Blair told to reveal specifics of terror threat

The government has been urged to release details of the terror threat facing Britain, after Pakistani authorities revealed that it had uncovered preparations for Al Qaeda terror strikes on the US and UK.

The US went on heightened alert this week after new information came to light following the arrest of a top Al Qaeda suspect in Pakistan. It has also emerged that computer disks seized by Pakistani authorities suggested that Britain may also be targeted by the terror group.

Today, Shadow Home Secretary David Davis called on the Prime Minister to be more forthcoming with information, and voiced concerns that the Home Office had not matched the US approach and raised security levels.

"The British government should take this risk extremely seriously. We find it very worrying that the Americans seem to be at a much more advanced stage than us in contingency planning and police presence. They also share much more information with their public than our government," he said.

Earlier this week, the US administration revealed that "new and unusually specific information" had lifted the lid on potential terror attack targets on the US East Coast.

US Home Security Secretary Tom Ridge told a press conference on Monday that there was a "credible threat" to financial services sector in New York City, Northern New Jersey and Washington.

US intelligence reported that Al Qaeda was targeting several specific buildings, including: the IMF and World Bank in Washington; Prudential Financial in Northern New Jersey; and Citigroup buildings and the Stock Exchange in New York.

An MI5 terror assessment published on July 28 has concluded that the threat from international terrorism "remains real and serious".

The security service said that Al Qaeda cells and supporters of affiliated groups were known to be active in the UK; and a terrorist threat to the UK "may also come from overseas".

A Whitehall spokeswoman said today: "If the public need to take specific action, we will issue advice and information immediately. We still say the threat remains real and serious."

On the back of mounting security concerns, Mr Davis reiterated his party's demands for a dedicated Homeland Security Minister – mirroring Tom Ridge's role in the US.

He added: "Mr Blair need to spell out the exact threat to the UK so that we are in a clear position as to where we stand. It is astonishing that we are getting more information about the risk to Britain from the Americans than from our own government."

In the US, strengthened security measures around the buildings concerned include: special buffer zones to secure the perimeter of target buildings from unauthorized cars and trucks; restrictions to underground parking; security personnel using identification badges and digital photos to keep track of people entering and exiting buildings; increased law enforcement presence; and "robust" screening of vehicles, packages and deliveries.

(gmcg)