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London attack: Corbyn says May should resign over police funding record – latest updates London attack: Corbyn clarifies call for May to resign and says let voters decide – latest updates
(35 minutes later)
4.38pm BST
16:38
The Muslim Council of Britain says that more than 130 Imams and religious leaders from diverse backgrounds have refused to perform the funeral prayer for the London attackers in what it calls “an unprecedented move”. They have also urged others to do likewise. In a statement they say:
Alongside our friends and neighbours, we mourn this attack on our home, society and people and feel pain for the suffering of the victims and their families. We pray to God that the perpetrators be judged in accordance with the gravity of their crimes in the hereafter. Their acts and wilful dismissal of our religious principles alienates them from any association with our community for whom the inviolability of every human life is the founding principle.
Consequently, and in light of other such ethical principles which are quintessential to Islam, we will not perform the traditional Islamic funeral prayer for the perpetrators and we also urge fellow imams and religious authorities to withdraw such a privilege. This is because such indefensible actions are completely at odds with the lofty teachings of Islam.
4.32pm BST
16:32
Further to our earlier update, Merseyside police say they have arrested two men on suspicion of inciting racial hatred in relation to videos shared on social media yesterday about the recent terror attacks in London and Manchester.
A spokesman for Merseyside police said:
A 39-year-old man from Mossley Hill has been arrested on suspicion of a public order offence following a video shared on social media, in which a man is seen with a bladed weapon making comments about recent terrorist attacks. The 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred and has been taken to a police station for questioning.
A 39-year-old man from Kirkby has been arrested on suspicion of a public order offence following a separate video which shows a man in an Everton shirt making comments about recent terrorist attacks. The 39-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred and has been taken to a police station for questioning.
Updated
at 4.35pm BST
4.30pm BST
16:30
Jeremy Corbyn has now recorded a TV clip clarifying his remark earlier saying he supported calls for Theresa May to resign over police cuts. (See 12.39pm.) He is now saying he just wants people to vote her our of office on Thursday.
Asked if he wanted her to resign, he replied:
No. I think we should vote on Thursday to decide who our MPs are and decide who our government is going to be.
Q: But you said that you would back calls for her to resign? Are you backing away from that now?
I’m not backing away from anything. What I’m saying is there’s an election on now, there’s a choice before everybody. I’m articulating what is a deep anger amongst those people that have seen 20,000 police officers lose their jobs, that have seen firefighters lose their jobs, ambulance crews unable to cope with the [pressures] they are under. I think she needs to think about what she did as home secretary.
To be fair to Corbyn, asking if he backed calls for Theresa May to resign was a fairly daft question in the first place because the election makes any assessment of whether May is or is not fit to hold office irrelevant. But if Corbyn had sidestepped the question, and answered it originally as he is answering it now, he would have saved himself a bit of bother.
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4.17pm BST
16:17
The MI5 chief, Andrew Parker, has released a statement. In it, he says:
With the rest of the country we are all appalled by the dreadful terrorist attack in London on Saturday night. Our thoughts are with everyone affected.
We are extremely grateful for the numerous messages of support and encouragement from members of the public as we continue, alongside our partners, our unceasing efforts against the terrorist threat.
4.07pm BST4.07pm BST
16:0716:07
Sam JonesSam Jones
The employers of Ignacio Echeverría, the 39-year-old Spaniard who has not been seen since apparently trying to help a woman caught up in Saturday’s attacks, have hired a detective to help the family in its search, the Spanish news agency Efe reports.The employers of Ignacio Echeverría, the 39-year-old Spaniard who has not been seen since apparently trying to help a woman caught up in Saturday’s attacks, have hired a detective to help the family in its search, the Spanish news agency Efe reports.
The investigator, paid for by HSBC, is understood to be accompanying the missing man’s sister Isabel as she goes from hospital-to-hospital in London looking for her brother. Efe said family sources said the detective was “a high-level person who knows the procedures and how to handle the situation”. The investigator, paid for by HSBC, is understood to be accompanying the missing man’s sister Isabel as she goes from hospital to hospital in London looking for her brother. Efe said family sources said the detective was “a high-level person who knows the procedures and how to handle the situation”.
Updated
at 4.12pm BST
4.00pm BST4.00pm BST
16:0016:00
Mak Chishty, a commander at the Metropolitan police and the force’s lead on hate crime, read out a statement on behalf of “London’s Muslim community” outside New Scotland Yard, urging Muslims to “do more”.Mak Chishty, a commander at the Metropolitan police and the force’s lead on hate crime, read out a statement on behalf of “London’s Muslim community” outside New Scotland Yard, urging Muslims to “do more”.
