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London attack: Isis claims responsibility, as first victim is named – latest updates London attack: Theresa May defends her record on police funding – latest
(35 minutes later)
11.21am BST
11:21
Theresa May's speech
Theresa May is delivering a speech now.
She says that our democratic way of life must go on after the London Bridge terror attacks, and so she will return to the theme of the choice facing voters.
She says it is a question of leadership. Leadership is about being straight with people and being able to get the job done. She says she offers strong and stable leadership.
And everything we want as a country depends on getting the Brexit negotiations right, she says.
Theresa May: "Our way of life and democratic process must go on"GE2017 pic.twitter.com/CfjIEo1GeU
11.18am BST
11:18
May dismisses claims police are underfunded
Cressida Dick, the commissioner of the Metropolitan police, has given at least two interviews this morning. Asked about police cuts, she said that “any police leader would always want more resources” but that, ahead of the election, she did not want to get into a political argument about this.
In the clip recorded for broadcasters, the reporter mentioned Dick’s comments and then asked Theresa May if she regretted presiding over cuts that saw police numbers fall by 20,000. May replied:
The commissioner of the Metropolitan police has said that the Met is well resourced, and they are, and that they have very powerful counter-terrorism capabilities, and they do. We have protected counter-terrorism policing budgets. We have also provided funding for an increase in the number of armed police officers. Since 2015 we have protected overall police budgets, and that’s despite the fact that Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour party in the House of Commons suggested that police budgets could be cut.
But it’s also about the powers that we give to the police. We have given increased powers to the police to be able to deal with terrorists, powers which Jeremy Corbyn has boasted he has always opposed.
May dismissed claims that the police are underfunded. She said that counter-terrorism budgets had been protected, that overall police budgets have been protected since 2015 and that the number of armed officers is increasing.
She claimed that Labour under Jeremy Corbyn supported police cuts.
Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour party in the House of Commons suggested that police budgets could be cut.
The Tories justify this claim by citing something Andy Burnham, then shadow home secretary, said in a speech 30 September 2015, shortly after Corbyn became Labour leader. Burnham said: “Of course, savings can be found. The police say 5% to 10% over the parliament is just about do-able.” But now the Labour party is going into the election with a manifesto proposing hiring 10,000 more police officers.
She claimed Corbyn had always opposed anti-terror legislation.
We have given increased powers to the police to be able to deal with terrorists, powers which Jeremy Corbyn has boasted he has always opposed.
This is a reference to Corbyn saying in 2011: “I’ve been involved in opposing anti-terror legislation ever since I first went into parliament in 1983.”
Updated
at 11.27am BST
11.13am BST
11:13
Hospitals have increased security measures in the aftermath of the terror attack.
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS foundation trust – which runs Guy’s hospital, situated in London Bridge and nearby St Thomas’ hospital – said it was operating “with enhanced security”.
Our services are running as usual today but we have enhanced security. Please bring appointment letters and ID, if possible. pic.twitter.com/oHvD0kRu5v
Patients attending appointments at Guy’s or St Thomas’ hospitals were also reminded to bring photo identification with them to appointments.
In a statement on its website, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS foundation trust said: “We are operating with enhanced security, but services are running as normal. Please attend appointments as planned, but bring your appointment letter and photo ID. Allow more time to travel.”
The NHS trust was one of five across the capital which treated victims of the attack. Nine patients were taken to the emergency department of St Thomas’ hospital – which is situated on the south side of Westminster Bridge, where another terror attack took place in March.
Meanwhile, Imperial College Healthcare NHS trust urged patients and visitors to be vigilant.
In a statement on its website, the trust said: “Following the incidents at London Bridge and Borough Market, our own security team will be stepping up their presence on our campuses.
“Although there is no reason to suspect any specific threat to our institution or other universities, due to the nature of our openness and accessibility we would urge everyone to remain vigilant and to immediately report anything suspicious to security.”
One victim was taken to St Mary’s hospital in Paddington, which is run by Imperial.
Updated
at 11.16am BST
10.54am BST10.54am BST
10:5410:54
May defends her record over police fundingMay defends her record over police funding
Theresa May has recorded a clip for broadcasters which has just been shown on Sky and BBC News.Theresa May has recorded a clip for broadcasters which has just been shown on Sky and BBC News.
