Travel disruption looks set to continue today as warnings of plummeting temperatures, snow and ice have been issued for large swathes of the UK.
The Met Office predicts the northeast and northwest England, as well as Yorkshire and the Humber, could see temperatures fall as low as -8C this weekend.
Hilly areas above 656ft (200m) could see 2cm to 4cm of snow, with places expected to be hit including Devon, the Chilterns, the Cotswolds, and Wales.
Cumbria and the Lake District may get 10cm to 15cm of snow in areas above 984ft (300m).
The level three severe cold weather alert issued by the Met Office
Sky News weather producer Rebecca Yussuf said: "It will turn much colder across the UK and Ireland over the next few days, with the return of widespread sharp frosts by night.
"Temperatures over the snowfields in Scotland will fall to lows of -8C (18F), whilst southern England and Wales will see lows of -4C (25F).
Video:Latest UK Weather Forecast
"There'll be a widespread frost each night, with icy stretches forming on untreated surfaces.
"Most places will also see a drop in day-time temperatures, with parts of Scotland remaining sub-zero over the weekend and into the first part of next week."
Dr Angie Bone, of Public Health England's extreme events team, urged people to help vulnerable relatives and friends keep warm.
"Cold does kill, even in places where the temperatures aren't at their lowest. Most of our advice on keeping warm in cold weather may seem like common sense, but it's important that we make the point that people should think about how cold can affect them.
"Our advice is that when indoors, have plenty of warm food and drinks to stay warm and try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18C, particularly if you are not mobile, have long-term illness or are 65 or over."
Age UK urged older people to "take basic precautions" and called on the Government to "commit to improving the energy efficiency of homes across the country" in a bid to end preventable winter deaths.
Video:Your Videos Of The Snow
Heavy snow has already caused disruption on roads, rail and at airports, and police have warned motorists to only to travel if necessary.
In Scotland on Friday, snow up to 5ft deep in parts left drivers stranded overnight on the A9 route to the Highlands.
Trains were cancelled between Perth and Inverness and there were delays at Glasgow Airport.
A van driver died when a tree fell on top of his vehicle in Co Antrim and a three-year-old child and an elderly woman were among three injured when a pallet was blown from a lorry in east Belfast during strong winds.
Winds of 101mph were reported in Great Dunsell, Cumbria - the highest in the UK - while other exposed areas also saw speeds of above 70mph.
The strong winds caused disruption on railways in Kent and Birmingham, and part of Glasgow city centre was closed off after metal sheeting fell from the roof of a hotel.
Written By Unknown on Jumat, 16 Januari 2015 | 14.44
The Met Office has issued a level three cold weather alert for much of the UK, with warnings of plummeting temperatures, snow and ice.
Amber watch levels are in place for northeast and northwest England, as well as Yorkshire and the Humber as temperatures are set to fall from from Friday into the weekend.
"Be aware" warnings for ice and snow are also in place across Wales, the West Midlands, northwest, and west and northwest Scotland.
The Met Office said increasingly cold air will spread from the northwest overnight on Thursday, with showers turning wintry. It warned that vulnerable people would be put at risk by the cold and said services could be disrupted.
Dr Angie Bone of Public Health England's extreme events team urged people to help vulnerable family and friends to keep warm.
Video:Your Videos Of The Snow
"Cold does kill, even in places where the temperatures aren't at their lowest. Most of our advice on keeping warm in cold weather may seem like common sense, but it's important that we make the point that people should think about how cold can affect them.
"Our advice is that when indoors, have plenty of warm food and drinks to stay warm and try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18C, particularly if you are not mobile, have long-term illness or are 65 or over."
Over the weekend, a northerly airstream will bring frost and ice for many parts.
It comes after a van driver died when a tree fell on top of his vehicle in Co Antrim and a three-year-old child and an elderly woman were among three injured when a pallet was blown from a lorry in east Belfast during strong winds.
Winds of 101mph were reported in Great Dunsell, Cumbria - the highest in the UK - while other exposed areas also saw speeds of above 70mph.
By Sophy Ridge, Political Correspondent, in Washington
David Cameron has said terrorists should be denied a "safe space" to communicate with each other ahead of talks in the US.
