Prime Minister David Cameron convened Britain’s emergency response committee on Saturday (November 14) to discuss the attacks in Paris which left 127 people dead, while a terminal at the UK’s second-busiest airport was evacuated after a security alert.
“The events in Paris are the worst act of violence in France since the second world war, the worst terrorist attack in Europe for a decade. A horrifying and sickening attack. Our hearts go out to the French people and to all those who lost loved ones. Today the British and French people stand together as we have so often before in our history when confronted by evil. Shocked but resolute, in sorrow but unbowed. My message to the French people is simple: (French) ‘nous sommes solidaires avec vous, nous sommes tous ensembles’ (we stand in solidarity with you, we are all together). We stand with you, united,” he said.
Britain’s terrorism threat level stands at “severe”, the second-highest category, which means a militant attack is considered highly likely.
In an on-camera statement made at Downing Street, Cameron said the threat was ‘evolving’.
“It is clear that the threat from ISIL is evolving. Last night’s attack suggests a new degree of planning and co-ordination and a greater ambition for mass casualty attacks. And we must recognise that however strong we are, however much we prepare, we in the UK face the same threat. That’s why we continue to encourage the public to remain vigilant and we will do all we can to support our police and intelligence agencies with the resources and the capabilities they need.”
He added that some of the casualties were likely to be British.
Reuters