He said:He said:
This terrorist attack is an attack on all communities, including Muslim communities.This terrorist attack is an attack on all communities, including Muslim communities.
Every time a terrorist attack takes place, Muslim communities either face or fear a backlash against them. The Muslim community appeals to all sections within their own communities to root out the scourge of terrorism which hides amongst their own people and masquerades as Islam.Every time a terrorist attack takes place, Muslim communities either face or fear a backlash against them. The Muslim community appeals to all sections within their own communities to root out the scourge of terrorism which hides amongst their own people and masquerades as Islam.
The Muslim community is alarmed and concerned that this attack by three people would have required planning and yet was not reported. It is the Islamic duty of every Muslim to be loyal to the country in which they live and we are now asking questions to understand how extremism and hatred has taken hold within some elements of our own communities.The Muslim community is alarmed and concerned that this attack by three people would have required planning and yet was not reported. It is the Islamic duty of every Muslim to be loyal to the country in which they live and we are now asking questions to understand how extremism and hatred has taken hold within some elements of our own communities.
Terrorism and extremism is hurting Islam. Muslims must do more to stop such attacks from happening again and we want to know how we can play a greater role in the future.Terrorism and extremism is hurting Islam. Muslims must do more to stop such attacks from happening again and we want to know how we can play a greater role in the future.
UpdatedUpdated
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15:5115:51
Severin CarrellSeverin Carrell
Nicola Sturgeon has tetchily confirmed she fully expects Scotland to be independent by the mid-2020s, in answer to a poorly phrased question by Julie Etchingham on ITV Tonight, to which a Scottish National party leader’s answer will always be yes.Nicola Sturgeon has tetchily confirmed she fully expects Scotland to be independent by the mid-2020s, in answer to a poorly phrased question by Julie Etchingham on ITV Tonight, to which a Scottish National party leader’s answer will always be yes.
In an excerpt released on Twitter before the interview is broadcast tonight, which includes a question on her husband, Peter Murrell, chief executive of the SNP, Etchingham asks Sturgeon whether she believes Scotland will have voted for independence by 2025.In an excerpt released on Twitter before the interview is broadcast tonight, which includes a question on her husband, Peter Murrell, chief executive of the SNP, Etchingham asks Sturgeon whether she believes Scotland will have voted for independence by 2025.
There is only one SNP response to that, not least given Sturgeon insists there will be a referendum soon after Brexit and she is highly unlikely to forecast losing that.There is only one SNP response to that, not least given Sturgeon insists there will be a referendum soon after Brexit and she is highly unlikely to forecast losing that.
She initially responds: “I think Scotland will be independent yes but that’s a choice for the Scottish people. I have always believed…” Etchingham presses that 2025 date again. Sturgeon answers: “Look, you’re putting arbitrary dates in my…” before changing tack: “I believe Scotland will be independent. I have always believed that.”She initially responds: “I think Scotland will be independent yes but that’s a choice for the Scottish people. I have always believed…” Etchingham presses that 2025 date again. Sturgeon answers: “Look, you’re putting arbitrary dates in my…” before changing tack: “I believe Scotland will be independent. I have always believed that.”
The country, she adds, will always remain part of the British Isles, regardless of independence. No one is left much the wiser on the when.The country, she adds, will always remain part of the British Isles, regardless of independence. No one is left much the wiser on the when.
Scotland will be independent by 2025, @nicolasturgeon tells @julieetchitv. See the full interview tonight at 8pm on @ITV. #LeaderInterviews pic.twitter.com/1tdN83ofPWScotland will be independent by 2025, @nicolasturgeon tells @julieetchitv. See the full interview tonight at 8pm on @ITV. #LeaderInterviews pic.twitter.com/1tdN83ofPW
UpdatedUpdated
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3.49pm BST3.49pm BST
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Sadiq Khan is not responding to the latest provocation from President Trump. This is from PoliticsHome’s Kevin Schofield.Sadiq Khan is not responding to the latest provocation from President Trump. This is from PoliticsHome’s Kevin Schofield.
Spokeswoman for Sadiq Khan on latest Trump tweet: "The Mayor is focused on dealing with Saturday’s horrific and cowardly attack."Spokeswoman for Sadiq Khan on latest Trump tweet: "The Mayor is focused on dealing with Saturday’s horrific and cowardly attack."
