PM pays tribute to police and security services

PM pays tribute to police and security services

10 August 2006

Tony Blair has thanked the police and security services for their "immense effort" in protecting the country following today's anti-terror operation.

Following his latest briefing on the operation, the Prime Minister said:

"I would like to pay tribute to the immense effort made by the police and security services, who for a long period of time have tracked this situation and been involved in an extraordinary amount of hard work. I thank them for the great job they are doing in protecting our country.

"There has been an enormous amount of cooperation with the US authorities which has been of great value and underlines the threat we face and our determination to counter it."

The major counter-terrorism operation carried out last night had the "full support" of the Prime Minister, Downing Street said.

Mr Blair has been in "constant contact" with Ministers and officials in London. He briefed President Bush on the operation overnight.

The UK threat level has been increased to critical following the disruption of the alleged terrorist plot targeting UK flights.

A number of arrests have been made by police in London, High Wycombe and Birmingham.

Following this morning's police action, security at all UK airports has been increased and additional security measures have been put in place for all flights.

The Department for Transport has issued important travel advice to anyone travelling from a UK airport.

ENDS

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