NICOLA Sturgeon was last night in discussions with senior police officers and security advisers to consider whether there were “any potential implications” to Scotland of yesterday’s terror attack in London.
In a statement the First Minister said her officials held a Scottish Government resilience (SGoRR) meeting with Police Scotland in the afternoon and a further meeting to assess the situation was due to be held later. “Following the incident the Scottish Government has been liaising closely with Police Scotland and the Cabinet Secretary for Justice has been briefed by the Chief Constable,” she said.
“This afternoon our officials held a Scottish Government resilience (SGoRR) meeting with Police Scotland, to ensure that any potential implications for Scotland are considered and I will convene a ministerial SGoRR meeting later this evening.”
She added: “We have been in regular dialogue with the Parliament and I fully support the decision of the Presiding Officer to suspend proceedings this afternoon. It should be made clear, however, that this was not because of any specific threat to the parliament or to Scotland.”
She said her thoughts were with everyone caught up in the incident including the emergency services “who responded bravely to ensure the safety of the many people nearby”.
She added: “We are liaising with our counterparts in the UK Government and the Scottish Government stands ready to support in any way we can.”
Assistant Chief Constable of Police Scotland Bernard Higgins said the force was reviewing all safety and security plans and operations.
“An element of this includes ensuring our armed policing and specialist resources are appropriately deployed. We are monitoring the situation closely,” he said.
“I would urge the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to the police. We continue to liaise with the UK authorities in response to this incident and our thoughts are with those affected by the events in London.”
Scottish MPs were among those caught up in the lockdown of Parliament. Angus Robertson, the SNP’s Westminster leader, tweeted: “Thanks for the kind messages about @theSNP MPs and staff at Westminster who are all safe. Thoughts are with everyone directly affected.”
George Kerevan tweeted: “Myself and 200+ MPs still in lockdown in Commons chambers. Our thoughts with family of murdered police officer.”
Eilidh Whiteford also posted a message: “In lockdown following security incident at Westminster. Thoughts with police, security and emergency services outside. Thanks for messages.”
Labour’s Ian Murray said: “Police, security, House Staff & armed unit have us locked down in parliament. Staff locked in office. All safe but thoughts with injured.”
World leaders also responded with US president Donald Trump describing the attack as “big news”
The US State Department said it was ready to assist the UK authorities in any way. According to US network NBC, Trump told reporters: “I was just getting an update on London.
“Some big news having to do with London just happened.”
State Department spokesman Mark Toner said: “We are following the concerning situation outside the UK Parliament. Our hearts go out to those affected.”
He added: “We stand ready to assist in any way the UK authorities would find helpful... Our embassy in London is monitoring the situation closely.”
Dutch PM Mark Rutte said: “Horrible images from London. The very heart of the city has been struck.
“Our thoughts are with the British people.”
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