.

- Just figuring out who not to shoot, mate.

Mate, this guy...

Faisal Jaseem.

Been in the army his whole life.

I know this guy. You back this guy into a corner,

he's going to fight his way out.

Nothing to lose.

(SIGHS)

I mean, it could be me, John.

Apart from "well educated".

Make sure you memorize all the faces, yeah?

(TERRORIST SPEAKS ARABIC)

(PHONE RINGS)

- Hello? - It's Constable Trevor Lock here.

- Trevor?

- What the hell is going on in there? - They've got a hostage downstairs, sir.

They've got him tied up down there.

Unless they get what they want, they said they're gonna kill him.

I really think they're gonna do it, sir. I really do.

- If we do not get what we want, we will kill him. Do you hear?

I want a bus outside to take us to the airport now!

- Salim, calm down.

- Not "calm down"! - You have had long enough!

Where are the ambassadors?!

- I told you, we're working on it.

- No more delay. You bring the bus here now!

(IN FARSI): I'm talking to them right now, OK?

- Stop talking. - (HE REPEATS IN FARSI)

Khomeini kills our brothers at home...

tortures them...

his leader, Salim.

His leader!

While you sit up there, and talk.

Still want to talk?

- I welcome death if it leads to yours.

- Don't do it, brother.

(FIRES GUN)

(BULLETS CLINK)

(HECTOR ON RADIO): Shots fired in the embassy. Get set.

- Salim?

Salim?

WHISPERS: Yes?

- Was that one of the hostages?

(BREATHES RAGGEDLY)

- You have 30 minutes to meet all of our demands

or we will kill more.

You can collect the body. (HANGS UP)

ROY: You ready? Yep.

I'm thinking that we should call the negotiators,

get him to keep the leader, Salim, on the phone

when we assault.

We should steal as much time for these boys as we can.

- Aye, I'll tell the boss.

- And Rusty? - Hmm?

- Check behind the doors, mate. - (CHUCKLES)

- The Prime Minister has authorized

the military takeover.

- Do we think this man was killed accidentally?

- No, we do not.

Colonel?

- I would like the record to show you signed over control

to the Regiment.

(GUN CLICKS)

- Maggie's Government's hanging by their tits,

and it's Lance Corporal Rusty Firmin

who's got a hold of them.

- Just don't shoot the fucking hostages, John.

(INDISTINCT POLICE RADIO CHATTER)

KATE: Are we on? BILL: Yeah.

(SIRENS WAIL FAINTLY)

- I need a drink.

- The Prime Minister asks that there be no smokescreen

to cover or block the assault from the television cameras.

Colonel Rose?

She wants the world and the British people

to see how this Government deals with terrorism.

(HECTOR ON RADIO): All stations.

This is Sunray.

I have control. I say again, I have control.

- Max.

I had a call from Whitehall. You gave the SAS time to plan.

They're very grateful.

There's a request from their Colonel.

Keep Salim talking during the assault.

If they haven't got their leader, it might help.

- What are you saying, sir? - You want me to help kill them?

- Oh, no.

I want you to save the hostages.

- What am I supposed to offer them?

- The world now, for all we care.

(TENSE MUSIC)

(BREATHES LOUDLY)

- I've got a nice shot of heads.

(CONVERSATIONS BUZZ)

- Let's move.

(LINE RINGS)

- What is it?

- Salim, it's Max Vernon.

- What is it, Mr Max?

Do you have anything for me or do we have to kill another

and another?

- I've been authorized to discuss buses with you

and get you to Heathrow Airport.

The Government has accepted your terms.

The ambassadors are on their way.

We are arranging buses now.

- You are lying.

No more lies.

No more lies.

(BREATHES LOUDLY)

- I'm not lying to you, Salim.

- One bus. Enough for all of us.

- One bus. All right.

- How is it? BILL: It's a lot better,

I'll tell you that much.

