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London Bridge attack: one Canadian and one French citizen among dead - latest updates London Bridge attack: one Canadian and one French citizen among dead - latest updates
(35 minutes later)
7.36pm BST
19:36
Corbyn criticises Trump for his comments on London Bridge attack
And here are some more lines from Jeremy Corbyn’s speech, for the full text released after he spoke.
Corbyn criticised President Trump for his comments about the London Bridge attack. (See 12.35pm.)
At this time it is more important than ever that we stay united in our communities. It is the strength of our communities that gets us through these awful times as London mayor Sadiq Khan recognised but which the current occupant in the White House has neither the grace nor the sense to grasp.
Whether we are Muslim or Christian, black or white, male or female, gay or straight, we are united by our values, by our determination for a better world, and that we can build a better society.
Corbyn said that, if he wins the election, he will commission a report on Friday on the changing nature of the terrorist threat.
If Labour is elected I will commission a report from the security services on Friday on the changing nature of the terrorist threat.
He defended Labour’s plans to raise tax for the rich, saying tax “underpins our peaceful, tolerant and civilised society” by funding the police.
The choice you face on 8 June is a Conservative party which has made clear it will press on with another five years of austerity and cuts to essential public services to pay for even more tax handouts to the richest and the big corporations.
Or the Labour party, which is guaranteeing 95% of taxpayers will pay no extra tax but is asking the best off and the largest companies to pay a bit more to fund our hospitals, police, schools, decent pensions and childcare to invest in good jobs and a growing economy for the many not the few.
I don’t hesitate to make the case for more tax from those who can afford it.
It is taxation that underpins our peaceful, tolerant and civilised society the police, security services, fire and rescue service, our NHS they have all suffered cuts to pay for tax giveaways for the big corporations and the very richest.
He said if he won the election he would ensure those who acted bravely in the London Bridge attack are honoured.
If I am elected prime minister on 8 June I will be asking the commissioners of the Met police and the British Transport police for the names of those whose bravery should be commended, to acknowledge their heroism and of many others in our emergency services and among the public who intervened.
Updated
at 7.41pm BST
7.27pm BST
19:27
Jeremy Corbyn's speech on London Bridge attack – summary
Andrew Sparrow
Jeremy Corbyn has delivered his speech. Here are the key points from extracts released under embargo in advance.
Corbyn said that he approved of the police using “whatever force is necessary” to protect life.
Our priority must be public safety and I will take whatever action is necessary and effective to protect the security of our people and our country. That includes full authority for the police to use whatever force is necessary to protect and save life as they did last night, as they did in Westminster in March.
This is intended to finally quash the confusion created by an interview Corbyn gave to the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg in November 2015 when he said he was “not happy with a shoot-to-kill policy in general”. His comments were taken as meaning that he was not happy about the prospect of the police shooting marauding terrorists killing civilians, but it is more likely that Corbyn thought he was being asked about terrorists being shot rather than apprehended (as “shoot-to-kill” operated at one point in Northern Ireland). The BBC Trust upheld a complaint about Kuennsberg’s report, but BBC News said it did not agree with the trust’s finding. Today Corbyn supporters have been protesting angrily about the fact that the original report is currently the fourth most watched video on the BBC news website.
He criticised Theresa May for ignoring warnings about the impact of police cuts.
You cannot protect the public on the cheap. The police and security services must get the resources they need, not 20,000 police cuts.
Theresa May was warned by the Police Federation but she accused them of “crying wolf”.
We will recruit another 10,000 new police officers, including more armed police, as well as 1,000 more security services staff to support our communities and help keep us safe.
He said that it would be “completely wrong” to suspend campaigning any longer or to delay the election.
The aim of the terrorists is plainly to derail our democracy and disrupt or even halt this election.
The general election is of course about the argument between the Labour and Conservative parties and our very different visions and plans for the future of our country.
But it is also now about something even bigger. It is about the struggle between terrorism and democracy itself.
