The threat from terrorism remains real and serious. There is no specific intelligence of places, events or people in the UK that could lead us at the moment to issue specific warnings to the public.
The Government will never hesitate to issue a warning if it is the best way to protect any community or venue facing a specific and credible threat. Advice would be issued immediately if the public needed to take specific action which could make them safer. These are difficult judgements but public safety is our absolute priority.
Through preparation, planning and testing we are working hard to ensure that the UK is in the best possible position to respond react and recover from any single or multiple disruptive incident or challenge.
UK has long-standing and well-practised contingency plans in place for many types of threat, including terrorism.
In event of any incident follow the advice of the emergency services, otherwise the general advice is to 'go in, stay in and tune in'.
Much has been done since September 11, 2001 to thwart attacks and to damage terrorists' abilities. But no country is immune from attack, and it simply is not possible to guarantee against attacks in the future.
UK has lived with terrorism or the threat from terrorism for more than 30 years. We will not give in to the terrorist.
Where threats are specific, we seek to thwart them. Where they are general, we seek to analyse them, and take whatever response we believe to be necessary to ensure the protection of the public.
The principal threats come from international terrorism, and in particular, extremist groups, including those who erroneously claim to be acting for Islam; and nationalist, separatist, and other violent terrorist groups. We do not see the Muslim community as a threat. The Muslim leadership in the UK has repeatedly condemned all forms of terrorism.
The Government is putting a great deal of effort in engaging with faith communities including Muslim communities following September 11th and the conflict in Iraq and encouraging a better understanding of their needs and circumstances.
Our new Civil Contingencies Bill will improve even more the UK's ability to deal with the consequences of major disruptive incidents and, by setting out clear expectations and responsibilities ensure that the front line can deal with the full range of emergencies.
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