The Prime Minister, who is in Washington to meet President Obama and discuss the need to intercept internet communications and the setting up of a joint cyber "cell" to defeat cyber attacks, said there was a "broad agreement" between the US and UK.
An unprecedented amount of intelligence co-operation and information sharing between the two nations is expected to be announced at the talks.
He said: "We shouldn't leave a safe space in which terrorists can communicate with each other.
"There is a broad agreement that we need to have powers, in extremis, to intercept communications between terrorists. That is what America does today. It is what Britain does today.
Video:Watch British Spies At Work
"We share the intelligence and information between us and this has saved countless lives, not just in Britain and America but in other countries as well.
"We must go on sharing that information, both acting under our own legal systems, the legal system in America is different to the one here."
A cyber cell of British and American intelligence agents will be created to defeat online attacks in a deal set to be struck between the PM and Mr Obama.
Under the plans GCHQ and MI5 would join with the National Security Agency (NSA) and FBI to create a rolling programme of simulated war games involving attacks on the City and Wall Street to test their resilience.
It comes after a report by GCHQ warned that British companies are under attack by hackers, criminal gangs and foreign intelligence services.
Video:Sept 2014: British Jihadis Report
President Obama is strengthening the US response to cyberattacks in the wake of the hack on Sony Pictures.
Earlier this week, Mr Cameron said he wanted to give the security services access to encrypted communications online, which are used by social media companies such as WhatsApp and Snapchat.
However, reservations were voiced in the US.
Andrew McLaughlin, former internet adviser to President Obama, said: "Slow hand clap for David Cameron, whose proposal to ban encrypted COMMS (leaving UK wide open to hacking, spying etc) is colossally stupid."
A White House spokesman also stressed the need to balance security with a right to privacy, and the importance of keeping a "functioning relationship" with internet companies.
Video:Terrorists On Twitter
However, Mr Cameron said: "We face the same challenge in Britain and in America.
"We are free countries, free societies where we don't want to interfere with the privacy and civil liberties of our citizens but, in extremis, it has always been necessary, after going through the proper processes, to make sure that if terrorists are talking to each other or communicating with each other and are about to commit an outrage, it's always been necessary to try and intercept that and try to stop those bombs, those attacks, those murders taking place."
Mr Cameron said the British system had "huge safeguards against intrusion" into privacy.
He added: "I believe the British public will back me when I say that we shouldn't allow terrorists to talk to each other without being able, in extremis, with a warrant from the Home Secretary signed personally by her, to intercept those calls."
Written By Unknown on Kamis, 15 Januari 2015 | 14.43
A Briton being held in Guantanamo Bay should be released because of his "fragile medical condition", a group of senior doctors have said.
Shaker Aamer is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and asthma and his continued detention is having an "appalling effect" on his health, according to the medics.
David Cameron is expected to raise Mr Aamer's case with US President Barack Obama during a visit to Washington this week.
In a letter organised by consultant neurologist and human rights activist David Nicholl, health experts - including consultants and professors - said Mr Aamer has "pressing medical concerns".
A medical assessment found Mr Aamer has "pressing medical concerns"
Mr Aamer, who is originally from Saudi Arabia but moved to Battersea, London, has been held in Guantanamo Bay since 2002.
He is accused of being a close associate of Osama bin Laden - a charge he denies.
US authorities have threatened to send him back to Saudi Arabia despite his British residency.
The letter, written to the Daily Mail, said he had his "first independent medical assessment that revealed he was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, asthma, oedema and chronic urinary retention".
The doctors called for Mr Aamer to be returned to the UK.
They added: "We would point out that Shaker's ongoing detention without trial is having an appalling effect not just on his health, but those of his family, especially his wife - all of whom are British citizens."
Heavy rain and gale-force winds are forecast to batter most of the UK today, bringing the threat of flooding and disruption to travellers.
After an overnight lull, strong winds are expected to return later this morning with gusts of up to 80mph in places.
A Met Office "be aware" weather warning for rain and strong winds is in place for the whole of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and central and southern Scotland.
Flooding is expected in Tayside, west central Scotland and southeast England.
The new weather system is being triggered by the Atlantic cyclone dubbed Storm Rachel.
Video:Snow Stops Vehicles On A9
Sky News Weather Presenter Nazaneen Ghaffar said: "The winds will remain very strong and gusty all day, particularly around exposed western and southern coasts.