3.28pm BST3.28pm BST
15:2815:28
Earlier Theresa May was asked about President Trump, and his comments about the London mayor, Sadiq Khan, in her Q&A with journalists in London. In response to the first question she sided with Khan strongly, saying he was doing “an excellent” job. But the journalists found it harder to get her to say anything critical about the American president. After two unsuccessful attempts a reporter asked what Trump would have to do to make her say anything negative about him. She thought he was wrong about climate change, she said. But what about Khan? Finally, this prompted her to take a swipe at the tweet he posted yesterday (albeit in the mildest terms). May replied:Earlier Theresa May was asked about President Trump, and his comments about the London mayor, Sadiq Khan, in her Q&A with journalists in London. In response to the first question she sided with Khan strongly, saying he was doing “an excellent” job. But the journalists found it harder to get her to say anything critical about the American president. After two unsuccessful attempts a reporter asked what Trump would have to do to make her say anything negative about him. She thought he was wrong about climate change, she said. But what about Khan? Finally, this prompted her to take a swipe at the tweet he posted yesterday (albeit in the mildest terms). May replied:
I think Sadiq Khan is doing a good job and it’s wrong to say anything else - he’s doing a good job.I think Sadiq Khan is doing a good job and it’s wrong to say anything else - he’s doing a good job.
May says Trump was “wrong” to criticise Sadiq Khan on Twitter yesterday.May says Trump was “wrong” to criticise Sadiq Khan on Twitter yesterday.
3.02pm BST3.02pm BST
15:0215:02
Trump renews his criticism of Sadiq Khan over London Bridge attackTrump renews his criticism of Sadiq Khan over London Bridge attack
President Trump has renewed his criticism of Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London. He has just posted this.President Trump has renewed his criticism of Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London. He has just posted this.
Pathetic excuse by London Mayor Sadiq Khan who had to think fast on his "no reason to be alarmed" statement. MSM is working hard to sell it!Pathetic excuse by London Mayor Sadiq Khan who had to think fast on his "no reason to be alarmed" statement. MSM is working hard to sell it!
Khan himself has not responded directly to this tweet that Trump posted yesterday.Khan himself has not responded directly to this tweet that Trump posted yesterday.
At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is "no reason to be alarmed!"At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is "no reason to be alarmed!"
But Trump’s “think fast” comment seems to be a reference to how Khan’s office and supporters pointed out that Trump was quoting Khan out of context. The “no reason to be alarmed” quote came from this passage in a statement from the mayor.But Trump’s “think fast” comment seems to be a reference to how Khan’s office and supporters pointed out that Trump was quoting Khan out of context. The “no reason to be alarmed” quote came from this passage in a statement from the mayor.
My message to Londoners and visitors to our great city is to be calm and vigilant today. You will see an increased police presence today, including armed officers and uniformed officers. There is no reason to be alarmed by this.My message to Londoners and visitors to our great city is to be calm and vigilant today. You will see an increased police presence today, including armed officers and uniformed officers. There is no reason to be alarmed by this.
UpdatedUpdated
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Merseyside police are reported to have issued arrest warrants in relation Islamophobic videos, after clips were circulated showing a man with a hand grenade and a machete blade making threats against members of Muslim communities in the wake of the London Bridge attack.Merseyside police are reported to have issued arrest warrants in relation Islamophobic videos, after clips were circulated showing a man with a hand grenade and a machete blade making threats against members of Muslim communities in the wake of the London Bridge attack.
Tell Mama, which monitors Anti-Muslim attacks, said the videos were removed from Facebook.Tell Mama, which monitors Anti-Muslim attacks, said the videos were removed from Facebook.
It said Merseyside police had issued arrest warrants over the videos. A spokesman for Merseyside police said it was about to issue a statement on the matter.It said Merseyside police had issued arrest warrants over the videos. A spokesman for Merseyside police said it was about to issue a statement on the matter.
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.52pm BSTat 2.52pm BST
2.34pm BST2.34pm BST
14:3414:34
Caroline DaviesCaroline Davies
There are concerns for Australian Sara Zelenak, 21, reportedly last seen running from the attack on London Bridge where she became separated from friends.There are concerns for Australian Sara Zelenak, 21, reportedly last seen running from the attack on London Bridge where she became separated from friends.
She works as a nanny, and has not been in contact with family or friends since, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported. The station said Australian consular staff in London were working with her friends to try and track her down.She works as a nanny, and has not been in contact with family or friends since, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported. The station said Australian consular staff in London were working with her friends to try and track her down.
