Blair bans flights over London

Britain has increased security in the wake of the terror attacks on America, banning flights over central London and putting the police on full alert.

Tony Blair: 'we stand shoulder to shoulder with America'

Defence facilities have also been put on high alert and financial and business institutions have been given advice on stepping up security.

Tony Blair said Britain stood "shoulder to shoulder with our American friends".

The Prime Minister appeared determined and resolute as he offered US President George Bush his full support in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Speaking in Downing Street, Mr Blair said: "This is not a battle between the United States and terrorism, but between the free and democratic world and terrorism.

"We therefore here in Britain stand shoulder to shoulder with out American friends in this hour of tragedy and we, like them, will not rest until this evil is driven from our world.

Of the terrorists, Mr Blair said: "As for those that carried out these acts there are no adequate words of condemnation.

"Their barbarism will stand as their shame for all eternity." Mr Blair was speaking after a meeting of the Cobra civil contingency planning group in Downing Street, attended by key Cabinet members and representatives from the security forces.

Security would be stepped up at every level across the country, the Premier said.

No flights would leave Britain unless maximum security could be guaranteed.

Aircraft would no longer be allowed to cross central London and private flights would only go ahead with special authorisation.

Government and military buildings were on high alert, as were police across the country, Mr Blair said. Security had also been stepped up at British military bases around the world.

Business and financial institutions were being advised how to protect themselves, the Prime Minister said.

But while the new safeguards would cause inconvenience, life in Britain would go on.

"Business and everyday life can continue as normal," Mr Blair added.

As he walked into the upstairs drawing room at 10 Downing Street, Mr Blair looked markedly more composed than when he first spoke of the attacks, at the TUC congress in Brighton.

"The full horror of what has taken place in the US early today is now becoming clearer," he said.

"It is hard even to contemplate the utter carnage and terror that has engulfed so many innocent people.

"We have offered to President Bush and the American people our solidarity, our profound sympathy and our prayers.

"But it is plain that citizens of many countries around the world, including Britain, will have been caught up in this tragedy."

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-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), September 11, 2001