CRI听力:UK Tightens Security Check in Wake of Paris Attack

UK Prime Minister David Cameron made a public statement after chairing a meeting with his top ministers on Saturday morning. He expressed his condolences to the victims of the Paris attack and vows that the UK will stand side by side with France in the fight against terrorism.

"They were killed and injured by brutal and callous murderers who want to destroy everything our two countries stand for: peace, tolerance, liberty. But we will not let them. We will redouble our efforts to wipe out this poisonous extremist ideology and together with the French and our allies around the world, stand up for all we believe in."

Cameron stresses that the UK faces the same level of terrorist threat, and needs both the government and its citizens to remain vigilant.

"The threat level in UK is already at 'Severe' which means an attack is highly likely and will remain so. Our police and intelligence agencies work around the clock to do all they can to keep us safe. Ever since the coordinated firearm attack in Mumbai in 2008, we've all been working together to insure we could respond to such an attack. This summer, policy and other emergency agencies carried out a major exercise to test our response for multiple firearms attacks and in the light of last night's attacks, we would of course review our plans and make sure we learn any appropriate lessons."

Downing Street says a small number of British citizens were among those dead or injured in the Paris attacks and the British Embassy is working with French authorities to find out more information.

In the wake of Friday's attacks, major ports in London, including St Pancras International which is a hub for Eurostar trains connecting London and Paris, have seen tightened security checks. And the north terminal Gatwick airport was closed for six hours because of the suspicious actions of one man. It has reported that police have detained a 41-year-old man who tried to discard his luggage at the airport.

Mark Rowley, London's Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner, says the ambition of terrorists is to create fear and distrust among the public. He advises the British public remain calm and inform the police should they discover any information about suspicious behavior.

"We have already trying to prepare for such attacks. We've got more officers on patrol. Overnight of course, we've look at our plans afresh and whenever something like this happens, we will review our stance and people would probably see in the next few days more police officers at public events and strengthened policing at ports."

London's landmarks including the London Eye and Tower Bridge were lit up in the colors of the French flag in mourning of the Paris attack victims. A vigil was held at London's Trafalgar Square with hundreds of people gathering to pay their respects.

For CRI, I'm Duan Xuelian in London