‘They will not succeed’ – First Minister Nicola Sturgeon
Both Westminster and Holyrood governments reacted swiftly to news of the terrorist atrocities in Brussels yesterday.
Senior officials met in Downing Street in the afternoon to review the situation following the morning explosions in Brussels. A Number 10 spokesperson said:
The Deputy National Security Adviser chaired a meeting of senior government officials and senior representatives from the police this afternoon to review the situation following this morning’s explosions in Brussels.
The UK Ambassador to Belgium and FCO officials provided an update on the Belgian response and latest casualty figures. Details are still emerging so we do not yet know final casualty figures but at this stage we are aware of two British nationals who have been injured and consular staff are providing them with assistance.
They also discussed the response in the UK, noting that while the threat level has not changed there has been an increase in police presence at ports, airports, underground stations and international railway stations. This will be kept under review in the coming days.
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also chaired a Scottish Government resilience (SGORR) meeting following the terrorist attack.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney, Culture, Europe and External Affairs Secretary, Fiona Hyslop, Justice Secretary Michael Matheson, Europe Minister Humza Yousaf and senior Police Scotland representatives and Scottish Government officials took part in the meeting.
The First Minister later spoke to the Belgian Ambassador to pass on the condolences of the people of Scotland and offer support moving forward.
The First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “This has been an appalling and devastating attack. My thoughts are with everyone affected by the incident at Brussels airport and Maelbeek metro station this morning.
“I convened a Scottish Government resilience meeting to ensure that in Scotland we are closely monitoring the situation. We are working alongside the UK Government and we stand ready to help in any way we can.
“We are also working closely with the FCO, Police Scotland and other partners to ensure that those who have been caught up in this senseless attack or who may be concerned about relatives have all of the advice, help and information they need. I would encourage anyone with concerns about the welfare of their friends and families who may have been in Brussels to contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Crisis Centre helpline on +44 207 008 0000.
“While the UK threat level has not changed and there is no specific threat in Scotland, police patrols in place at airports and rail stations have been increased to provide reassurance. People in Scotland should be vigilant but go about their daily business without fear.
“Scotland is a diverse multi-cultural society and this diversity is our strength. Terrorist attacks are intended to divide us and destroy the freedoms and way of life we value so highly. We must unite as a community here at home – and in solidarity with those in Brussels – to make clear that they will not succeed.”
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