MR John Major will make a statement on the Northern Ireland crisis in the House of Commons this afternoon as Britain braces itself for further IRA attacks.
Scotland Yard last night declared itself "extremely concerned" that the IRA could be preparing to follow up the Docklands bombing with attacks on other high profile targets. A statement by Assistant Commissioner David Veness urged "particular vigilance" against attacks, which could occur "any time, anywhere" in Britain.
His warning came as the prime minister chaired crisis talks at 10 Downing Street last night with Northern Ireland and Home Office ministers. A full meeting of the British cabinet's Northern Ireland committee will take place this morning.
Sir Patrick Mayhew and Mr Michael Howard reported to last night's meeting on security issues. The Northern Ireland Secretary and the Home Secretary told Mr Major that security measures which had been scaled down over the past 17 months "can be scaled - up quickly, in a measured way."
Ministers expressed their "absolute determination" to relentlessly pursue those responsible for Friday's bombing, while seeking to reassure the public about the strength of the police and security response to the renewed threat Mr Major is due to have meetings later today with the SDLP leader Mr John Hume, and the DUP leader, the Rev Ian Paisley.