Blears: Terror threat "is serious"

The UK is to join forces with the US and Canada to mount a massive international counter-terrorism exercise.

In a statement on Friday, the Home Office said the four day event would test simultaneous responses to internationally linked terrorist incidents.

The training exercise, one of the biggest in recent history, will be dubbed "Atlantic Blue".

Although there will be no visible "on the ground" activity within the UK exercise, ministers and the security services will operate at a strategic level on communication issues across international borders.

"The threat from international terrorism remains real and serious, and is a worldwide concern," said Hazel Blears.

"It is vital we make every effort to enhance and develop our resilience to this threat by working closely with our international colleagues.

"Exercise Atlantic Blue provides an excellent opportunity to do this, through sharing best practice on emergency planning and response procedures."

Heightened fears

The event comes amid heightened fears of a terrorist spectacular during Britain's general election campaign.

Security sources fear al Qaeda could attempt to pull off a repeat of the massive train bombings seen in Madrid on the eve of the Spanish general election.

"Training exercises are an important part of countering terrorism," added Blears.

"The UK programme of exercises is among the best in the world and a vital part of our work in resilience and contingency planning, ensuring that we are prepared to respond to any kind of terrorist attack and that our counter-terrorism arrangements are tried and tested.

Commenting on the exercise, the US secretary of homeland security, Michael Chertoff, said: "By responding realistically to simulated attacks, we are able to identify our strengths and weaknesses and make our national response system stronger.

"Our partnerships with the UK and Canada will further enhance our ability to deal with terrorism on an international level."