- Look at this as an overview. - That's great.

MAN: Distraction charge is in.

(CHUCKLES EMOTIONALLY)

- It must have curtains.

- Good. Yes. We can do that.

- And I want you to drive, Mr Max.

Mr Max.

Here. Here, Mr Max.

Here. Here.

(TREVOR): Hello?

- Advance to wait.

I say again... all teams advance to wait.

- PC Trevor Lock, sir.

- Trevor, put Salim back on immediately, please.

- Sir, we're all very concerned in here, sir.

Please assure me there is not an assault about to happen.

(LINE WHIRRS) - Argh!

- Shit.

- Oh shit.

(INTERCOM): Bravo One, rear team in position.

- Trevor, I can assure you 100% we are not about to attack.

We are genuinely arranging for their demands to be met.

SOLDIER: Frame charge going in.

- Just can't believe after all this,

the promises you're making.

- Trevor, listen carefully to me.

I have my instructions from the Government.

Those instructions are to keep the hostages alive.

Do you understand?

- Yes, sir. - Good.

Now put Salim back on, please.

- Put him down, boys. We're gonna let off the charge.

- Yes, Mr Max?

- Salim, we need to know where you want to fly to.

I can make arrangements immediately for the jet.

It needs to be of a certain size, a certain fuel capacity.

(GLASS SHATTERS)

- I heard something suspicious.

- There's nothing suspicious.

- There is a... a suspicious sound.

- There's nothing, Salim. - Talk to me.

- No, wait! I will come back.

- Salim, wait.

- Go! Go! Go!

(EXPLOSION)

(ALL GASP, EXCLAIM IN PANIC)

(EXPLOSION REVERBERATES, GLASS SHATTERS)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

(BYSTANDERS SCREAM, SHOUT)

KATE: Keep filming. - Where the hell are you going?

(RADIO): Bravo One, where is the frame charge on the ground floor?

- If we blow it, we're gonna fucking kill him!

- Are we live, Bill?

- Cutting in... now!

- At the Iranian Embassy at Princes Gate,

an explosion has sounded from the rear of the building

as police and press nearby are being told to take cover.

(INDISTINCT POLICE RADIO CHATTER)

Now two black-clad men can be seen on the balcony.

They are placing an object of some kind

in front of the embassy window

and climbing back over the balcony to their side.

(EXPLOSION)

(PEOPLE SCREAM)

A second explosion has ripped through

the front of the embassy.

(GLASS SHATTERS)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

RUSTY: All right! Go on!

- Fucking cut him down!

(HECTOR ON RADIO): Bravo One, where is the frame charge

- on the ground floor? - We're changing the fucking plan.

- What was that?

- If we set off the charge, it'll kill him. - What the hell is going on? Rusty!

(SIGNALLER ON RADIO): Forget it, boss.

- He ain't talking to no one now. - Cut the rope!

- Smash it in!

(GLASS SHATTERS)

Flash bang!

(RAPID BANGS)

- I'm all right! I'm all right!

- Get in there!

- Clear! - Clear!

- Clear! - Clear!

- Smoke covers it, obscuring everything.

(EXPLOSIONS)

- Jesus Christ.

On your fucking feet, Sim! Out! Out! Now!

(SCREAMING ON TV)

(WOMAN SCREAMS UPSTAIRS)

- Go in.

Watch yourself, Mink.

- Clear. Stairs clear.

- Come on, boys. Let's go.

(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)

- Locked door.

(WOMEN SCREAM)

- Four female hostages.

- Four female hostages!

- We have four female hostages.

- Stairs are clear. Send them. Go.

(DOOR THUDS)

(PANTS) - Door's jammed.

- Right! I'll go round!

(GROANS)

(GRUNTS)

- Clear.

- Basement... clear.

(GLASS SHATTERS)

(GRUNTS)

- Fuck! - (COUGHS VIOLENTLY, SPITS)

(ACCELERANT SLOSHES)

(GUN CLICKS)

(GUNSHOTS) - Fuck!

