Zawahri threatens more UK attacks

Al-Qaeda's second-in-command, Ayman al-Zawahri, has threatened more attacks on Britain, according to reports.

This warning comes just two weeks after failed bombings in London and Glasgow.

In a tape posted on a website used by al-Qaeda-linked groups, he said: "I say to (Tony) Blair's successor that the policy of your predecessor drew catastrophes in Afghanistan and Iraq and even in the centre of London.

"If you did not learn the lesson then we are ready to repeat it, God willing, until we are sure you have fully understood."

It was not immediately possible to verify the authenticity of the tape.

The Foreign Office spokesman said that it would maintain efforts to thwart terrorists: "We will continue to tackle the threat from international terrorism as a priority in order to prevent the risk of attacks on British interests at home and overseas, including from al-Qaeda."

He added: "These terrorists care nothing for the peoples of the Middle East, Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Al-Qaeda has been killing civilians of all faiths, including many fellow Muslims, for years."

© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.