She says the police have identified all the attacks. She says the police have identified all the attackers. She says 11 people are in custody.
She says 11 people are in custody.
The threat level remains at severe, she says.The threat level remains at severe, she says.
The police are working to establish the identity of all of those killed, she says.The police are working to establish the identity of all of those killed, she says.
The victims were from different countries. This was an attack not just on London and the UK, but on the free world, she says.The victims were from different countries. This was an attack not just on London and the UK, but on the free world, she says.
She says the heroism of the police and the emergency services was extraordinary.She says the heroism of the police and the emergency services was extraordinary.
Q: Cressida Dick, the Met police commissioner, has said it would be appropriate to look at police resources. Do you regret cutting police numbers?Q: Cressida Dick, the Met police commissioner, has said it would be appropriate to look at police resources. Do you regret cutting police numbers?
May says Dick has said she has the resources she needs.May says Dick has said she has the resources she needs.
She says the government has protected police spending since 2015.She says the government has protected police spending since 2015.
Labour opposed extra spending on the police, she says.Labour opposed extra spending on the police, she says.
And she says Jeremy Corbyn has opposed giving new powers to the police.And she says Jeremy Corbyn has opposed giving new powers to the police.
May defends her record over police funding.May defends her record over police funding.
We’ll post the full quotes shortly.We’ll post the full quotes shortly.
Updated
at 10.59am BST
10.51am BST10.51am BST
10:5110:51
Man led away in DagenhamMan led away in Dagenham
Lisa O'CarrollLisa O'Carroll
A man emerged from the yellow house raided by police in Dagenham under a blanket a short while ago pic.twitter.com/MmsStLzl9bA man emerged from the yellow house raided by police in Dagenham under a blanket a short while ago pic.twitter.com/MmsStLzl9b
A man emerged under a blanket from a Dagenham house raided by police in connection with the London terror attack at about 10.15am. A man emerged under a blanket from a Dagenham house raided by police in connection with the London terror attack at about 10.15am. He was holding a blanket to his head with one hand over his face and the other at this waist.
He was holding a blanket to his head with one hand over his face and the other at this waist. It was a confused situation 12 hours after police first arrived on the scene. The shabby yellow painted house used to be a swingers’ and cross-dressers’ club, locals have confirmed.
It was a confused situation 12 hours after police first arrived on the scene. “You’d see cross-dressers and all sorts down there,” said Dean Sandford, operations manager at the garage next door. The club was called The Little Yellow House. “It closed down about a year ago and we never saw anyone going in or out since,” he added. “We thought it was just disused.”
The shabby yellow painted house used to be a swingers’ and cross-dressers’ club, locals have confirmed.“You’d see cross-dressers and all sorts down there,” said Dean Sandford, operations manager at the garage next door. The club was called The Little Yellow House. The semi-detached house stands beside a tyre shop alone in a busy industrial estate.
“It closed down about a year ago and we never saw anyone going in or out since,” he added. “We thought it was just disused.”The semi-detached house stands along beside a tyre shop alone in a busy industrial estate.The police first turned up at 10pm last night but burst into the property shortly after 5am, another business owner, who did not want to be named, said.Inside the door, there appeared to be a presence of residents with a Henry Hoover near the staircase and four or five jackets hanging on a wall rack.The police declined to comment on the ongoing operation. The police first turned up at 10pm last night but burst into the property shortly after 5am on Monday, another business owner, who did not want to be named, said. Inside the door, there appeared to be a presence of residents with a Henry Hoover near the staircase and four or five jackets hanging on a wall rack.
The police declined to comment on the ongoing operation.
Heavy police presence at Dagenham. Ongoing search at shabby house right next to A13 pic.twitter.com/2VUpBpMdNfHeavy police presence at Dagenham. Ongoing search at shabby house right next to A13 pic.twitter.com/2VUpBpMdNf
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.55am BST at 11.27am BST
10.46am BST10.46am BST
10:4610:46
One of the two addresses raided by police on Monday is on Caledon Road in Newham, according to PA.One of the two addresses raided by police on Monday is on Caledon Road in Newham, according to PA.