UpdatedUpdated
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2.32pm BST2.32pm BST
14:3214:32
May's Q&AMay's Q&A
Theresa May is now taking questions.Theresa May is now taking questions.
She says now is not the time to be talking about a Scottish independence referendum.She says now is not the time to be talking about a Scottish independence referendum.
Q: Jeremy Corbyn says you should resign. Will you do so now and save us the bother of an election?Q: Jeremy Corbyn says you should resign. Will you do so now and save us the bother of an election?
May says the election is about who has the leadership to take this country forward.May says the election is about who has the leadership to take this country forward.
She says she and the Conservative party have the vision to take the country forward.She says she and the Conservative party have the vision to take the country forward.
Q: Will you remove VAT from the police so they can spend more on police in Scotland?Q: Will you remove VAT from the police so they can spend more on police in Scotland?
May repeats the answer on police funding she has been giving all day. (See 11.18am.)May repeats the answer on police funding she has been giving all day. (See 11.18am.)
Q: You keep saying Labour was arguing for 10% of police cuts. But aren’t you being disingenuous. Labour was just saying that cuts of 10% were manageable. They were not advocating that.Q: You keep saying Labour was arguing for 10% of police cuts. But aren’t you being disingenuous. Labour was just saying that cuts of 10% were manageable. They were not advocating that.
May does not accept that. She says Labour was supporting cuts.May does not accept that. She says Labour was supporting cuts.
Q: It was put to Nicola Sturgeon this morning that a bad Brexit deal would be good for the SNP. She denied wanting this. Do you believe her?Q: It was put to Nicola Sturgeon this morning that a bad Brexit deal would be good for the SNP. She denied wanting this. Do you believe her?
May said the Conservatives are the only party with a plan for Brexit.May said the Conservatives are the only party with a plan for Brexit.
And that’s it.And that’s it.
UpdatedUpdated
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2.24pm BST2.24pm BST
14:2414:24
Amelia GentlemanAmelia Gentleman
A French citizen missing since Saturday night is understood to be Xavier Thomas. His girlfriend, Christine Delcros, was seriously injured. Her sister, Nathalie Cros Brohan, posted online that she was on her way to London to visit Christine in hospital. She made an appeal for anyone with news of Xavier Thomas to get in touch, adding: “We are terribly worried.”A French citizen missing since Saturday night is understood to be Xavier Thomas. His girlfriend, Christine Delcros, was seriously injured. Her sister, Nathalie Cros Brohan, posted online that she was on her way to London to visit Christine in hospital. She made an appeal for anyone with news of Xavier Thomas to get in touch, adding: “We are terribly worried.”
UpdatedUpdated
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2.21pm BST2.21pm BST
14:2114:21
Theresa May's speech in EdinburghTheresa May's speech in Edinburgh
Theresa May is now speaking at a campaign event in Edinburgh.Theresa May is now speaking at a campaign event in Edinburgh.
Tories in Scotland waiting for PM to arrive have been told to make sure there's lots of cheering or 'it will look like there is no one here' pic.twitter.com/mvNRR5MhBCTories in Scotland waiting for PM to arrive have been told to make sure there's lots of cheering or 'it will look like there is no one here' pic.twitter.com/mvNRR5MhBC
Ruth Davidson, the Scottish Conservative leader, is introducing her. She says the terrorists who struck on Saturday night “don’t like strong women”.Ruth Davidson, the Scottish Conservative leader, is introducing her. She says the terrorists who struck on Saturday night “don’t like strong women”.
She says the Tories have a message for Nicola Sturgeon: “We don’t want your second referendum.”She says the Tories have a message for Nicola Sturgeon: “We don’t want your second referendum.”
May is speaking now. She says in this week, of all weeks, we stand together as one United Kingdom.May is speaking now. She says in this week, of all weeks, we stand together as one United Kingdom.
Echoing what she said in her speech this morning, she says the election is about leadership, and about who is best placed to deliver Brexit.Echoing what she said in her speech this morning, she says the election is about leadership, and about who is best placed to deliver Brexit.
2.17pm BST2.17pm BST
14:1714:17
Barriers have been installed on three central London bridges following the latest terror attack, PA reports.Barriers have been installed on three central London bridges following the latest terror attack, PA reports.
The structures have been introduced to stop traffic from mounting the pavement on Westminster, Lambeth and Waterloo bridges.The structures have been introduced to stop traffic from mounting the pavement on Westminster, Lambeth and Waterloo bridges.