The mass murderers who brought terror to our streets in London and Manchester want our election to be halted. They want democracy halted. They want their violence to overwhelm our right to vote in a fair and peaceful election and to go about our lives freely.
That is why it would be completely wrong to postpone next Thursday’s vote, or to suspend our campaigning any longer.
He criticised the government for refusing to publish a report into the foreign funding of jihadi groups. Britain needs to take a much firmer line with Saudi Arabia over its support of extremists, he said.
Our democratic values must be maintained. We must resist Islamophobia and division and turn out on 8 June united in our determination to show our democracy is strong. And, yes, we do need to have some difficult conversations starting with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states that have funded and fuelled extremist ideology.
It is no good Theresa May suppressing a report into the foreign funding of extremist groups. We have to get serious about cutting off the funding to these terror networks, including Isis, here and in the Middle East.
The reference to “difficult conversations” is particularly pointed, because May used the phrase herself in her speech this morning. (See 11.56am.) She said tackling extremism would involve “some difficult, and often embarrassing, conversations”.
Updated
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7.23pm BST
19:23
At the Manchester tribute concert, Robbie Williams has taken over from Take That. He changed the lyrics to his song Strong in tribute to victims.
“Manchester we’re strong, we’re strong,” he sang in chorus with the audience. “We’re still singing our songs, our songs, our songs.”
Updated
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7.02pm BST7.02pm BST
19:0219:02
The Manchester tribute concert has just started. Around 50,000 people are expected at the three-hour concert, which is being broadcast on the BBC.The Manchester tribute concert has just started. Around 50,000 people are expected at the three-hour concert, which is being broadcast on the BBC.
Marcus Mumford from the band Mumford & Sons has opened the show, saying: “Let’s not be afraid.”Marcus Mumford from the band Mumford & Sons has opened the show, saying: “Let’s not be afraid.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.03pm BSTat 7.03pm BST
6.59pm BST6.59pm BST
18:5918:59
Andrew SparrowAndrew Sparrow
Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour leader, is due to give a speech in Carlisle shortly. According to a briefing from the party in advance, it is intended to be “statesmanlike”. He will talk about the London Bridge attack, and about Labour’s values.Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour leader, is due to give a speech in Carlisle shortly. According to a briefing from the party in advance, it is intended to be “statesmanlike”. He will talk about the London Bridge attack, and about Labour’s values.
According to Sky’s Darren McCaffrey, he will also speak about President Trump’s response to the atrocity. (See 3.29pm.)According to Sky’s Darren McCaffrey, he will also speak about President Trump’s response to the atrocity. (See 3.29pm.)
Being told Corbyn will make reference to @realDonaldTrump during his speech this evening. #LondonBridgeAttacks pic.twitter.com/iv4gs50LBVBeing told Corbyn will make reference to @realDonaldTrump during his speech this evening. #LondonBridgeAttacks pic.twitter.com/iv4gs50LBV
6.50pm BST6.50pm BST
18:5018:50
French man killed in attack - French foreign minister confirmsFrench man killed in attack - French foreign minister confirms
Nadia KhomamiNadia Khomami
A French man is among those killed in last night’s attack, theforeign minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, has confirmed, according to French media and Reuters.A French man is among those killed in last night’s attack, theforeign minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, has confirmed, according to French media and Reuters.
They report that seven people from France were injured in last night’s attack, four of them critically. One person is still missing.They report that seven people from France were injured in last night’s attack, four of them critically. One person is still missing.
The French government had earlier said four of those injured in the attack were from France.The French government had earlier said four of those injured in the attack were from France.
🔴BREAKING NEWS - #Londres: 1 Français tué dans l'attentat,7 Français blessés dont 4 dans un état grave (Jean-Yves le Drian)." @franceinfo pic.twitter.com/5naYKfriTc🔴BREAKING NEWS - #Londres: 1 Français tué dans l'attentat,7 Français blessés dont 4 dans un état grave (Jean-Yves le Drian)." @franceinfo pic.twitter.com/5naYKfriTc
Le Drian tweeted that he would be in London tomorrow.Le Drian tweeted that he would be in London tomorrow.
