World Leaders Stand By Britain After Parliament ‘Terror’ Attack

Many leaders from across the globe stressed on tackling terrorism collectively.

British Prime Minister Theresa May addresses the media after the attack on Wednesday. (Photo Courtesy: AP)

World leaders condemned the alleged terror attack in London by an unknown assailant who was then shot dead by police.

Five people were killed and 40 injured in the attack outside parliament when a man ploughed down pedestrians with a car then stabbed a police officer outside parliament before being shot dead.

British Prime Minister Theresa May responded to the “appalling incident” by saying her thoughts “are with those killed and injured” and “with their families,” her Downing Street office said in a statement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sadness over the the news of the terror attack. He said India stands with UK in its fight against terrorism.

Chancellor Angela Merkel said Germany stood by Britain “firmly and resolutely”.

“Although the background to these acts are not yet clear, I reaffirm that Germany and its citizens stand firmly and resolutely alongside Britons in the struggle against all forms of terrorism,” Merkel said in a statement.

French President Francois Hollande sent a message of “solidarity” and “support” for Britons and May.

“France, which has been hit so hard in recent times, knows what the British people are suffering today,” Hollande said in a statement.

‘Terrorism Has No Place in a Democracy’

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson expressed his “condolences to the victims and their families” in a statement, adding:

The American people send their thoughts and prayers to the people of the United Kingdom. We condemn these horrific acts of violence, and whether they were carried out by troubled individuals or by terrorists, the victims know no difference.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted:

India’s Ministry of External Affairs’ spokesperson Gopal Baglay said that terrorism has “no place in any democracy or civilised societies”.

‘Terrorism Is an Evil That Needs to Be Fought Collectively’

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said the attack left him “highly emotional”.

In Brussels to commemorate the one-year anniversary of attacks on the main airport and a metro station, Juncker said “the fact that exactly on the same day something similar happened in London, and to London, is really putting me in the situation of someone who does not have...enough words to express how I am deeply feeling.”

Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry, expressed the country's “condolences” and said on Russian television: “We do not and will never support terrorism.”

We consider it an evil to which it is necessary to fight collectively. In this moment, as always, our hearts are with Britons and we share their pain.

In a message addressed to Queen Elizabeth, Italian President Sergio Mattarella expressed his “deep sadness” and said that “the United Kingdom will be able to count on Italy's firm commitment” in the fight against terrorism.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says the police presence at the Australian Parliament House has been increased in response to the London attacks.

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel tweeted:

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy tweeted: “Spain stands with the British people. I condemn the attack in the vicinity of Westminster, London. Solidarity with the victims.”

(With inputs from PTI.)