‘Today, we are united in horror and grief across all borders, but also in steadfastness’
Seven people have been confirmed dead and a further 48 hospitalised, in a terrorist attack that took place in the London Bridge area on Saturday night.
The attack, that took place at approximately 10.08pm, saw a white van drive into pedestrians on London Bridge, before driving to Borough Market where three men got out of the van and stabbed members of the public on the streets and in restaurants. All three attackers were shot dead eight minutes after the attack started.
The attack was the third to take place in the UK in three months, and occurred just the day before Ariana Grande’s Love Manchester tribute concert, following the attack at her concert in Manchester Arena two weeks ago.
‘We cannot and must not pretend that things can continue as they are,’ announced PM Theresa May in her speech the following day. ‘Things need to change.’
‘As a country, our response must be as it has always been when we have been confronted by violence. We must come together, we must pull together, and united we will take on and defeat our enemies.’
Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the Labour party, also issued a statement about the attacks, suspending his campaigning for the upcoming election out of respect.
‘We are all shocked and horrified by the brutal attacks in London,’ his statement read. ‘My thoughts are with the families and friends of those who have died and the many who have been injured. Today, we will all grieve for their loss.’
‘Those who wish to harm our people, divide our communities and attack our democracy will not succeed,’ he later continued. ‘We will stand together to defend our common values of solidarity, humanity and justice, and will not allow terrorists to derail our democratic process.’
Foreign leaders across the globe have also spoken out, pledging their solidarity with the United Kingdom.
Justin Trudeau issued a statement about the attack, the first victim of which was announced to be a Canadian citizen.
‘Canada strongly condemns the senseless attack that took place last night in London, United Kingdom, which killed and injured many innocent people. I am heartbroken that a Canadian is among those killed,’ his statement read.
‘We grieve with the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones, and wish all those injured a speedy and full recovery. Londoners and people across the United Kingdom have always displayed strength and resilience in the face of adversity. We recently witnessed this after the attacks in Manchester and in the Westminster area of London. This time will be no different.’
French President, Emmanuel Macron, also released a statement, with French citizens reportedly among the victims.
‘In the wake of this new tragedy, France more than ever stands side by side with the United Kingdom,’ he announced. ‘My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.’
A statement from the Elysee later announced: ‘The attack which struck London, days after that which took place in Manchester, is a new abominable and cowardly attack against our free society. Fellow French citizens are among the injured. France is putting everything in place to assist them.’
Angela Merkel also showed her support, announcing ‘Today, we are united in horror and grief across all borders, but also in steadfastness.’
