'Another terror attack highly likely' says Reid

Home Secretary John Reid's warning marks a major change in intelligence thinking
13 April 2012

A stark warning that a new terrorist attack is "highly likely" was issued by the Home Secretary.

John Reid also revealed that security chiefs now believe that atrocities are being controlled from abroad by Osama bin Laden's Al Qaeda terrorist organisation.

That marks a major change in intelligence thinking since the report into the 2005 London bombings concluded that the attack was a product of home-grown terrorism.

The minister gave his assessment as the new Queen's Speech ushered in a raft of new anti-terrorism legislation. Mr Reid made clear that he was considering a cross-Whitehall homeland security agency or department to respond to terrorism.

The fight against terror and crime will be at the heart of the Queen's Speech. In what is expected to be the last Queen's Speech before Tony Blair steps down, the Prime Minister wants to establish reforms that will leave his mark long after he leaves Downing Street.

On the No 10 website, Mr Blair writes that the Queen's Speech aims to tackle the biggest issues of the day: "How Britain can continue to give the lead on climate change; how we continue re-balancing the criminal justice system in favour of the law-abiding majority; how we overhaul the pension system."

But splits between Home Secretary John Reid and Chancellor Gordon Brown over counter-terror measures risked overshadowing Mr Blair's moves, after Mr Reid's idea of a security department was stamped on by Mr Brown at the weekend.

And Mr Brown will not be bound by a 10-year policy review ordered by Mr Blair. His allies say the Chancellor will want a fresh direction to take on David Cameron's Tories.

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