But some cyclists claim they have made journeys more dangerous by reducing the width of cycle lanes.But some cyclists claim they have made journeys more dangerous by reducing the width of cycle lanes.
Commuters posted photographs of the barriers on social media as they made their way to work on Monday.Commuters posted photographs of the barriers on social media as they made their way to work on Monday.
Early start - and not a great sight for Londoners to wake up to. Concrete bollards being installed on Lambeth Bridge. pic.twitter.com/cvv26PmEFFEarly start - and not a great sight for Londoners to wake up to. Concrete bollards being installed on Lambeth Bridge. pic.twitter.com/cvv26PmEFF
Sad to see new barrier on Waterloo Bridge - tho it's for our protection #London #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/qEdVMnl0DTSad to see new barrier on Waterloo Bridge - tho it's for our protection #London #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/qEdVMnl0DT
London’s bridges have been targeted in two terror attacks in recent weeks.London’s bridges have been targeted in two terror attacks in recent weeks.
On Saturday pedestrians were mown down by a van on London Bridge before attackers stabbed people in Borough Market, killing seven.On Saturday pedestrians were mown down by a van on London Bridge before attackers stabbed people in Borough Market, killing seven.
Five people were killed on 22 March, when Khalid Masood drove a car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge and then stabbed a police officer outside the Palace of Westminster.Five people were killed on 22 March, when Khalid Masood drove a car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge and then stabbed a police officer outside the Palace of Westminster.
Westminster city council’s leader, Nickie Aiken, called for the barriers to be left in place in the long-term to boost security.Westminster city council’s leader, Nickie Aiken, called for the barriers to be left in place in the long-term to boost security.
She said: “People in Westminster need this kind of protective measure – it is sensible and proportionate. “The kind of security barrier now in place on Westminster Bridge needs to be part of a permanent solution.”She said: “People in Westminster need this kind of protective measure – it is sensible and proportionate. “The kind of security barrier now in place on Westminster Bridge needs to be part of a permanent solution.”
But Sam Jones, campaigns coordinator at Cycling UK, said there is “clear concern” among cyclists over the impact of the barriers on road safety, with some claiming the structures will reduce the distance between motor vehicles and bicycles.But Sam Jones, campaigns coordinator at Cycling UK, said there is “clear concern” among cyclists over the impact of the barriers on road safety, with some claiming the structures will reduce the distance between motor vehicles and bicycles.
He told PA that while it was “understandable and right” that security was being enhanced, the charity wanted to work with the relevant authorities to ensure “high standards of cycle provision can be maintained”.He told PA that while it was “understandable and right” that security was being enhanced, the charity wanted to work with the relevant authorities to ensure “high standards of cycle provision can be maintained”.
UpdatedUpdated
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2.09pm BST2.09pm BST
14:0914:09
Peter WalkerPeter Walker
Keir Starmer, the shadow Brexit secretary, has just held a press conference in central London with six union leaders and officials representing emergency and public service workers to highlight what they all said was the impact of Theresa May’s cuts on security and counter-terrorism.Keir Starmer, the shadow Brexit secretary, has just held a press conference in central London with six union leaders and officials representing emergency and public service workers to highlight what they all said was the impact of Theresa May’s cuts on security and counter-terrorism.
This is a potentially difficult argument to make, less than 48 hours after the London Bridge attack, and all the unions are previous critics of such cuts. But one of the union leaders, Mark Serwotka, who heads the PCS union, which represents police community support officers (PCSOs) and other civilian staff at the Met police, and border force workers, denied it was insensitive timing.This is a potentially difficult argument to make, less than 48 hours after the London Bridge attack, and all the unions are previous critics of such cuts. But one of the union leaders, Mark Serwotka, who heads the PCS union, which represents police community support officers (PCSOs) and other civilian staff at the Met police, and border force workers, denied it was insensitive timing.
He said: “Nobody here will say: ‘If it wasn’t for this cut, that wouldn’t have happened.’ It would be folly to say so. But what we can say is that the figures speak for themselves and questions need to be asked – you need to put resources in to continually keep people safe.”He said: “Nobody here will say: ‘If it wasn’t for this cut, that wouldn’t have happened.’ It would be folly to say so. But what we can say is that the figures speak for themselves and questions need to be asked – you need to put resources in to continually keep people safe.”
“I think it would be a dereliction of duty if those people representing frontline workers did not get the message across that the swingeing cuts that took place under Theresa May’s watch are having a very real effect.”“I think it would be a dereliction of duty if those people representing frontline workers did not get the message across that the swingeing cuts that took place under Theresa May’s watch are having a very real effect.”