(BOTH GRUNT)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

- Go. Go. Go.

Keep them moving, John. We need to clear this floor.

(MAN SCREAMING)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

(MEN GRUNT)

(RAPID GUNFIRE)

- Go! Go! Go! Go! - Get up! Get up!

- Go! Go! - Come on!

You all right, Trevor. You're all right.

(LOUD RUMBLING)

(COUGHS)

(SIRENS BLARE, HELICOPTERS WHIRR)

- Hostage PC Trevor Lock appears at a window.

He's waving his police hat as identification.

Police shout at him, and he draws back inside.

Police dogs howl. A woman relative of one of the hostages

can be heard screaming.

Helicopters can be heard...

(FURNITURE CLATTERS)

(GRUNTS)

- Clear!

Get them out!

- Move! Move!

- Move! Move! Move!

- Hurry up! Fucking hurry up! - Let's go!

- Send them down to me!

(HOSTAGES SCREAM IN PANIC)

Eyes forward! Move! Move!

Keep moving!

- Get down! - Get down!

- Get down!

Stay down! Stay down!

(HOSTAGES SCREAM)

(GUNSHOT)

Don't move! Don't move!

Anybody! Anybody!

(GUNSHOTS)

We've got a room full of hostages.

- Stay down! Keep your fucking heads down!

- OK, lads, let's bring them out right now, yeah?

- OK. Get out.

- Stop moving! - To the door! Let's go!

- Out! - Fuck! Get moving!

- Go on, move it!

Move it! Fucking move!

Go!

Let's go! Let's go! Get up now!

- There are still two X-RAYs missing.

- Move! Move!

- Trevor! Get down, I said! Move!

- Go! Move! Move! Go!

Come on!

Move! Come on! Move! Go!

Move!

(HOSTAGES CONTINUES SCREAMING)

(GUN THUDS, MAN GRUNTS)

(RAPID GUNFIRE)

He's got a grenade! Stay there!

The pin's in!

All right!

Let's bring them out!

Let's bring them out right now! Come on!

- Stay down! Let's go! Let's go! - Move!

- Get out! Keep moving! - Keep moving! Come on!

Out! Out! Come on!

(POIGNANT MUSIC)

(SOLDIERS SHOUT, HOSTAGES SCREAM)

That's an X-RAY, boys.

(SOLDIER ON RADIO): The boys all made it.

They all made it, boss.

(BREATHES RAGGEDLY) Only one hostage killed.

It's a miracle.

(PANTS)

- After six days and almost 11 hours exactly,

the siege at number 16 Princes Gate is over.

(RUSTY PANTS)

(WEAPONS CLATTER)

- Did you see him come down those fucking stairs?

- I fucking did, man. - Huh?

- He was a cheeky bastard, wasn't he?

- For the inquiry.

- Oh, wait. Wait, wait. One sec.

(PHONE RINGS)

- Hello?

Max?

Is that you, love?

- Yeah. - (SIGHS)

- Thank God!

I just saw it now. Are you hurt?

VOICE BREAKS: Max, please.

Will you say something?

(POIGNANT MUSIC)

(EXHALES SLOWLY)

- I'm all right, love. I'm sorry.

Just didn't want you to worry. (CRIES SOFTLY)

You know, in case you heard anything on the news.

(CRIES)

LORD BELSTEAD: I regret that it proved necessary

to resort to the use of force.

But there was in the end no alternative.

THATCHER: I entirely agree with my Honourable friend,

and if I might say one word,

it was, I believe, a brilliant operation...

(MPS AGREE)

carried out by Special Air Services

with courage and confidence.

And I agree with my Honourable friend that the performances

of those of police and the SAS...

(SPEECH TURNS INDISTINCT)

(CHEERING)

(POIGNANT MUSIC)