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See other news storiesThey were 'a real threat': Seven terror suspects convicted
15 June 2007
Seven men have been jailed for involvement in a conspiracy to commit mass murder.
Home Secretary John Reid said the convictions of seven UK-based al-Qaeda members showed 'the very real and serious threat' the country faces from terror groups.
The men, all part of a 'sleeper cell', took part in a complex plot to blow up a London underground tunnel as well as a number of other locations. Six admitted conspiracy to cause explosions, while a seventh was convicted of conspiracy to murder.
Home Secretary's full statement on the convictions
In a statement, Dr Reid said:
'The outcome of this trial once again shows the extent of the very real and serious threat the UK faces from terrorism. It also highlights the international nature of the threat, and the continuing hard work of the security service and police in disrupting these plots.
'I am very pleased that these seven men have been brought to justice and are now in prison. This follows the sentencing of the leader of the plot to 30 years imprisonment after admitting conspiring to murder innocent people, both here and in the United States, causing death and injury on a horrific scale.
'In total, seven of the eight individuals associated with this chilling plot pleaded guilty. Their goal was mass murder, mass panic and utter devastation.
'This case shows the importance of the excellent investigative work carried out by the police and our security service to ensure the safety of the public and the protection of UK interests. I want to offer my thanks to the security service and the police for their dedication and continuing efforts to keep us all safe from those who would seek to destroy our way of life.
'The government remains committed to ensuring that they are provided with the resources they need to counter the continuing threat posed by terrorists.'
