29 June 2007
Gordon Brown has asked the public to be extra vigilant after a "potentially viable explosive device" was found in central London.
Speaking this morning, he said that the country faces a "serious and continuous" threat from terrorism.
The Prime Minister said:
"The first duty of the government is the security of the people and as the police and security services have said on so many occasions we face serious and continuous threat to our country.
"We should allow the police to investigate this incident and then report to us but this incident does recall the need for us to be vigilant at all times and the public to be alert for any potential incidents.
"I will stress to the cabinet that the vigilance must be maintained over the next few days."
The device was found in a car parked in Haymarket in the early hours of this morning. After cordoning off the area, police officers carried out a controlled explosion shortly after spotting the suspicious-looking car.
New Home Secretary Jacqui Smith attended an emergency security meeting this morning before reporting back to Mr Brown and the rest of the Cabinet.
Addressing journalists outside Number 10, the Home Secretary said the UK is "currently facing the most serious and sustained threat".
She added:
"The Government, the police and the security services are doing everything possible to protect the public."