Minute's silence for Tunisia dead

A  national silence of one minute will be held today at 12pm in a mark of respect who lost their lives in the Tunisia beach attack.

The bodies of 17 of the 30 British victims have been returned to the UK and more are expected to be repatriated on today and tomorrow.

They were among the 38 holidaymakers who were killed by Seifeddine Rezgui when he opened fire in the resort of Sousse.

Foreign & Commonwealth Office staff in the crisis centre in King Charles Street will be marking the minute’s silence – this was the nerve centre for the government’s response to the attack.

Many public bodies will be marking the day, including:

* Police stations in England and Wales will be flying flags at half-mast, while officers and staff will observe the silence in police stations and at community events

* Local authorities and schools are being encouraged to mark the minute’s silence

* Transport for London and National Rail will be placing posters in all stations and will announce over PA systems to remind staff and passengers of the minute’s silence

* The government will continue to work closely with the Welsh and Scottish governments, who have both confirmed that they will be observing the minute’s silence and will fly their flags at half-mast.

The Scottish government, Scottish Parliament and 2 Scottish local authorities – where 4 of the victims lived – have also opened books of condolence.

A number of sporting events will be taking the opportunity to respect the day of mourning, including Wimbledon, Henley Regatta, the British Grand Prix and the British Horseracing Authority.

The government has also contacted faith leaders of all denominations to encourage them to join the country in remembering those lost in the Tunisian attacks.