British PM announces measures to strengthen security

LONDON, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Gordon Brown on Wednesday announced a series of measures to strengthen the country's security, enhance counter-terrorism work and maximize the security of air travel.

Brown announced that the Home Office watchlist would be extended and used as the basis for a new "no fly" list and a list of those who would be subject to special screening before a boarding a flight to Britain.

In a statement to the House of Commons, he pledged that all major ports and airports would be covered by the Home Office's e-borders scheme by the end of this year.

Under the program, passengers must provide detailed personal information when buying their tickets so they can be checked against watchlists before travelling.

Coordination of intelligence between British agencies and with international partners will also be improved and the prime minister announced that British agencies had already begun setting up joint teams as part of this move.

Brown also discussed work with Yemeni authorities following the attempted bombing of a U.S.-bound flight on Christmas Day, which has been linked to Yemen. Direct flights between Britain and Yemen have now been suspended and next week Brown is expected to take part in a special meeting on Yemen in London.

Brown said: "As with all aspects of the fight against terrorism, this new threat can be met only through enhanced cooperation. So we will now work more closely with allies in the region to pool efforts, resources and expertise. And next week - here in London alongside our conference on Afghanistan - we will be hosting a special meeting to strengthen international support for Yemen in its efforts against al-Qaida."

Britain would also work with partners in the International Civil Aviation Organization, the EU, and the G8 to promote enhancements to the international aviation security regime - including stronger security arrangements in airports, Brown said.

British Home Secretary Alan Johnson is set to discuss initial proposals with his European and U.S. counterparts this week.