Hommage aux victimes du Bardo. Les démocraties attaquées sont déterminées à combattre le terrorisme, ici comme à Londres, où je serai demainHommage aux victimes du Bardo. Les démocraties attaquées sont déterminées à combattre le terrorisme, ici comme à Londres, où je serai demain
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.53pm BSTat 6.53pm BST
6.33pm BST6.33pm BST
18:3318:33
Nadia KhomamiNadia Khomami
Leaders of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) have backed comments by Theresa May saying “enough is enough” after the London Bridge attack, and said they would be stepping up efforts to curb Islamic extremism in Britain.Leaders of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) have backed comments by Theresa May saying “enough is enough” after the London Bridge attack, and said they would be stepping up efforts to curb Islamic extremism in Britain.
Muslim community representatives from around the country were led by the MCB secretary-general, Harun Rashid, who condemned Islamic extremism as a “death cult”, and said “British Muslims must play our part” in turning people away from the ideology.Muslim community representatives from around the country were led by the MCB secretary-general, Harun Rashid, who condemned Islamic extremism as a “death cult”, and said “British Muslims must play our part” in turning people away from the ideology.
Today’s attack makes us all angry, it makes me angry. And we want to do something about it. That is why we agree with the prime minister that things must change.Today’s attack makes us all angry, it makes me angry. And we want to do something about it. That is why we agree with the prime minister that things must change.
Enough is enough. We are ready to have those difficult conversations, as equal citizens with an equal stake in this fight.Enough is enough. We are ready to have those difficult conversations, as equal citizens with an equal stake in this fight.
I am pleased that the prime minister is speaking about conversation, it implies that we must listen to one another and work together to be part of a truly United Kingdom.I am pleased that the prime minister is speaking about conversation, it implies that we must listen to one another and work together to be part of a truly United Kingdom.
Rashid said the MCB would now initiate a new campaign with mosques to report suspicious activity, and were “extending our hand of partnership and cooperation to the government and prime minister”.Rashid said the MCB would now initiate a new campaign with mosques to report suspicious activity, and were “extending our hand of partnership and cooperation to the government and prime minister”.
We want to turn people’s minds away from this death cult.We want to turn people’s minds away from this death cult.
We want to ensure families are not torn apart by being either victims of terrorist outrages, or finding out that someone they knew perpetrated such acts.We want to ensure families are not torn apart by being either victims of terrorist outrages, or finding out that someone they knew perpetrated such acts.
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.37pm BSTat 6.37pm BST
6.29pm BST6.29pm BST
18:2918:29
Caroline BannockCaroline Bannock
One witness, who wishes to remain anonymous, was drinking in the George Inn on Borough High Street when the attack happened. They said:One witness, who wishes to remain anonymous, was drinking in the George Inn on Borough High Street when the attack happened. They said:
We were enjoying a drink with friends we hadn’t seen in a while in the George, very close to where the atrocious attacks happened. A man, I think the bouncer, came in and shouted at us all to evacuate. There was a moment of silence and stillness as no one knew quite how to react. Our initial reaction was it was a hoax. He then shouted at us to move again and by his reaction, it was clear this was no hoax.We were enjoying a drink with friends we hadn’t seen in a while in the George, very close to where the atrocious attacks happened. A man, I think the bouncer, came in and shouted at us all to evacuate. There was a moment of silence and stillness as no one knew quite how to react. Our initial reaction was it was a hoax. He then shouted at us to move again and by his reaction, it was clear this was no hoax.
We all started leaving the pub, relatively calmly, and then we were told to go back in and started moving back in only to be told to run and get out quickly because there were people with knives and guns. As we went onto Borough High Street, we heard the sound of gunfire and a police officer telling us to run. We all just ran away as quickly as possible. I remember just grabbing my friend’s hand and sprinting away.We all started leaving the pub, relatively calmly, and then we were told to go back in and started moving back in only to be told to run and get out quickly because there were people with knives and guns. As we went onto Borough High Street, we heard the sound of gunfire and a police officer telling us to run. We all just ran away as quickly as possible. I remember just grabbing my friend’s hand and sprinting away.
