Hastings and Rye MP: Security measures reviewed after '˜brutal' Nice attack

Amber Rudd said the international terrorism threat remained at ‘severe’ and an attack is ‘highly likely’ in her first speech as home secretary in the House of Commons today (Monday, July 18).

Eighty-four people were killed when Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel drove a hired lorry through crowds gathered to celebrate Bastille Day on Thursday (July 14).

Ms Rudd said the public should be ‘vigilant, but not alarmed’ by the terror threat and police forces and spy agencies were being boosted in real terms to deal with it.

“On Friday, following the attack in Nice, the police and the security and intelligence agencies took steps to review our own security measures and ensure that we have robust procedures in place, and I am receiving regular updates,” she said.

The home secretary told the Commons all police forces have reviewed upcoming events to ensure security measures are ‘appropriate and proportionate’ after being appointed to the role last week.

Ms Rudd condemned the work of Daesh - or Islamic State - and other terrorist organisations who ‘seek to poison people’s minds and ‘peddle sickening hate and lies to encourage people to plot acts of terrorism or leave their families to join them’.

“These were innocent people enjoying national celebrations. They were families - mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, daughters and sons, and friends. Many of them were children.

“They were attacked in the most brutal and cowardly way possible, as they simply went about their lives.”

Ms Rudd ended her statement with a message to ‘our French friends and neighbours’ pledging solidarity with the victims.

“What happened in Nice last Thursday was cruel and incomprehensible. The horror and devastation is something many people will live with for the rest of their lives.

“We know you are hurting. We know this will cause lasting pain. So let me be quite clear: We will stand with you. We will support you in this fight.

“And together, with our partners around the world, we will defeat those who seek to attack our way of life.”

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