Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn agree election campaign must continue despite terror attack
3 min read
Campaigning in the general election will resume across the country on Saturday despite a terror attack in London which left three people dead.
Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn agreed in a phone call on Friday evening that the democratic process must not be disrupted by the incident, which took place on London Bridge.
A man wearing a hoax suicide belt and carrying a machete was shot dead by police after being wrestled to the ground by passers-by shortly after 2pm.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick later confirmed that two members of the public were also killed, and three others were injured.
The Prime Minister and Labour leader agreed that campaigning should be suspended in London on Friday evening, but begin again on Saturday "as a statement against those who wish to attack our democracy".
Mr Johnson - who chaired a meeting of the Government's emergency Cobra committee on Friday evening - said: "My thoughts are first with the emergency services, with the police, the bravery they showed in going towards danger as they do.
"I also want to pay tribute to the extraordinary bravery of those members for he public who physically intervened to protect the lives of others.
"And for me, they represent the very best of our country and I thank them on behalf of all of our country.
"I think we're all very saddened to learn also that some people have been injured in this event and our sympathies are very much with them and with their loved ones."
He added: "Clearly the Metropolitan Police are continuing their investigations and I can assure you, and assure everyone that anybody involved in this crime, in these attacks will be hunted down and will be brought to justice.
"And I think the message that we sent to them and anyone associated with this type of attack is one that will be familiar. And that is that this country will never be cowed or divided or intimidated by this sort of attack. And our values, our British values will prevail."
Mr Corbyn said: "My heart goes out to the victims of this appalling attack. We owe a deep debt of gratitude to our police and emergency services, and the brave members of the public who put themselves in harm’s way to protect others.
"We must remain united across all our communities, and we cannot let our democratic process be derailed by acts of terror.
"We are suspending campaigning in London tonight as a mark of respect for those who suffered in this attack. We will not be cowed by those who threaten us. We must and we will stand together to reject hatred and division."
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