They said they had no idea what was happening or where they were running to and whether it was safe there. They ended up running into a residential area and then getting taxis further south.They said they had no idea what was happening or where they were running to and whether it was safe there. They ended up running into a residential area and then getting taxis further south.
I’m still feeling shocked that we were so near and also very lucky. We had nearly decided to go for drinks in Borough Market. My heart goes out to those people who have lost their lives, those who are injured and their families. It could have been us.I’m still feeling shocked that we were so near and also very lucky. We had nearly decided to go for drinks in Borough Market. My heart goes out to those people who have lost their lives, those who are injured and their families. It could have been us.
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.31pm BSTat 6.31pm BST
6.21pm BST6.21pm BST
18:2118:21
Nadia KhomamiNadia Khomami
Holly Jones, a BBC reporter, was one of the first people on the scene to call 999.Holly Jones, a BBC reporter, was one of the first people on the scene to call 999.
“The van was zig-zagging along the pavement and it looked like it was aiming for groups of people,” she said. “He hit two people in front of me that were about five metres in front, swerved back round again, and just clipped a girl who was walking towards me. Didn’t touch her, and she had headphones in, and I just saw the shock and look on her face as it veered around her.“The van was zig-zagging along the pavement and it looked like it was aiming for groups of people,” she said. “He hit two people in front of me that were about five metres in front, swerved back round again, and just clipped a girl who was walking towards me. Didn’t touch her, and she had headphones in, and I just saw the shock and look on her face as it veered around her.
“At this point is when I saw the driver of the vehicle, definitely intentional, he didn’t look scared he just looked focused. I’d almost like to say the word demented.“At this point is when I saw the driver of the vehicle, definitely intentional, he didn’t look scared he just looked focused. I’d almost like to say the word demented.
“That’s when he was heading straight towards me.”“That’s when he was heading straight towards me.”
"Demented, that's what he looked like" - BBC reporter Holly Jones saw van driver mount pavement in #LondonAttacks https://t.co/gDxKkWW4D0 pic.twitter.com/OK41v79YYO"Demented, that's what he looked like" - BBC reporter Holly Jones saw van driver mount pavement in #LondonAttacks https://t.co/gDxKkWW4D0 pic.twitter.com/OK41v79YYO
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.23pm BSTat 6.23pm BST
6.16pm BST6.16pm BST
18:1618:16
Helena SmithHelena Smith
The Cyprus high commissioner, Euripides Evriviades, has ordered flags to be flown at half mast on his embassy’s London building ”in solidarity with the UK”.The Cyprus high commissioner, Euripides Evriviades, has ordered flags to be flown at half mast on his embassy’s London building ”in solidarity with the UK”.
The high commissioner, who was among the first to learn that the youngest victim of last month’s Manchester attack was an eight year-old Anglo-Cypriot schoolgirl, said the prime minister’s statement earlier today of “enough is enough is indicative of the direction of travel”.The high commissioner, who was among the first to learn that the youngest victim of last month’s Manchester attack was an eight year-old Anglo-Cypriot schoolgirl, said the prime minister’s statement earlier today of “enough is enough is indicative of the direction of travel”.
“What it said is that all of us are in the same strategic boat,” he told the Guardian. “EU countries, irrespective of Brexit, have to cooperate closely to defeat this scourge, this threat against our way of life.”“What it said is that all of us are in the same strategic boat,” he told the Guardian. “EU countries, irrespective of Brexit, have to cooperate closely to defeat this scourge, this threat against our way of life.”
What was needed was real-time, day-to-day cooperation at the highest levels, he added.What was needed was real-time, day-to-day cooperation at the highest levels, he added.