"This could cause problems to travel again, as well as structural damage and large waves across coastal areas."
In Ireland, a status red warning has been issued for exposed coastal mountain areas of Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Limerick and Kerry.
The bad weather follows snow and ice which caused disruption roads and railways on Wednesday and storms which left 120,000 homes without power in Scotland last week.
Written By Unknown on Rabu, 14 Januari 2015 | 14.43
The next 48 hours could bring some difficult travelling conditions, with the risk of ice and snow and then heavy rain and severe gales.
There will be widespread showers through Tuesday night, bringing the risk of sleet and snow just about anywhere, although coastal areas will see mostly rain.
Heavy snow will fall through the Central Belt, Fife and Perth and Kinross, with 10cm (4ins) or more over the highest ground.
Elsewhere, a covering of snow is possible, even over the higher ground in southern England, whilst 2-5cm (2ins) is likely above 100m (330ft).
A widespread frost will bring the risk of icy stretches on untreated surfaces by dawn.
Video:Snow in Scotland
The showers, lying snow and ice will bring some difficult travelling conditions for the morning rush hour.
The wintry showers will largely become confined to Scotland through Wednesday morning.
Most other places will be dry and sunny by midday, but the far west of the Republic will turn increasingly wet and windy.
A deepening area of low pressure will bring wind and rain eastwards into western Britain through Wednesday afternoon, preceded by a spell of snow over the higher ground of Northern Ireland, northern England and Scotland.
The heavy rain will bring the risk of flooding, as well as standing water and spray on the roads.
During Wednesday afternoon gusts of 50-65mph will develop widely, with 70mph likely around exposed coasts and hills.
The heavy rain will spread to all parts overnight into Thursday and the winds will strengthen further.
The very strong winds will last for much of Thursday, bringing the risk of disruption to transport and power supplies, some structural damage, as well as dangerously large waves around the coasts.
Parts of the UK have woken to snow and icy conditions with gritters out in force overnight and commuters warned to expect disruption.
Forecasters have warned of heavy snow showers into Wednesday morning, after the Met Office issued an amber "be prepared" warning across central and southern Scotland, with Wales, Northern Ireland and much of England also on alert.
Network Rail suspended four train routes in advance of the snow, while the AA warned drivers to be aware of "treacherous conditions".
Sky News weather forecaster Nazaneen Ghaffar said: "The next 48 hours could see treacherous driving conditions for most of the UK and Ireland with the risk of ice and snow and then severe gales.
Snow alerts cover much of the UK on Wednesday
"Heavy snow will fall through the Central Belt, Fife and Perth and Kinross, with 10cm (4ins) or more over the highest ground.
"Elsewhere, a covering of snow is possible, even over the higher ground in southern England, whilst 2-5cm (2ins) is likely above 100m (330ft)."
Video:Sky News UK Weather Update
The amber warning, which is in place until 10am, follows fierce storms last week which left 120,000 homes without power in Scotland.
The Met Office warned of two spells of "persistent snow" across the amber warning area - on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning - which could produce "disruptive snowfall during busy travel periods".
High ground in Wales, moors in south-west England, the Mendips and Cotswolds are also at higher risk of snow.
1/12
Gallery: Amber Alert For Snow For Britain
Motorists are urged to drive with care after snow caused disruption on many roads in Northern Ireland and other parts of the UK
More falls are expected followed by severe gales in coastal areas
Written By Unknown on Selasa, 13 Januari 2015 | 14.44
Blair 'Cornered' Over Northern Ireland Letters
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Former PM Tony Blair will face the Northern Ireland Select Committee
By David Blevins, Ireland Correspondent
Tony Blair will today face questions from MPs investigating the scheme established to resolve the issue of "on the runs" during the Northern Ireland peace process.
The controversial distribution of "letters of comfort" to alleged fugitives, stating they were no longer wanted for past crimes, sparked uproar last year when it resulted in the collapse of the Hyde Park bomb trial at the Old Bailey.
John Downey, who denied murdering four soldiers in the 1982 bombing, had received a letter in error informing him he was no longer being pursued in Northern Ireland or elsewhere.
The case against John Downey collapsed
During his trial, it emerged that 187 people had received similar assurances - the majority of them republicans who had never been charged or who had been convicted but then escaped.