A police van is parked in the middle of the road and the street of terraced houses is cordoned off at both ends.A police van is parked in the middle of the road and the street of terraced houses is cordoned off at both ends.
A woman called Sonia said police raided the house next to the one she lives in at 4am.A woman called Sonia said police raided the house next to the one she lives in at 4am.
She said she was woken up with noise and could hear shouts of: “On the floor, on the floor, on the floor.” coming from the property next door.She said she was woken up with noise and could hear shouts of: “On the floor, on the floor, on the floor.” coming from the property next door.
“And after, people screaming scared, and boom boom boom,” she said, adding that she could hear an explosion and four or five gunshots. The noise was so loud and she and her housemates thought it was taking place in their house.“And after, people screaming scared, and boom boom boom,” she said, adding that she could hear an explosion and four or five gunshots. The noise was so loud and she and her housemates thought it was taking place in their house.
“We were very scared,” she said, adding that glass was smashed at the front of her house. She said she believed the people who live in the house were Muslim, adding that it was a family with two sons.“We were very scared,” she said, adding that glass was smashed at the front of her house. She said she believed the people who live in the house were Muslim, adding that it was a family with two sons.
The whole family was taken away by police after about an hour, she said. Men in blue forensic suits could be seen walking along the street from the house.The whole family was taken away by police after about an hour, she said. Men in blue forensic suits could be seen walking along the street from the house.
Vijy Temcykumar also lives on the street and said she heard a “blast” followed by a “shooting sound”, adding that she heard three or four shots. “My son was crying a lot,” she said.Vijy Temcykumar also lives on the street and said she heard a “blast” followed by a “shooting sound”, adding that she heard three or four shots. “My son was crying a lot,” she said.
Mohamed Ozhuparambil lives on the street and said he thought a Bangladeshi family lived at the house raided by police.Mohamed Ozhuparambil lives on the street and said he thought a Bangladeshi family lived at the house raided by police.
He said three men, including a man over 65, and three women, including a teenager, were taken away in a police van. He said he heard a “bomb blasting” sound.He said three men, including a man over 65, and three women, including a teenager, were taken away in a police van. He said he heard a “bomb blasting” sound.
Another resident on the street, Ahmed Jableo, said he heard a “massive bang like a big bomb blast shooting noise”.Another resident on the street, Ahmed Jableo, said he heard a “massive bang like a big bomb blast shooting noise”.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.51am BSTat 10.51am BST
10.40am BST10.40am BST
10:4010:40
Haroon SiddiqueHaroon Siddique
Questions have been asked about how much police and the intelligence services knew about the three men who carried out the attack.Questions have been asked about how much police and the intelligence services knew about the three men who carried out the attack.
One of the suspects was reported to the police two years ago over extremist views.One of the suspects was reported to the police two years ago over extremist views.
The same suspect is reported to have watched YouTube clips of the hate preacher Ahmad Musa Jibril.The same suspect is reported to have watched YouTube clips of the hate preacher Ahmad Musa Jibril.
He is also reported to have appeared in a Channel 4 documentary about British jihadis.He is also reported to have appeared in a Channel 4 documentary about British jihadis.
He was caught on camera being involved in an altercation with police after an Isis flag was unfurled in London’s Regent’s Park, according to the Daily Mail.He was caught on camera being involved in an altercation with police after an Isis flag was unfurled in London’s Regent’s Park, according to the Daily Mail.
One of the suspects may have been questioned by police according to notes seen being carried by a detective leaving a flat raided on Sunday.One of the suspects may have been questioned by police according to notes seen being carried by a detective leaving a flat raided on Sunday.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.43am BSTat 10.43am BST
10.32am BST10.32am BST
10:3210:32
Severin CarrellSeverin Carrell
The BBC Question Time special with the Lib Dem leader, Tim Farron, and Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish National party leader, is being filmed and broadcast tonight on BBC1 at 9pm after the BBC postponed the scheduled event yesterday evening after the London Bridge terror attack.The BBC Question Time special with the Lib Dem leader, Tim Farron, and Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish National party leader, is being filmed and broadcast tonight on BBC1 at 9pm after the BBC postponed the scheduled event yesterday evening after the London Bridge terror attack.