Respect to all affected; TY to all services; in solidarity w #UK, flags @ #Cyprus HC flying half mast #LondonAttacks #WeStandTogether 🇨🇾🇪🇺🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/BGLkbyORMvRespect to all affected; TY to all services; in solidarity w #UK, flags @ #Cyprus HC flying half mast #LondonAttacks #WeStandTogether 🇨🇾🇪🇺🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/BGLkbyORMv
Meanwhile, the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, which represents 300,000 Cypriots in Britain, expressed its “shock, horror and condemnation of the brutal events in London”.Meanwhile, the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, which represents 300,000 Cypriots in Britain, expressed its “shock, horror and condemnation of the brutal events in London”.
In a letter to Theresa May, the federation also expressed its gratitude to the police and emergency services for the bravery and professionalism they had exhibited.In a letter to Theresa May, the federation also expressed its gratitude to the police and emergency services for the bravery and professionalism they had exhibited.
“We will not allow those who try to divide us and attack our democracy to succeed. Our community stands ready and willing to assist, in any way we can, to defend our common values.”“We will not allow those who try to divide us and attack our democracy to succeed. Our community stands ready and willing to assist, in any way we can, to defend our common values.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.32pm BSTat 6.32pm BST
5.59pm BST5.59pm BST
17:5917:59
Nadia KhomamiNadia Khomami
The brother of David Haines, the British aid worker who was murdered by Islamic State in Syria in 2014, has made a plea for unity as the strongest possible response to the “barbarism” of the London terror attacks.The brother of David Haines, the British aid worker who was murdered by Islamic State in Syria in 2014, has made a plea for unity as the strongest possible response to the “barbarism” of the London terror attacks.
Over the past few years Mike Haines has sought to continue his brother’s work by visiting schools and community groups to combat extremist indoctrination of young people in the UK. He told the Press Association:Over the past few years Mike Haines has sought to continue his brother’s work by visiting schools and community groups to combat extremist indoctrination of young people in the UK. He told the Press Association:
My deepest sympathies are with the victims and all those affected by last night’s dreadful attack in London.My deepest sympathies are with the victims and all those affected by last night’s dreadful attack in London.
From my own loss, I know first-hand the hurt and anger that many people are feeling today.From my own loss, I know first-hand the hurt and anger that many people are feeling today.
While it is hard at a time like this, I also know that hate can never be the answer – that is what the terrorists want, and it is not what we as a country are about.While it is hard at a time like this, I also know that hate can never be the answer – that is what the terrorists want, and it is not what we as a country are about.
As a nation, our strongest response to this barbarism is to hold steady, confident that terrorism will never break us, as long as we continue to stand together.As a nation, our strongest response to this barbarism is to hold steady, confident that terrorism will never break us, as long as we continue to stand together.
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.05pm BSTat 6.05pm BST
5.54pm BST
17:54
Caroline Bannock
My colleague, Caroline Bannock, has spoken to Elizabeth, a 22-year-old Malaysian student studying in London, who was in Wagamama restaurant close to the Tate modern on the South Bank when the attack took place.
She described the chaos out on the streets when she tried to get home.
A waiter said London bridge was closed as there had been an attack. At the time it didn’t feel too close, my friend and I were thinking that the terror had taken place and it wouldn’t be happening again. It was just after 10:00pm and we decided to leave the restaurant. All the doors were locked, which made us a bit scared as we realised that they had been trying to stop people getting in.
When we got outside we had a view of 100 people or so all milling around and trying to call cabs. People were standing on corners crying, the fire brigade were there and we started to realise that it wasn’t over, it was still active, we were really terrified then.
Elizabeth said they started walking towards Blackfriars Bridge but couldn’t get a taxi.
Then people started running behind us, shouting: ‘They’re stabbing, they’re stabbing.’ Everyone started running and screaming. I held my friend’s hand and we ran for our lives, it’s the first time I’ve honestly felt this fear, this close, I was crying while running for minutes. When you see everyone else freaking out it’s a horrifying experience.
I remember there was a guy on a motorbike on the road and he did a U-turn and in that moment you just don’t know who anybody is, you don’t know what will happen.