Under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, those convicted of terrorist offences were released from prison early but those who had gone "on the run" were not considered eligible.
1/12
Gallery: Hyde Park Bombing: July 1982
A police forensic officer examines the remains of the IRA car which contained the Hyde Park bomb
Images of dead horses and wrecked cars added to the shock for people reeling from the human cost of the atrocity
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Wrecked cars are removed from the scene
]]>
The flag-draped coffin carrying Lt Anthony Daly, the Blues and Royals officer killed in the bombing along with three other soldiers
]]>
A memorial stone marks the location of the 1982 bombing
]]>
In 2006, after an attempt to establish a formal scheme for "on the runs" failed, Mr Blair wrote to Gerry Adams outlining plans to resolve the issue, "expediting the existing administrative procedures".
The scheme had been reported publicly but victims' families said they felt "devastatingly let down" by the collapse of the Downey case - and Northern Ireland's First Minister threatened to resign.
Lady Justice Hallet, who conducted the first inquiry, concluded that the letters were not an amnesty and that the scheme was lawful but called Mr Downey's letter a "catastrophic mistake".
The Northern Ireland Select Committee, which is carrying out its own inquiry at Westminster, first invited Mr Blair to appear last March - then voted unanimously to summon him in December.
1/9
Gallery: IRA Suspect Amnesties: Key Players
Following the Good Friday Agreement and the release of 400 loyalist and republican paramilitary prisoners, the question about what to do with on-the-run IRA suspects, wanted for crimes before April 10, 1998, continued to needle the Tony Blair Government
In 2006, Mr Blair wrote to Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams telling him the Government was working on a solution for dealing with the suspects in question
]]>
In his letter to the former Prime Minister, chairman Laurence Robertson MP said: "The committee was particularly disappointed at a lack of response since its members have noted that you have been in the UK regularly over the past few weeks, but you have not been able to find an hour or so to meet us. The committee felt this was extremely disrespectful to the House."
Democratic Unionist MP David Simpson, a member of the committee, said: "Despite Mr Blair's best efforts to assist republicans, this shameful scheme has now come to a close and those in receipt of letters have been very publicly warned that no comfort can now be drawn from them.
"It has been a long fight to bring Tony Blair before this committee and now that he has finally been cornered into giving evidence, it is vital that he gives some answers."
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Blair 'Cornered' Over Northern Ireland Letters
We use cookies to give you the best experience. If you do nothing we'll assume that it's ok.
Former PM Tony Blair will face the Northern Ireland Select Committee
By David Blevins, Ireland Correspondent
Tony Blair will today face questions from MPs investigating the scheme established to resolve the issue of "on the runs" during the Northern Ireland peace process.
The controversial distribution of "letters of comfort" to alleged fugitives, stating they were no longer wanted for past crimes, sparked uproar last year when it resulted in the collapse of the Hyde Park bomb trial at the Old Bailey.
John Downey, who denied murdering four soldiers in the 1982 bombing, had received a letter in error informing him he was no longer being pursued in Northern Ireland or elsewhere.
The case against John Downey collapsed
During his trial, it emerged that 187 people had received similar assurances - the majority of them republicans who had never been charged or who had been convicted but then escaped.
Under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, those convicted of terrorist offences were released from prison early but those who had gone "on the run" were not considered eligible.
1/12
Gallery: Hyde Park Bombing: July 1982
A police forensic officer examines the remains of the IRA car which contained the Hyde Park bomb
Images of dead horses and wrecked cars added to the shock for people reeling from the human cost of the atrocity
]]>
Wrecked cars are removed from the scene
]]>
The flag-draped coffin carrying Lt Anthony Daly, the Blues and Royals officer killed in the bombing along with three other soldiers
]]>
A memorial stone marks the location of the 1982 bombing
]]>
In 2006, after an attempt to establish a formal scheme for "on the runs" failed, Mr Blair wrote to Gerry Adams outlining plans to resolve the issue, "expediting the existing administrative procedures".
The scheme had been reported publicly but victims' families said they felt "devastatingly let down" by the collapse of the Downey case - and Northern Ireland's First Minister threatened to resign.
Lady Justice Hallet, who conducted the first inquiry, concluded that the letters were not an amnesty and that the scheme was lawful but called Mr Downey's letter a "catastrophic mistake".
