British prime minister Gordon Brown has warned Britons that the terrorist threat they face is a long-term one, while vowing his government "will not yield" to or be intimidated by those seeking to undermine the British way of life, writes Frank Millar.
In his first major interview since becoming prime minister, Mr Brown said it was clear the latest attacks in London and Glasgow were perpetrated by people associated with al-Qaeda and its terror network operating in 60 countries worldwide.
Speaking on BBC1's Sunday AM programme, Mr Brown specifically rejected suggestions that British policy over Iraq might be a motivating factor, observing that the 9/11 attacks on the United States happened before the war. Identifying instead a "grievance" against western "values" in general, Mr Brown said the attacks were being made in pursuit of a terrorist cause unacceptable to people in all mainstream religions.
"Terrorism can never be justified as an act of faith," declared Mr Brown. "It is an act of evil in all circumstances." While there was no advance intelligence about the latest attacks, Mr Brown said that the return of terrorism to Britain had been expected over many months.
Mr Brown also gave no indication of any subsequent intelligence linking the London and Glasgow attacks to his becoming prime minister in succession to Tony Blair last week.
Confirming that Britain was dealing with "a long-term threat", Mr Brown urged people to carry on with their normal lives while remaining vigilant. "It is not going to go away in the next few weeks or months. We will have to be constantly vigilant. We will have to be alert at all times."
Downing Street later confirmed that a planned statement by Mr Brown in the Commons this afternoon about the government's proposed approach to constitutional reform has been
postponed.
Instead, Jacqui Smith, the home secretary, will update MPs on the police and intelligence investigations and new security measures for airports and other public places.
Mr Brown also confirmed the government would seek cross-party consensus on new anti-terrorism laws, including police power to detain suspects for up to 90 days.
A review is likely to result in the admission of wiretap or intercept evidence in the courts, while the Conservatives will also support proposals to allow police to continue questioning suspects after they have been arrested and charged.
Mr Brown suggested that "the uniqueness" of the British position was that it was also able to "balance" security measures while protecting civil liberties. He said any new anti-terrorism laws must also have proper independent oversight and accountability.