Finally, she said, two offered them shelter in their flat, which was a few streets away.
We stayed there until we could get a cab, which wasn’t till 5am. On Sunday morning the streets were completely empty. I never expected something like that to happen to me, when it happens and it’s so close, it’s hard to get over.
Updated
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5.44pm BST
17:44
What we know so far
Jamie Grierson
The attacks
Seven people have been killed in a terrorist attack in London late on Saturday night.
Attackers drove a van across London Bridge, deliberately targeting pedestrians, before leaving the vehicle and stabbing passersby in Borough Market.
The three suspects – all male – were shot dead by armed police, who arrived on the scene eight minutes after the first emergency call was made.
Canisters seen around the body of at least one of the suspects have been “established to be hoaxes”, police said.
At least 48 people were taken to five hospitals across the capital to be treated for their injuries. A total of 36 patients remain in hospital, of whom 21 remain in a critical condition.
A member of the public was shot in the crossfire as police officers attempted to neutralise the terrorists.
An “unprecedented” number of rounds - around 50 - were fired by eight armed officers to stop the attackers.
An officer from the British Transport police was among those seriously injured. He was one of the first officers on the scene and suffered wounds to his face, head and leg. He was armed only with a baton.
A Canadian national has been confirmed among the dead.
At least two French citizens and one Australian citizen are also among the wounded.
The names of those killed – and the perpetrators – are not yet known.
12 people have been arrested in Barking, east London. Raids took place at in flats on Kings Road and Barking Road.
A crashed van abandoned at the scene on Borough high street appeared to be a B&Q/Hertz hire van. It was hired by one of the attackers recently, officers said.
The reaction
The prime minister, Theresa May, chaired a meeting of the government’s emergency Cobra committee this morning. After, May warned that there has been “far too much tolerance of extremism” in the UK and, promised to step up the fight against terrorism after the London Bridge attack, saying “enough is enough”.
Campaigning for Thursday’s general election was suspended.
World leaders have expressed condolences, with the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, expressing her “sadness and dismay”, and the French president, Emmanuel Macron, saying France was “more than ever” at the side of the UK.
But the US president, Donald Trump, faced criticism after using the London attacks to argue for his travel ban and criticising the London mayor, Sadiq Khan.
A concert in Manchester on Sunday evening in support of those killed and injured in the attack on that city less than a fortnight ago, is going ahead.
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17:42
Lisa O'Carroll
My colleague Lisa O’Carroll has pictures of what is believed to be a car owned by one of the suspected attackers.
Just to be clear - the car was not involved in the attack but is believed to be owned by one of the attackers.
Peugeot 1007 used by suspect in London Bridge terror attack. Neighbour says all sorts of strange cars in area recent pic.twitter.com/6zh45qA4Jc
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David Lammy, the former Labour minister who is seeking re-election as MP for Tottenham, has accused Theresa May of using her speech this morning for campaigning purposes.
Campaigning clearly has not been stopped if the PM stands outside No 10 and announces a four point plan within hours of an attack. https://t.co/iv6oJcb9BI
And as campaigning has clearly not stopped: "enough is enough" is a very strange phrase for the person who was Home Secretary from 2010-2016
And Barry Sheerman, who is seeking re-election as Labour MP for Huddersfield, has accused May of allowing police cuts that endangered security when she was home secretary.
Media heads frantically lobbied by No10 spin doctors "Theresa May must look tough on terror today because she cut 10000 police officers"
Humble apology it appears that Theresa May cut police numbers by 20,000 according to a reliable source! No wonder she's talking tough now!
A catalogue of failure to ensure high security standards in her complacent reign as Home Secretary that is Theresa Mays record!
Updated
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17:20
Nadia Khomami
The mother of one of the victims, 23 year-old Daniel O’Neill, who was stabbed in last night’s attack and is being treated in hospital, has told of her son’s experiences.