The Northern Ireland Select Committee, which is carrying out its own inquiry at Westminster, first invited Mr Blair to appear last March - then voted unanimously to summon him in December.
1/9
Gallery: IRA Suspect Amnesties: Key Players
Following the Good Friday Agreement and the release of 400 loyalist and republican paramilitary prisoners, the question about what to do with on-the-run IRA suspects, wanted for crimes before April 10, 1998, continued to needle the Tony Blair Government
In 2006, Mr Blair wrote to Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams telling him the Government was working on a solution for dealing with the suspects in question
]]>
In his letter to the former Prime Minister, chairman Laurence Robertson MP said: "The committee was particularly disappointed at a lack of response since its members have noted that you have been in the UK regularly over the past few weeks, but you have not been able to find an hour or so to meet us. The committee felt this was extremely disrespectful to the House."
Democratic Unionist MP David Simpson, a member of the committee, said: "Despite Mr Blair's best efforts to assist republicans, this shameful scheme has now come to a close and those in receipt of letters have been very publicly warned that no comfort can now be drawn from them.
"It has been a long fight to bring Tony Blair before this committee and now that he has finally been cornered into giving evidence, it is vital that he gives some answers."
Under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement (1998), people convicted of paramilitary offences were released early from prison. The scheme did not apply to those who had not been charged or who had been convicted but escaped. Given that they could not return to the UK, they became known as "on the runs".
What are "letters of comfort"?
Sinn Fein thought fugitives should be allowed to return without fear of arrest but the British government's attempt to devise a formal scheme was opposed by Unionists and, ironically, by Sinn Fein because the arrangement would have included British soldiers. The solution was a letter informing "on the runs" they were no longer wanted.
How did the letters come about?
In 2000, Tony Blair asked Gerry Adams to provide names to be considered by the attorney general, police and director of public prosecution. In 2002, the attorney general warned the scheme could not become an amnesty. In 2006, Mr Blair wrote secretly to Mr Adams, outlining mechanisms to resolve the issue, "expediting the existing administrative procedures".
How did the scheme work?
In 2007, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) began reviewing the cases of those wanted in connection with terrorist offences to establish if there were grounds for arrest. Peter Hain MP, then Northern Ireland secretary, wanted the scheme kept secret but the PSNI prepared a media statement for use in the event of it leaking.
How did it become public?
In February 2014, John Downey went on trial, charged with killing four soldiers in the 1982 Hyde Park bombing. When he produced a letter, stating that he was not wanted by the PSNI or any other police force, the judge ruled that the Donegal man could not be prosecuted. It had been issued in error.
How many letters were issued?
Of the 288 names submitted for consideration, 156 people received a "letter of comfort" and 31 were informed in some other way that they were not wanted for questioning. Drew Harris, now Deputy Chief Constable of the PSNI, told the Northern Ireland Select Committee that 100 of the recipients are suspects in 300 murder cases.
What did the first inquiry find?
When Northern Ireland's First Minister, Peter Robinson, threatened to resign over the issue, David Cameron announced an inquiry. Lady Justice Hallet concluded that the letters were not an amnesty and the scheme had been lawful. But she found "significant systemic failures" in how it operated and branded Mr Downey's letter a "catastrophic mistake" by the PSNI.
What is the Northern Ireland Select Committee considering?
What is the background to, and origins of, the scheme, and what was its purpose and intended effect? Who constitutes an "on the run", and what are the legal implications of the scheme? What are the political implications of the scheme and were errors made? What impact has it had on victims and relatives?
Written By Unknown on Senin, 12 Januari 2015 | 14.44
Thousands Around World Show Unity With Paris
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Video:London's Landmarks Lit For France
Thousands of people in the UK and around the world joined in solidarity with the French people as they marched or gathered in unity against the Paris attacks.
More than a thousand people gathered in London's Trafalgar Square on Sunday to honour the victims of Islamist attacks in Paris, with many raising pencils to the sky.
The colours of the French flag - the Tricolore - were displayed on several landmarks in the capital including the National Gallery, Tower Bridge and the London Eye.
London Mayor Boris Johnson described the gatherings in London and around the world as "stunning" and deputy prime minister Nick Clegg said there was a "striking dignity" about people coming together spontaneously to "show their quiet disgust at what happened".