Serwotka said the number of PCSOs in the Met had fallen 68% from 2010, while Ben Priestly from Unison said the equivalent fall outside the capital was 38%.Serwotka said the number of PCSOs in the Met had fallen 68% from 2010, while Ben Priestly from Unison said the equivalent fall outside the capital was 38%.
Fiona Farmer from Unite said low pay also made it hard to recruit civilian police staff.Fiona Farmer from Unite said low pay also made it hard to recruit civilian police staff.
She said: “People can earn more working for Vodafone and other call centres than thy can working as police support staff. You can only imagine the difference between having to deal with a member of the public who can’t quite get their phone to work or dealing with one of the calls that someone had to pick up over the weekend.”She said: “People can earn more working for Vodafone and other call centres than thy can working as police support staff. You can only imagine the difference between having to deal with a member of the public who can’t quite get their phone to work or dealing with one of the calls that someone had to pick up over the weekend.”
Dave Green, of the Fire Brigades Union, also said cuts had had an impact: “Our members will attend anything they’re asked to attend, but we constrained by numbers, by resources.”Dave Green, of the Fire Brigades Union, also said cuts had had an impact: “Our members will attend anything they’re asked to attend, but we constrained by numbers, by resources.”
Serwotka was asked about May’s assertion she had protected counter-terror resources, and said this was not the case in London: “We believed from the information we have that there has been a significant cut in the counter-terrorism budget in London in the period when Theresa May was home secretary.”Serwotka was asked about May’s assertion she had protected counter-terror resources, and said this was not the case in London: “We believed from the information we have that there has been a significant cut in the counter-terrorism budget in London in the period when Theresa May was home secretary.”
The Conservatives might well say this is to be expected – union leaders seeking more resources for their members. Others might argue it’s too early to be making such arguments. But Starmer and the union officials all stressed they only blamed the attackers for Saturday’s events, and that they did not hold May responsible for the recent attacks taking place.The Conservatives might well say this is to be expected – union leaders seeking more resources for their members. Others might argue it’s too early to be making such arguments. But Starmer and the union officials all stressed they only blamed the attackers for Saturday’s events, and that they did not hold May responsible for the recent attacks taking place.
UpdatedUpdated
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The Metropolitan police commander for engagement, Mak Chishty, the highest-ranking officer of Muslim faith, has called on Muslim communities to do more to root out extremism.The Metropolitan police commander for engagement, Mak Chishty, the highest-ranking officer of Muslim faith, has called on Muslim communities to do more to root out extremism.
Speaking outside New Scotland Yard, Chishty said: “We have had three attacks across the UK in three months, which requires a step change – a different direction and a different movement to counter the scourge of terrorism, extremism and hatred that we have in our communities at present.”Speaking outside New Scotland Yard, Chishty said: “We have had three attacks across the UK in three months, which requires a step change – a different direction and a different movement to counter the scourge of terrorism, extremism and hatred that we have in our communities at present.”
Surrounded by Muslim community leaders, Chishty read out a statement on behalf of all Muslim communities. It appealed “to all sections within their own communities to root out the scourge of terrorism which hides amongst their own people and masquerades as Islam”.Surrounded by Muslim community leaders, Chishty read out a statement on behalf of all Muslim communities. It appealed “to all sections within their own communities to root out the scourge of terrorism which hides amongst their own people and masquerades as Islam”.
It added: “The Muslim community is alarmed and concerned that this attack by three people, which would have required planning ... was not reported. It is the Islamic duty of every Muslim to be loyal to the country in which they live. We are now asking questions to understand how extremism and hatred has taken hold within some elements of our own communities.It added: “The Muslim community is alarmed and concerned that this attack by three people, which would have required planning ... was not reported. It is the Islamic duty of every Muslim to be loyal to the country in which they live. We are now asking questions to understand how extremism and hatred has taken hold within some elements of our own communities.
“Muslims must do more to stop such attacks from happening again and we want to know how we can play a greater role in the future.“Muslims must do more to stop such attacks from happening again and we want to know how we can play a greater role in the future.
The statement also said: “We are standing together as one community supporting each other and trying to keep hate crime, and especially Islamophobic crime, down by showing the strength of unity and bond between all communities.”The statement also said: “We are standing together as one community supporting each other and trying to keep hate crime, and especially Islamophobic crime, down by showing the strength of unity and bond between all communities.”
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