“He just stepped outside the bar for a second and a man ran up to him and said: ‘This is for my family, this is for Islam’, and stuck a knife straight in him. He’s got a seven-inch scar going from his belly round to his back,” Elizabeth O’Neill told reporters outside King’s College hospital.
“The man ran away, Daniel headed back into the pub, there was shots fired, everybody was told to lie down, and then they were told to go downstairs in the bar. At this stage Daniel’s friend had put a tourniquet on him and was holding pressure there, he was brought downstairs, parts of that he doesn’t remember, and then the police were there and brought him in their car to the hospital.”
O’Neill said her son was able to talk but remained in shock. “”These people say they are doing this in the name of God, which is an absolute joke. They are callous, they are barbaric and they are absolute cowards. We will carry on as normal,” she said.
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17:08
Alice Ross
As the immediate shock wears off, there are determined efforts in some quarters to express reconciliation and unity.
Representatives of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community are speaking to reporters on the cordon, as is the bishop of Southwark – the attack happened right on the doorstep of Southwark cathedral, which is still sealed off by the police.
Meanwhile signs with the hashtag #turntolove have been taped to bollards, alongside bouquets of flowers.
Farhad Ahmad, an Ahmadiyya imam, said: “I was completely shocked ... at the same time as an imam that’s read the Holy Qur’an, I felt a responsibility to reach out to people to say, this can’t divide us and that this is not representative of Islam.”
He and colleagues came to Southwark because “it’s important that we chat to people because they have questions. We need to answer those questions and reassure people”.
The Rt Rev Christopher Chessun, bishop of Southwark, said he had come to be “among my people” and his “heart goes out” to those whose lives were changed by the attacks.
“The faith leaders operate, each of them, within community networks,” he said.
“It’s very important that all community networks mobilise so that people of goodwill stand together... this must not undermine the things we cherish most.”
He added: “The purpose of our great faiths is justice and peace and human concern for others, especially the vulnerable.”
On Borough High St, Alice Cudmore of the Globe Church, a free church in a nearby office building, handed out Heroes chocolates to policemen and passers-by.
Asked if the name of the chocolates was deliberate, she said: “There were Celebrations but we thought that wasn’t quite right. And the police are heroes.”
She continued: “We thought, let’s look after people, help people feel less scared.”
The reaction has been “quite mixed”, she said.
“I had a long chat with an atheist guy who was quite angry and that’s understandable. Lots of people can’t believe it’s happened.”
Police officers have been on the receiving end of other small acts of kindness: the Guardian saw Sainsbury’s staff bringing them snacks and sandwiches, and Cudmore said Costa sent them coffees. “I’ve offered Muslims chocolate and they said: ‘I’m fasting but I’ll take one for later’,” she added. “It’s so important to chat.”
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16:58
Google has put out a statement following the London Bridge attack saying it is committed to working with the government to ensure terrorists “do not have a voice online”. This is from ITV’s Carl Dinnen.
Full statement from Google following the London Bridge attack and the Prime Minister's statement. pic.twitter.com/gxOWzlD6uX
In her speech this morning Theresa May reaffirmed her commitment to getting international agreement on regulating cyberspace to stop the spread of extremism. (See 11.56am.)
But the Open Rights Group, which campaigns for internet freedom, has criticised May for wanting to force internet firms to allow access to the encrypted messages of terrorists. In a statement it said:
It is disappointing that in the aftermath of this attack, the government’s response appears to focus on the regulation of the internet and encryption.
This could be a very risky approach. If successful, Theresa May could push these vile networks into even darker corners of the web, where they will be even harder to observe.
But we should not be distracted: the internet and companies like Facebook are not a cause of this hatred and violence, but tools that can be abused. While governments and companies should take sensible measures to stop abuse, attempts to control the internet is not the simple solution that Theresa May is claiming.
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Flowers left for victims of London Bridge and Borough market attack pic.twitter.com/qAwo7w4nOZ
4.56pm BST
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Some words of support from horror writer Stephen King
London lives. And thrives. And stands together. I love you guys. We all do.
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