French Ambassador to London Sylvie Bermann told Sky News that the events of Sunday were "very important".
1/28
Gallery: France Attacks: Marches Worldwide
London's Tower Bridge is illuminated by the red, white and blue of the French Tricolore in solidarity with the capital of the UK's nearest neighbour state
People in many countries around the world have taken part in demonstrations of unity with the French people after the attacks in Paris. A large number of people gathered in Madrid
]]>
The French Ambassador to Cyprus joined crowds at Eleftheria Square in central Nicosia, Cyprus
]]>
A woman holds the national flag of France as people gather in Trafalgar Square, London
]]>
People hold placards reading in French "I am Charlie" and in English "Not Afraid" during a public show of solidarity at Plaza del Sol in Madrid
]]>
She said: "The message is fight against terrorism, to defend our voices, to defend our freedoms of opinion and expression. Everybody wanted to participate and everybody is concerned."
Hundreds more marched through the centres of Glasgow and Dublin and around 1,000 held a minute's silence in Sheffield.
Many of those marching around the world displayed the French phrase that has become the symbol of the fight to preserve freedom of expression in the wake of the attack on Charlie Hebdo magazine - Je suis Charlie (I am Charlie).
Others unveiled banners that supported the police and Jewish and Islamic people, with many keen to say that being Muslim does not mean being a terrorist.
Video:London Mayor
Some 20,000 people marched through the Belgian capital Brussels on Sunday in one of the biggest marches outside France.
Around 12,000 rallied in the Austrian capital Vienna, 18,000 gathered in front of the Brandenburg Gate in the German capital Berlin and 2,000 people rallied outside the French embassy in Luxembourg.
While in Madrid's Plaza de Sol, hundreds descended on the streets with red, white and blue French flags, and singing the French national anthem.
Many of those in Madrid were Muslims, determined to spell out that Islam was a religion of peace and that being a Muslim and being a terrorist was not the same.
Video:Nick Clegg MP
One of the marches around the world was in the Palestinian city of Ramallah, where children carried signs saying "I am Charlie" in Arabic and condemning the attacks on Charlie Hebdo magazine.
Hundreds of people rallied in downtown Sydney's Martin Place, a plaza where a man wielding a shotgun took 18 people hostage in a cafe while displaying an Islamic flag.
Hundreds of mostly French-speaking New Yorkers braved below-freezing temperatures and held pens aloft at a rally in Washington Square Park.
Journalists in Cairo held a silent protest outside the headquarters of the Egyptian Syndicate of Journalists holding up pens.
Video:Interview: PM David Cameron
It came as an Egyptian court sentenced a student to three years in jail for announcing on Facebook that he is an atheist and for being found guilty of the offence of insulting Islam.
Among other cities where demonstrations took place were Moscow, Jerusalem, Beirut in Lebanon, Thessalonika in Greece, Arbil in Iraqi Kurdistan, Ankara in Turkey, Nicosia in Cyprus, Tokyo in Japan and Ulan Bator in Mongolia.
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Thousands Around World Show Unity With Paris
We use cookies to give you the best experience. If you do nothing we'll assume that it's ok.
Video:London's Landmarks Lit For France
Thousands of people in the UK and around the world joined in solidarity with the French people as they marched or gathered in unity against the Paris attacks.
More than a thousand people gathered in London's Trafalgar Square on Sunday to honour the victims of Islamist attacks in Paris, with many raising pencils to the sky.
The colours of the French flag - the Tricolore - were displayed on several landmarks in the capital including the National Gallery, Tower Bridge and the London Eye.
London Mayor Boris Johnson described the gatherings in London and around the world as "stunning" and deputy prime minister Nick Clegg said there was a "striking dignity" about people coming together spontaneously to "show their quiet disgust at what happened".
French Ambassador to London Sylvie Bermann told Sky News that the events of Sunday were "very important".
