Security tightened in Scotland

Scottish politicians expressed support for Tony Blair

Security in Scotland has been tightened in the wake of the allied military strikes on Afghanistan.

First Minister Henry McLeish said the move had been taken depsite there being no specific threat north of the border.

He said people should continue with their normal lives but warned the public to remain vigilant.

Mr McLeish also urged the public to support the British troops engaged in the conflict.

Meanwhile, political leaders in Scotland have given their backing to the military action being taken against Afghanistan.

Henry McLeish backed the military action

Mr McLeish repeated Tony Blair's assertion that Britain was standing "shoulder to shoulder" with the United States in the international war against terrorism.

Deputy first minister Jim Wallace had explained that Scotland was responsible for emergency services and planning.

He had reassured colleagues that the services were "in a good state of preparedness and there were contingency plans, were there to be some emergency".

Mr Wallace is the current executive member of the civil contingencies committee in Whitehall.

The spokesman added: "The view of the executive is that the public should be reassured that security measures and contingency plans have a high priority and are kept under constant review in light of the current situation."

The Scottish Conservatives said they would give "100% support" to the government during the conflict, while the Liberal Democrats said the Taleban were "legitimate targets".

The Scottish National Party said its thoughts were with the armed forces and their families though it stressed the need for "targeted" action and humanitarian aid.

Thoughts and prayers

Mr McLeish said: "As the prime minister said, countries which value democracy and freedom must take action to defend democracy and freedom.

"The prime minister spoke for the whole of the UK when he said British forces would be deployed because the Taleban has sided with terror not justice.

"The prime minister spoke for all of us when he said that our thoughts are with our brave armed forces and their families tonight."

Shadow Scottish Secretary Jacqui Lait said the Conservatives would back the government during the conflict.

She said: "We give the prime minister and the US our 100% support in the fight against terrorism."

Humanitarian aid

Ms Lait said the party's conference in Blackpool would go-ahead as "evidence that democracy will not bow to terrorism".

Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman Menzies Campbell, said: "These operations have become inevitable.

"The Taleban have been given every opportunity to give up Bin Laden and withdraw support from his terrorist network.

"Under international law these are legitimate targets.

John Swinney: "Action must be targeted"

"Every effort must be made to minimise civilian casualties.

"Once again the lives of the brave men and women of Britain's armed services are at risk. We wish them a safe return."

Scottish National Party leader John Swinney said: "The SNP has insisted that any action taken must be targeted, evidence based and have a realistic prospect of bringing individuals to justice.

"The prime minister indicated that this initiative has military, diplomatic and humanitarian features and it is essential that the balance between these three features is maintained.

"We warmly welcome the emphasis on humanitarian assistance that the prime minister and President Bush have announced."