Farron and Sturgeon are on the campaign trail in Scotland today and their Question Time contest highlights several battles between the two parties. The Lib Dems are pitching to win back a handful of former Lib Dem seats in East Dunbartonshire, Edinburgh West, North East Fife and Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross won by the SNP in 2015.Farron and Sturgeon are on the campaign trail in Scotland today and their Question Time contest highlights several battles between the two parties. The Lib Dems are pitching to win back a handful of former Lib Dem seats in East Dunbartonshire, Edinburgh West, North East Fife and Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross won by the SNP in 2015.
Farron’s battlebus tour started at 6am in a cafe in the Lib Dem target seat of Edinburgh West, which his party is widely expected to regain, before heading to support Jo Swinson’s effort to win back East Dunbartonshire in the well-healed neighbourhood of Bearsden.Farron’s battlebus tour started at 6am in a cafe in the Lib Dem target seat of Edinburgh West, which his party is widely expected to regain, before heading to support Jo Swinson’s effort to win back East Dunbartonshire in the well-healed neighbourhood of Bearsden.
About an hour later, Sturgeon will fly into East Dunbartonshire on the latest leg of her helicopter tour on her so-called Nicolopter, before taking in other battleground seats in the Borders and central Scotland.About an hour later, Sturgeon will fly into East Dunbartonshire on the latest leg of her helicopter tour on her so-called Nicolopter, before taking in other battleground seats in the Borders and central Scotland.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.39am BSTat 10.39am BST
10.28am BST10.28am BST
10:2810:28
This morning Karen Bradley, the culture secretary and a former Home Office minister, refused to answer when asked on ITV’s Good Morning Britain if the number of armed police had gone down since 2010. (See 7.43am.) It’s not hard to guess why. The Times’ Matt Chorley has the figures.This morning Karen Bradley, the culture secretary and a former Home Office minister, refused to answer when asked on ITV’s Good Morning Britain if the number of armed police had gone down since 2010. (See 7.43am.) It’s not hard to guess why. The Times’ Matt Chorley has the figures.
If only someone had given Karen Bradley this chart, she could have answered the question on whether the number of armed police has been cut pic.twitter.com/qP6Sy4aUbsIf only someone had given Karen Bradley this chart, she could have answered the question on whether the number of armed police has been cut pic.twitter.com/qP6Sy4aUbs
In his speech (covered here and here) last night Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour leader, criticised the government for cutting police numbers. He said:In his speech (covered here and here) last night Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour leader, criticised the government for cutting police numbers. He said:
You cannot protect the public on the cheap the police and security services must get the resources they need not 20,000 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”.Theresa May was warned by the Police Federation but she accused them of “crying wolf”.
As Labour set out in our manifesto we will recruit another 10,000 new police officers including more armed police who need to be properly rewarded as well as 1,000 more security services staff to support our communities and help keep us safe.As Labour set out in our manifesto we will recruit another 10,000 new police officers including more armed police who need to be properly rewarded as well as 1,000 more security services staff to support our communities and help keep us safe.
And this morning Tim Farron, the Lib Dem leader, has also criticised the Tories for cutting police numbers. He said:And this morning Tim Farron, the Lib Dem leader, has also criticised the Tories for cutting police numbers. He said:
Theresa May must level with the British people and accept that on her watch armed officer numbers were cut. She asks us to trust her on security but the truth is as home secretary she cut armed officers and cut community police numbers.Theresa May must level with the British people and accept that on her watch armed officer numbers were cut. She asks us to trust her on security but the truth is as home secretary she cut armed officers and cut community police numbers.
The Liberal Democrats would provide our police with £300m extra funding a year and would do what is needed to tackle the scourge of violent extremism.The Liberal Democrats would provide our police with £300m extra funding a year and would do what is needed to tackle the scourge of violent extremism.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.38am BSTat 10.38am BST
10.16am BST10.16am BST
10:1610:16
Damien GayleDamien Gayle
In the area around London Bridge there are as yet few flowers laid for victims of Saturday night’s attacks.In the area around London Bridge there are as yet few flowers laid for victims of Saturday night’s attacks.
Dave Austin, from Epping, was looking for the right place to leave a bunch.Dave Austin, from Epping, was looking for the right place to leave a bunch.
