Posted on 11/01/2005 8:19:47 PM PST by Aussie Dasher
BRITISH forces had thwarted attempts to carry out more terror attacks since the July 7 London bombings and a botched bid to repeat them on July 21, the capital's police chief said in remarks published today.
"The security service and the Met have prevented other attacks in the last few weeks," Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair said in an article in The Sun newspaper.
"The sky is dark. Intelligence exists to suggest that other groups will attempt to attack Britain in the coming months," he said.
Sir Ian said it could take weeks or months to understand material that was found.
"One case involved an encrypted computer, which was the equivalent of 60,000 feet of paper. Was there a vital clue in there somewhere? Yes, but we were fortunate that it was pretty near the beginning, otherwise we would never have found it within the current time limit."
He said police chiefs were united in supporting an extension of detention for terrorist suspects to 90 days, if officers were to defeat those planning further carnage.
The issue is to be debated again in the House of Commons this week, with opponents urging Home Secretary Charles Clarke to drop the proposal to hold terror suspects for up to 90 days without charge.
Sir Ian said detention must have rigorous scrutiny by a judge every seven or 14 days, to confirm that continued detention was appropriate.
The victims of the July 7 bombings in London were remembered at a national memorial service yesterday with a renewed call to respect all human life in the face of indiscriminate violence.
About 2300 people, led by the Queen and Prime Minister Tony Blair, attended the service at St Paul's Cathedral, with thousands more watching outside and in Trafalgar Square on giant screens.
But relatives of some of the 52 victims of the worst terror attack on British soil stayed away, expressing anger at a lack of practical support and adequate compensation from the Government since the atrocities.
This makes me wonder if any have been prevented in the US. You'd think if the Brits would let their people know, we'd do the same here. Bush is terminally secretive, tho.
No. I saw him a short time ago saying the same thing, "we've stopped some attacks."
"We stand united with the Brits and Americans against terrorist cowards!
Our nations are securing freedom and democracy for those yet unborn. Tomorrows tomorrow is what all this is about.
History will prove this to be true. Great evils unimagined will never happen because brave peoples stepped forward in our times, united together and said NO to these monsters.
That is why they hate us so. Because we are free to choose to stand in their way.
Ivan you be careful...sounds like the secret services have an idea something is in the works.
The terrorists can go to hell. I'm not altering my life one iota because of them.
Regards, Ivan
Fire the CIA and replace them with Scotland Yard. They can hardly do worse.
Was there any sort of specificity? The UK provided some details.
I don't remember any specifics. I think the number ten was mentioned with some details about the ones that were already made public.
Ian Blair has a lack of credibility following his statements after the shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes.
The time when new laws that he backs are being debated in Parliament seems like a suspiciously opportune time to be making these disclosures.
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