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Tunisia attack: UK tourists advised to leave country Tunisia attack: UK tourists advised to leave country
(35 minutes later)
All British nationals are being urged to leave Tunisia because "a further terrorist attack is highly likely", Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond says.All British nationals are being urged to leave Tunisia because "a further terrorist attack is highly likely", Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond says.
Thirty Britons were among 38 tourists killed in an attack there last month.Thirty Britons were among 38 tourists killed in an attack there last month.
The Foreign Office estimates 2,500 to 3,000 UK tourists are in Tunisia and a few hundred British residents.The Foreign Office estimates 2,500 to 3,000 UK tourists are in Tunisia and a few hundred British residents.
Mr Hammond said there was no suggestion of a "specific or imminent threat", but said the FCO was advising against all non-essential travel there. It is advising against all non-essential travel to Tunisia, and some travel firms are repatriating their British staff.
'More work needed''More work needed'
The Foreign Office said that despite more security measures being put in place by Tunisian authorities, these do not "provide adequate protection for British tourists". The FCO said that although the Tunisian authorities have put in place more security measures, these do not "provide adequate protection for British tourists".
It said in its updated advice that tour operators were arranging additional flights back to the UK.It said in its updated advice that tour operators were arranging additional flights back to the UK.
Britons are urged to get in touch with their tour operators to plan their return, with those travelling independently advised to return on commercial flights.Britons are urged to get in touch with their tour operators to plan their return, with those travelling independently advised to return on commercial flights.
Tunisia declared a state of emergency after the 26 June attack. Tunisia declared a state of emergency after the 26 June attack. Plans to build a wall along its border with Libya to counter the threat from militants were announced earlier this week.
Mr Hammond said: "While we do not have any information suggesting a specific or imminent threat, since the attack in Sousse the intelligence and threat picture has developed considerably, leading us to the view that a further terrorist attack is highly likely."Mr Hammond said: "While we do not have any information suggesting a specific or imminent threat, since the attack in Sousse the intelligence and threat picture has developed considerably, leading us to the view that a further terrorist attack is highly likely."
He went on: "The Tunisian investigation into those behind the Sousse attack, and that on the Bardo Museum earlier this year, is on-going and the Tunisians have made clear they want to track down further individuals who they suspect may have links to this attack.He went on: "The Tunisian investigation into those behind the Sousse attack, and that on the Bardo Museum earlier this year, is on-going and the Tunisians have made clear they want to track down further individuals who they suspect may have links to this attack.
"Furthermore, we have now completed an assessment of the security measures in tourist areas and while we are working with the Tunisian authorities to further strengthen those measures, we judge that more work is needed to effectively protect tourists from the terrorist threat."Furthermore, we have now completed an assessment of the security measures in tourist areas and while we are working with the Tunisian authorities to further strengthen those measures, we judge that more work is needed to effectively protect tourists from the terrorist threat.
"Taking all these factors together, we judge that it is right and prudent to make this change today.""Taking all these factors together, we judge that it is right and prudent to make this change today."
The Association of British Travel Agents said those due to travel to Tunisia should contact the company they booked through.The Association of British Travel Agents said those due to travel to Tunisia should contact the company they booked through.
Travelling to Tunisia now is likely to invalidate travel insurance policies, but most policies will provide cover for those currently in the country, it added. Travelling to Tunisia now would be likely to invalidate travel insurance policies, but most policies will provide cover for those currently in the country, it added.
A spokeswoman said: "Those with holidays booked within the next 48 hours to Tunisia are advised to contact your travel company to discuss available options. If you have booked a package you will be entitled to a refund or alternative holiday." A spokesman said: "Those with holidays booked within the next 48 hours to Tunisia are advised to contact your travel company to discuss available options. If you have booked a package you will be entitled to a refund or alternative holiday."
The association said that very low numbers of British tourists were currently in Tunisia, following the Sousse attack; 25,000 are usually expected at this time of year.
Background and analysis
Thomas Cook has cancelled all its bookings to Tunisia up until the end of October, saying the "safety and well-being" of its customers were its key concern.Thomas Cook has cancelled all its bookings to Tunisia up until the end of October, saying the "safety and well-being" of its customers were its key concern.
"In response to the recent change in FCO advice we have taken this decision to bring all Thomas Cook customers back to the UK as soon as we can using third party carriers and on our 10 scheduled flights over the weekend," a spokesman said. "Thomas Cook is strongly advising its guests in the country to return on these flights.""In response to the recent change in FCO advice we have taken this decision to bring all Thomas Cook customers back to the UK as soon as we can using third party carriers and on our 10 scheduled flights over the weekend," a spokesman said. "Thomas Cook is strongly advising its guests in the country to return on these flights."
The holiday firm is sending specialist assistance teams to support its customers and bring them back to the UK "as soon as possible".The holiday firm is sending specialist assistance teams to support its customers and bring them back to the UK "as soon as possible".
Background and analysis Thomson and First Choice staff working in Tunisia are being returned home within the next 24 hours "as a precautionary measure", the companies said.
Mr Hammond said the situation would be kept "under close review" in the coming weeks and that the UK government would work with Tunisia "to further understand the threat and to strengthen their security response to it".
He added: "Earlier this afternoon I spoke to the Tunisian Prime Minister and underlined our commitment to working with Tunisia to help them tackle this threat and to support their efforts to develop both their economy and their democracy."