World leaders have voiced outrage and their solidarity with Britain over last night’s attacks in London. President Trump of the US also mocked Sadiq Khan, the capital’s Muslim mayor, and hit out at gun control.
Mr Trump tweeted, “At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is ‘no reason to be alarmed!’,” in reference to a statement in which Mr Khan said that people should not be alarmed to see a higher police presence on the streets of London after the attack.
In a series of early morning tweets, Mr Trump wrote: “We must stop being politically correct and get down to the business of security for our people. If we don’t get smart it will only get worse.
“Do you notice we are not having a gun debate right now? That’s because they used knives and a truck!”
He also argued that the attack justified his attempts to ban the entry of Muslims from certain countries to the United States. He also expressed support: “Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the UK, we will be there. WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!”
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Reaction from the rest of the world was more temperate. “Today we are united across borders in horror and mourning, but also in determination,” Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, said. “For Germany, I reiterate that in the fight against all forms of terrorism, we are resolutely at Britain’s side.”
President Macron of France said after speaking with Theresa May by telephone that the attack was “abominable and cowardly”. France was “more than ever at the side of the United Kingdom in response to this new tragedy”, he said, adding: “My thoughts are with victims and their loved ones.” Four French nationals were wounded in the attacks, one seriously. Edouard Philippe, the French prime minister, expressed his “great sorrow” over the “cowardly attacks”. France was totally mobilised in the fight against terrorism, he said, and Britain could count on its full co-operation.
One of those killed is reported to be a Canadian. Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada, said in a statement: “Canada strongly condemns the senseless attack that took place last night in London, United Kingdom, which killed and injured many innocent people. I am heartbroken that a Canadian is among those killed.”
He added: “Londoners and people across the United Kingdom have always displayed strength and resilience in the face of adversity. We recently witnessed this after the attacks in Manchester and in the Westminster area of London. This time will be no different.
“These hateful acts do not deter us; they only strengthen our resolve. Canadians stand united with the British people.”
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President Putin of Russia said in a message to Mrs May that the London Bridge attack was “shocking in its cruelty and cynicism” and expressed his “confidence that the response to the incident should be the escalating of joint efforts in the fight against the forces of terror around the world”.
Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission, offered its “full and unwavering support”, adding: “The cowardly people who committed these attacks will not undermine our resilience, our compassion or our democracies.”
Mariano Rajoy, the Spanish prime minister, said he was monitoring the attacks “with worry and sadness”. Federica Mogherini, the EU’s security chief, said she was “with London, the open, lively, bright city we all love”.
Paolo Gentiloni, the Italian prime minister, said: “We stand together in a shared commitment to combating terrorism”. His foreign minister, Angelino Alfano, said: “You are not alone.”
Malcolm Turnbull, prime minister of Australia, said his country’s “prayers and resolute solidarity” were with the people of Britain, and his foreign minister, Julie Bishop, said Australia stood ready to support the British government in responding to the attacks.
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Bill English, the prime minister of New Zealand, said: “No one should be forced to live in fear, no matter their race or religion, their politics or beliefs. Our hearts go out to you. Too many lives are being taken by terrorists set on inflicting pain and suffering on innocent people.”
The Iranian foreign minister expressed sympathy for the families of the victims and said the rising number of extremist attacks was “an alarming signal for the global community”. He condemned all forms of terrorism “regardless of purpose and motive”.
Narendra Modi, the Indian prime minister who had just returned from a trip to Europe, voiced shock and anguish. He offered prayers and said that his thoughts were with the families of those who had been killed.