Asked why, he said: “I, like everybody else, was overwhelmed. I saw it on the telly ... I can’t help but be moved.Asked why, he said: “I, like everybody else, was overwhelmed. I saw it on the telly ... I can’t help but be moved.
“London’s got a really subdued feeling this morning, and it’s not supposed to feel like that.”“London’s got a really subdued feeling this morning, and it’s not supposed to feel like that.”
Austin said he would leave his flowers “anywhere where I feel suitable. I’m not sure at the moment because so much is cordoned off.”Austin said he would leave his flowers “anywhere where I feel suitable. I’m not sure at the moment because so much is cordoned off.”
London Bridge station is now fully operational with a heavy police presence.London Bridge station is now fully operational with a heavy police presence.
"#London's got a subdued feel this morning." Dave Austin, from Epping, with flowers for the #LondonBridgeAttack victims pic.twitter.com/vE0Ck3qTQd"#London's got a subdued feel this morning." Dave Austin, from Epping, with flowers for the #LondonBridgeAttack victims pic.twitter.com/vE0Ck3qTQd
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.22am BSTat 10.22am BST
10.10am BST10.10am BST
10:1010:10
Southwark cathedral and Borough Market remain closed as a police cordon remains in place in several streets to the south-west of London Bridge.Southwark cathedral and Borough Market remain closed as a police cordon remains in place in several streets to the south-west of London Bridge.
The Cathedral remains closed due to ongoing @metpoliceuk investigation. We will be posting updates when we receive them #LondonBridgeThe Cathedral remains closed due to ongoing @metpoliceuk investigation. We will be posting updates when we receive them #LondonBridge
The Market remains closed todayThe Market remains closed today
8.15am update - this is the current extent of the police cordon at #londonbridge. pic.twitter.com/rLgyDza5Hu8.15am update - this is the current extent of the police cordon at #londonbridge. pic.twitter.com/rLgyDza5Hu
10.07am BST10.07am BST
10:0710:07
Guardian/ICM poll suggests Conservatives have 11-point lead over LabourGuardian/ICM poll suggests Conservatives have 11-point lead over Labour
The latest Guardian/ICM poll is out this morning. And it suggests that the Conservative lead remains in double digits. Here are the figures.The latest Guardian/ICM poll is out this morning. And it suggests that the Conservative lead remains in double digits. Here are the figures.
Conservatives: 45% (no change from Guardian/ICM last week)Conservatives: 45% (no change from Guardian/ICM last week)
Labour: 34% (up 1)Labour: 34% (up 1)
Lib Dems: 8% (no change)Lib Dems: 8% (no change)
Ukip: 5% (no change)Ukip: 5% (no change)
Green: 3% (no change)Green: 3% (no change)
Conservative lead: 11 points (down 1)Conservative lead: 11 points (down 1)
And here is a commentary on the figures from Martin Boon, ICM’s director.And here is a commentary on the figures from Martin Boon, ICM’s director.
Compared to other polls over the weekend, ours slots in the higher end of the Tory lead range, one point off ComRes’s 12-pointer. At the other end, Survation revealed a Tory lead of only one point. A moderately significant dividing line has emerged between sets of pollsters, largely pivoting on how we treat turnout. This has been widely discussed in polling circles since the Labour ‘surge’, which is at least partially based on younger people and 2015 non-voters saying they will now turn out, and vote for Labour.Compared to other polls over the weekend, ours slots in the higher end of the Tory lead range, one point off ComRes’s 12-pointer. At the other end, Survation revealed a Tory lead of only one point. A moderately significant dividing line has emerged between sets of pollsters, largely pivoting on how we treat turnout. This has been widely discussed in polling circles since the Labour ‘surge’, which is at least partially based on younger people and 2015 non-voters saying they will now turn out, and vote for Labour.
Those pollsters, like us, who show higher Tory leads are implicitly sceptical about the extent of this self-reported turnout. Those with lower Labour leads largely take it at face value. But whichever turnout weighting scheme is applied, the impact is clear: as Sturgis & Jennings of the University of Southampton established in this paper, which was published yesterday.Those pollsters, like us, who show higher Tory leads are implicitly sceptical about the extent of this self-reported turnout. Those with lower Labour leads largely take it at face value. But whichever turnout weighting scheme is applied, the impact is clear: as Sturgis & Jennings of the University of Southampton established in this paper, which was published yesterday.
