Canary Wharf and the London Stock Exchange have been evacuated in response to the wave of terrorist attacks in the US. It is feared that a parallel attack might take place in the heart of London’s financial district. Meanwhile, all planes due to fly to America have been grounded. Security has been stepped up at Heathrow and Gatwick, and airport officials are trying desperately to cope with travel chaos. Passengers travelling to the US are advised to contact their airline before departing for the airport.
Downing Street said it is not evacuating, although Foreign Secretary Jack Straw warned: “Alert states for government buildings, civilian and military, have been raised in the UK.”
Diplomatic posts throughout the world have also been placed on maximum alert. “We are issuing travel advice to all British citizens abroad to take great care if they are living in sensitive areas, to stay in their compounds, to avoid obvious areas of potential risk, and to have great care for their safety,” said the Foreign Secretary.
Scotland Yard said it was in constant touch with Government departments, although there have been no threats made against Britain.
Prime Minister Tony Blair, speaking at the TUC conference in Brighton, has expressed shock at the outrage, and sent his “deepest condolences” to President Bush and the American people. “This mass terrorism is the new evil in our world today,” added the clearly stunned premier. “It is perpetrated by fanatics. We, the democratic societies of the world, are going to have to come together to fight it together.” Mr Blair has called an emergency meeting of senior ministers, including Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, Home Secretary David Blunkett and Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon.
Buckingham Palace revealed that the Queen will be sending a message of sympathy to the US president.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
