Paris attacks: What they could mean for the UK

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Armed policeman outside Downing StreetImage source, Getty Images

On Friday Paris was attacked by gunmen and suicide bombers.

At least 129 people were killed and hundreds wounded.

The first UK casualty was named as Nick Alexander from Colchester, who was selling merchandise for rock band Eagles of Death Metal.

Police are still searching for some of the people who carried out the attack.

David Cameron has asked British people to "carry on" with their lives after the attacks.

However events in Paris have already led to questions about security services and where it is safe to visit.

Should I go to the football?

Image source, AFP/Getty Images
Image caption,

Wembley Stadium's arch was lit up with the blue, white and red of the French flag after Friday's attacks in Paris

David Cameron, who's at international talks in Turkey, has said it's "very important that we carry on with our lives".

He was also asked in a BBC interview about whether he'd be happy to take his children to the England v France football friendly on Tuesday.

"Our freedom depends on showing resolve and carrying on with our way of life, which is exactly what we ought to do."

On Sunday Home Secretary Theresa May warned people in Britain to be "alert but not alarmed".

More spies

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The Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), or MI6, will get more money to tackle terrorism

The government has said it's going to recruit an extra 1,900 officers for MI5, MI6 and GCHQ.

There are around 13,000 security staff employed at the moment.

Detailed plans will be released next Monday.

"Our security and intelligence services have stopped something like seven attacks in the last six months, albeit attacks planned on a smaller scale," said David Cameron.

More surveillance

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The UK has one of the largest CCTV networks in the world

In his interview with the BBC, David Cameron seemed to suggest that he wanted to speed up plans for introducing new spying powers.

"We should look at the timetable," he said.

"We have been aware of these cells operating in Syria that are radicalising people in our own countries, potentially sending people back to carry out attacks."

Border security

Image source, PA

Security's been beefed up in UK cities and ports and people are being asked to look out for anything unusual.

But the terror threat-level hasn't been changed from its second-highest "severe" rating, external.

Giving in to "base reactions" over the refugee crisis should be avoided, warned the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker.

Read more about the impact of the Paris attacks on border security across Europe.

Money to improve airport safety

Image source, AP
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Security at Sharm el-Sheikh Airport in Egypt has been stepped up after last month's suspected bombing of a Russian plane

There will also be extra money for experts to help the government assess airport safety in countries with large numbers of British visitors.

After last month's suspected bombing of a Russian plane in Egypt, David Cameron will talk to other world leaders at the international G20 summit in Turkey.

Over the next two months, security at various airports in the Middle East will be looked at including passenger screening, security at airports, hold baggage and freight screening.

Spending will be doubled to nearly £20m.

Bombing raids

Image source, PA
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RAF Tornado GR4 jets are taking part in British bombing raids on ISIS targets in Iraq

At the moment Britain is only taking part in bombing missions on targets in Iraq.

David Cameron said he wouldn't hold a vote on extending that action into Syria until he knows he has enough support.

"Isil don't recognise a border between Iraq and Syria and neither should we.

"But I need to build the argument, I need to take it to parliament, I need to convince more people."

Find out why "so-called" ISIS has so many different names in our YouTube explainer., external

Read more about the changing tactics of Islamic State militants after the attacks in Paris.

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