Attack prompts security rethinks worldwide

Nations on alert after Manchester tragedy

TOKYO/SINGAPORE, May 23, (RTRS): Countries from the United States to Japan and Singapore are considering tightening security ahead of major theatre and sports events following a suicide bomb attack in Britain that killed at least 22 people.

Prime Minister Theresa May called an emergency meeting with intelligence chiefs on the deadliest militant assault in the country since four British Muslims killed 52 people in suicide bombings on London’s transport system in July 2005.

The US Department of Homeland Security said it was closely monitoring Monday’s attack, at the end of a concert by US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester, and that the US public may experience increased security at public events.

Sports events organisers were also looking into security. European soccer body UEFA said there was “no specific intelligence” to suggest that Wednesday’s Europa League final in Stockholm between Manchester United and Dutch side Ajax Amsterdam might be the target of any attack.

UFEA said that “a number of additional security measures were implemented” after a truck attack in central Stockholm last month.

Japan said it had started gathering information. “We have strengthened our position by establishing an information-gathering unit dedicated to international terrorism,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters.

Organiser

In Singapore, the organiser of Britney Spears’ concerts in June said they were considering new measures.

“We are definitely looking at tightening security,” Yogesh Mehta, project manager at IME Entertainment Group, said.

“All our events are licensed by the police. It is normally advised by the licensing department on what precautions to take, how many armed guards we need. So we work closely with them.”

Singapore, which hosts a security summit between June 2-4 bringing together AsiaPacific defence and military chiefs, made amendments to the Public Order Act last month.

It requires event organisers to notify the police a month beforehand if they expect more than 5,000 people to attend. And police may refuse to allow a public gathering if it has a direct political end or involves foreigners.

Hong Kong’s AsiaWorld Expo, where Ariana Grande is due to hold a concert in September, said it would improve security at all concerts and events. Besides baggage inspection,

there would also be metal detectors and search dogs, it said in a statement.

Hong Kong is already on high alert ahead of an expected visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to mark the 20th anniversary of the city’s handover to Beijing on July 1 when the former British colony’s new leader will also be sworn in.

In the Taiwan capital of Taipei, which hosts the Summer Universiade sports event in August, officials said they already have the highest levels of readiness.

The International Cricket Council said security for the ICC Champions Trophy next month and the ICC Women’s World Cup, both in Britain, was its “highest priority”.

The Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia’s

festival, actress Isabelle Huppert and festival employees.

In a statement, festival organizers called Monday’s blast “yet another attack on culture, youth and joyfulness, on our freedom, generosity and tolerance, all things that the Festival and those who make it possible — the artists, professionals and spectators — hold dear.”

biggest sports arena, said it was reviewing procedures. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the government was working closely with other countries on strategy.

“While the threat level in Victoria remains unchanged, and there is no known threat to the MCG, we continue to receive advice from relevant authorities and together review our security processes accordingly,” the club’s spokesman said, referring to the state of which Melbourne is the capital.

SM investments Corp, whose Mall of Asia Arena in the Philippine capital will host Ariana Grande in August, said it would take all precautions.

“Our security is always stepped up especially for big crowds like this,” said SM investment relations chief Corazon Guidote.

Some events were canceled or curtailed due to the blast. Disney canceled a promotional event for “Cars 3.”

The festival also pulled back on some elements of its 70th anniversary, which it was celebrating Tuesday. Fireworks planned for the evening were canceled.

Cannes Mayor David Lisnard assured festivalgoers that security measures were at their highest and that Cannes would continue to carry “the universal message of culture, in a spirit of openness.”

Monday’s bombing was on the minds of many at Cannes.

“It’s devastating, devastating for the families that are going through this now” said Nicole Kidman. “It’s not even to be discussed. It’s just to ... pray for them.”

Security has been greater than ever at the festival this year, with increased use of metal detectors and an anti-drone system. Nice, where a cargo truck last July plowed through crowds, killing 86 people, is just 20 miles away. (AP)

May says has ‘support’:

Prime Minister Theresa May denied on Monday that her top ministers did not support a target to bring down immigration to the tens of thousands, rejecting reports of a split in her cabinet over one of the issues that drove Britain’s Brexit vote.

Asked in a BBC interview whether former finance minister George Osborne was correct when he said that not one member of May’s cabinet supported the target, May replied: “No.” (RTRS)