1/28
Gallery: France Attacks: Marches Worldwide
London's Tower Bridge is illuminated by the red, white and blue of the French Tricolore in solidarity with the capital of the UK's nearest neighbour state
People in many countries around the world have taken part in demonstrations of unity with the French people after the attacks in Paris. A large number of people gathered in Madrid
]]>
The French Ambassador to Cyprus joined crowds at Eleftheria Square in central Nicosia, Cyprus
]]>
A woman holds the national flag of France as people gather in Trafalgar Square, London
]]>
People hold placards reading in French "I am Charlie" and in English "Not Afraid" during a public show of solidarity at Plaza del Sol in Madrid
]]>
She said: "The message is fight against terrorism, to defend our voices, to defend our freedoms of opinion and expression. Everybody wanted to participate and everybody is concerned."
Hundreds more marched through the centres of Glasgow and Dublin and around 1,000 held a minute's silence in Sheffield.
Many of those marching around the world displayed the French phrase that has become the symbol of the fight to preserve freedom of expression in the wake of the attack on Charlie Hebdo magazine - Je suis Charlie (I am Charlie).
Others unveiled banners that supported the police and Jewish and Islamic people, with many keen to say that being Muslim does not mean being a terrorist.
Video:London Mayor
Some 20,000 people marched through the Belgian capital Brussels on Sunday in one of the biggest marches outside France.
Around 12,000 rallied in the Austrian capital Vienna, 18,000 gathered in front of the Brandenburg Gate in the German capital Berlin and 2,000 people rallied outside the French embassy in Luxembourg.
While in Madrid's Plaza de Sol, hundreds descended on the streets with red, white and blue French flags, and singing the French national anthem.
Many of those in Madrid were Muslims, determined to spell out that Islam was a religion of peace and that being a Muslim and being a terrorist was not the same.
Video:Nick Clegg MP
One of the marches around the world was in the Palestinian city of Ramallah, where children carried signs saying "I am Charlie" in Arabic and condemning the attacks on Charlie Hebdo magazine.
Hundreds of people rallied in downtown Sydney's Martin Place, a plaza where a man wielding a shotgun took 18 people hostage in a cafe while displaying an Islamic flag.
Hundreds of mostly French-speaking New Yorkers braved below-freezing temperatures and held pens aloft at a rally in Washington Square Park.
Journalists in Cairo held a silent protest outside the headquarters of the Egyptian Syndicate of Journalists holding up pens.
Video:Interview: PM David Cameron
It came as an Egyptian court sentenced a student to three years in jail for announcing on Facebook that he is an atheist and for being found guilty of the offence of insulting Islam.
Among other cities where demonstrations took place were Moscow, Jerusalem, Beirut in Lebanon, Thessalonika in Greece, Arbil in Iraqi Kurdistan, Ankara in Turkey, Nicosia in Cyprus, Tokyo in Japan and Ulan Bator in Mongolia.
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David Cameron will meet intelligence and security chiefs today to discuss whether further measures are needed to deal with the threat of terror attacks in Britain.
The meeting comes after the Prime Minister joined French President Francois Hollande and world leaders for a rally in Paris to remember the 17 victims of last week's attacks on France.
Speaking to Sky News following the march, Mr Cameron said it was necessary to "ask ourselves how we would respond to this sort of situation" in Britain.
"We've spent a lot of time in the past looking at how we would respond to this kind of marauding firearms attack by people who want to martyr themselves," he said.
"In a free country, there's never any way you can guarantee against an attack and the damage an attack can do.
Video:Special Report: Paris Attacks
"But what we do have in Britain is brilliant security and intelligence services, very strong counter-terrorism policing, and a way of co-ordinating the work that they do with special forces and others to make sure that when these things happen, we respond in the best way we possibly can.
"Crucially in recent months, the brilliance of our intelligence services has prevented a number of plots, including to kill police officers.
"But you can't always guarantee that will happen."
Plans for a new communications data bill in the UK were previously blocked by the Liberal Democrats, but the Conservatives have signalled that they will revive the legislation if they win the May General Election.
Civil liberties campaigners have warned against any attempt to use the Charlie Hebdo attack as a pretext for introducing further surveillance powers in Britain.
Big Brother Watch director Emma Carr said: "It is wholly unacceptable for this tragedy in Paris to be used as a means to call for a return of the snooper's charter.
1/28
Gallery: France Attacks: Marches Worldwide
London's Tower Bridge is illuminated by the red, white and blue of the French Tricolore in solidarity with the capital of the UK's nearest neighbour state
People in many countries around the world have taken part in demonstrations of unity with the French people after the attacks in Paris. A large number of people gathered in Madrid
