UK flags to be flown at half-mast for Tunisia victims

A minutes’s silence will be held across the UK at midday today to remember the 38 people who died on a Tunisian beach last week. Flags will be flown at half-mast across the county and HM The Queen, Prime Minister David Cameron and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will observe the silence. 

Many public bodies will be marking the day, including:

• The Scottish government, Scottish Parliament and 2 Scottish local authorities – where four of the victims lived – have opened books of condolence.
• Foreign & Commonwealth Office staff in the crisis centre in King Charles Street will be marking the minute’s silence – this was the nerve centre for the government’s response to the attack.
• Police stations across the country will be flying their flags at half-mast and their collesgues in while officers and staff will observe the silence in police stations and at community events
• Local authorities and schools are being encouraged to mark the minute’s silence
• Transport for London and National Rail will be placing posters in all stations and will announce over PA systems to remind staff and passengers of the minute’s silence.

A number of sporting events will respect the day of mourning, including Wimbledon, Henley Regatta, the British Grand Prix and the British Horseracing Authority.

The government has also contacted faith leaders of all denominations to encourage them to join the country in remembering those lost in the Tunisian attacks.

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh will join staff at the University of Strathclyde to mark the silence.

In Edinburgh, all seven flags flying from the City Chambers will remain at half-mast today as we observe a minute’s silence to mourn the British tourists and all others killed in the Tunisian terrorist attack.

Lord Provost Donald Wilson is urging residents to stop and pause at midday as a mark of respect for those killed. He said: “On behalf of everyone in Edinburgh, I would like to express my deepest condolences to those affected by the horrific and tragic events in Tunisia. All seven flags at the City Chambers have been lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect as our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of the victims involved. We wish them comfort at this difficult time.”