The imposition of historical-based turnout probabilities (assuming that behaviours will tend toward the historical pattern) drives down the Labour and upweights the Tories. Self-reported turnout scales, largely employed by those pollsters showing the smallest Labour leads, hardly impact on the headline numbers. June 9th will show which was the better scheme, but here’s the age profile of voters from all general elections since 1964, courtesy of the House of Commons Library.The imposition of historical-based turnout probabilities (assuming that behaviours will tend toward the historical pattern) drives down the Labour and upweights the Tories. Self-reported turnout scales, largely employed by those pollsters showing the smallest Labour leads, hardly impact on the headline numbers. June 9th will show which was the better scheme, but here’s the age profile of voters from all general elections since 1964, courtesy of the House of Commons Library.
For my part, it’s hard to reconcile between 38%-54% estimated turnout among 18-24s since 1997 with one recent poll, which suggested that 82% of them would turn out to vote. But who knows? Jeremy Corbyn has, to common agreement, run a good campaign and has motivated sections of the society who have tended to disengagement. On Friday, we will have the answer on whether he has bucked the trend, or not.For my part, it’s hard to reconcile between 38%-54% estimated turnout among 18-24s since 1997 with one recent poll, which suggested that 82% of them would turn out to vote. But who knows? Jeremy Corbyn has, to common agreement, run a good campaign and has motivated sections of the society who have tended to disengagement. On Friday, we will have the answer on whether he has bucked the trend, or not.
ICM Unlimited interviewed a representative sample of 2,000 adults aged 18+ online on 2 to 4 June. Interviews were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.ICM Unlimited interviewed a representative sample of 2,000 adults aged 18+ online on 2 to 4 June. Interviews were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
UPDATE: Here are the tables (pdf).UPDATE: Here are the tables (pdf).
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.30am BSTat 10.30am BST
9.59am BST9.59am BST
09:5909:59
Police cordons around London Bridge railway station were lifted earlier than planned on Monday, PA reports.Police cordons around London Bridge railway station were lifted earlier than planned on Monday, PA reports.
The station – which is the fourth busiest in the UK – was initially expected to be exit-only when it reopened at 5am.The station – which is the fourth busiest in the UK – was initially expected to be exit-only when it reopened at 5am.
This led to warnings of disruption for passengers heading to Kent and Surrey on Southeastern, Southern and Thameslink services.This led to warnings of disruption for passengers heading to Kent and Surrey on Southeastern, Southern and Thameslink services.
But a spokeswoman for Network Rail, which manages the mainline station, said police cordons were lifted “earlier than expected”, meaning it was able to “open as usual”.But a spokeswoman for Network Rail, which manages the mainline station, said police cordons were lifted “earlier than expected”, meaning it was able to “open as usual”.
All entrances and exits to London Bridge underground station reopened with the exception of Borough High Street, Transport for London said.All entrances and exits to London Bridge underground station reopened with the exception of Borough High Street, Transport for London said.
London Bridge itself and other nearby roads also reopened on Monday morning. British Transport police said travellers may notice an increased police presence following the attack.London Bridge itself and other nearby roads also reopened on Monday morning. British Transport police said travellers may notice an increased police presence following the attack.
In a statement, the force said: “Members of the public should expect to see extra police officers patrolling stations in London and the south-east following the attacks. You may also see some of our armed police officers at stations.”In a statement, the force said: “Members of the public should expect to see extra police officers patrolling stations in London and the south-east following the attacks. You may also see some of our armed police officers at stations.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.04am BSTat 10.04am BST
9.50am BST9.50am BST
09:5009:50
Jason BurkeJason Burke
Islamic State (Isis) has claimed responsibility for Saturday night’s attack via Amaq, its main communications channel, but evidence linking the group to the atrocity is sketchy.Islamic State (Isis) has claimed responsibility for Saturday night’s attack via Amaq, its main communications channel, but evidence linking the group to the atrocity is sketchy.
