|
|
 |
 |
| Sunday, 16 November 2003 |
 |
|
 |
World |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
UK security forces go on higher state of alert-BBC LONDON, Saturday (Reuters) Britain's security services have been put on their second highest state of alert after warnings of possible plans by al Qaeda supporters, the BBC reported on Saturday, but said there was no specific or imminent threat. The BBC reported on its Web site that the increased state of alert was not linked to the state visit next week by U.S. President George W. Bush. Britain has been on high alert since the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States. The internal status for the security services - including the police, army and counter-espionage service MI5 - had now gone to "severe general" from "substantial", the BBC said. It said the increased internal alert, which is normally kept secret, followed warnings about plans by supporters of Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda network, which was blamed for the September 11 attacks. Britain's Home Office declined to comment on the BBC report, saying: "We would never discuss threat levels." The police would also make no comment.A study released on Tuesday said London was at greater risk of a terror attack than any other major city in the United States or Western Europe. The study, by the Control Risks Group business consultancy, said Prime Minister Tony Blair's support for the U.S.-led war in Iraq as well as Britain's large Muslim population meant there was a serious possibility of a suicide bombing.Despite the government's backing for the war, anti-Bush sentiment is strong in Britain. Tens of thousands of protesters, including some from Continental Europe, are expected to gather in London when the U.S. president arrives, and police have been preparing to mount one of London's biggest security operations. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