A mistake on the date meant the claim had to be retracted and re-issued, and details were thin. The group simply said that a “detachment of fighters” from the group were responsible for the violence in London.A mistake on the date meant the claim had to be retracted and re-issued, and details were thin. The group simply said that a “detachment of fighters” from the group were responsible for the violence in London.
For a long time, Isis claims were seen as reliable by experts. The group tended to claim a link to an attack only where one existed. Some of these were tenuous, or, as in two cases in the US, only established when an attacker swore allegiance to Isis leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi immediately before or even during an attack.For a long time, Isis claims were seen as reliable by experts. The group tended to claim a link to an attack only where one existed. Some of these were tenuous, or, as in two cases in the US, only established when an attacker swore allegiance to Isis leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi immediately before or even during an attack.
But the connections existed all the same, even if sometimes they only underlined the inspirational power of its ideology rather than its ability to execute complex operations.But the connections existed all the same, even if sometimes they only underlined the inspirational power of its ideology rather than its ability to execute complex operations.
The group also often provided detail in the claims. This included personal information about attackers or operational elements which often indicated a deep knowledge of the plot or the individuals concerned.The group also often provided detail in the claims. This included personal information about attackers or operational elements which often indicated a deep knowledge of the plot or the individuals concerned.
In the past Isis also sometimes provided pre-recorded videos or statements from attackers. In some cases, interviews with attackers were published in Isis magazines, or online, billed as an “exclusive”. These came weeks after an attack but could be considered conclusive evidence underpinning the group’s involvement.In the past Isis also sometimes provided pre-recorded videos or statements from attackers. In some cases, interviews with attackers were published in Isis magazines, or online, billed as an “exclusive”. These came weeks after an attack but could be considered conclusive evidence underpinning the group’s involvement.
Those days have passed. More recently, Isis has started claiming as its own attacks where there is no evidence of a connection. And it has stopped providing evidence to back up the claims and has made mistakes in its statements.Those days have passed. More recently, Isis has started claiming as its own attacks where there is no evidence of a connection. And it has stopped providing evidence to back up the claims and has made mistakes in its statements.
Isis claimed Khalid Massood, who attacked parliament and pedestrians on Westminster bridge in March, as one of their fighters. However, no evidence has yet emerged of a link. The group also claimed Salman Abedi, who attacked in Manchester last month, too. Investigators are probing Abedi’s connections in Libya where he may have been in contact with Isis militants, but have no solid proof yet of Isis direction or training.Isis claimed Khalid Massood, who attacked parliament and pedestrians on Westminster bridge in March, as one of their fighters. However, no evidence has yet emerged of a link. The group also claimed Salman Abedi, who attacked in Manchester last month, too. Investigators are probing Abedi’s connections in Libya where he may have been in contact with Isis militants, but have no solid proof yet of Isis direction or training.
Just days ago Isis claimed the bloody attack on a casino in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. The lone gunman there turned out to be an unstable gambling addict with a grudge.Just days ago Isis claimed the bloody attack on a casino in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. The lone gunman there turned out to be an unstable gambling addict with a grudge.
Why is this? Isis is under huge military pressure. Its leaders are moving all the time, with little time to organise a coherent communications strategy. Many key people involved with the group’s twisted public relations effort are now dead.Why is this? Isis is under huge military pressure. Its leaders are moving all the time, with little time to organise a coherent communications strategy. Many key people involved with the group’s twisted public relations effort are now dead.
Simultaneously, the group’s losses of territory, personnel and resources mean that it is even more important than ever to project an image of a powerful organisation with global reach, even if the reality is that its refounded caliphate is crumbling fast.Simultaneously, the group’s losses of territory, personnel and resources mean that it is even more important than ever to project an image of a powerful organisation with global reach, even if the reality is that its refounded caliphate is crumbling fast.
#ISIS-linked Amaq Media has issued a very brief claim of responsibility for yesterday's attack in #London - take link w. some salt for now. pic.twitter.com/gY3BMAKoVx#ISIS-linked Amaq Media has issued a very brief claim of responsibility for yesterday's attack in #London - take link w. some salt for now. pic.twitter.com/gY3BMAKoVx
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at 9.58am BSTat 9.58am BST