After attack, UK back in election mode

Islamic State claims London terror strike but doubts remain, reports say one attacker of Pakistani origin

LONDON: Daily life was back to normal on Monday after a weekend of terror left seven people dead, as parties resumed campaigning for Thursday’s election, with Labour blaming Tory cuts in police funding for the attack.

Prime Minister Theresa May defended the cuts and set out plans to increase funding and powers to the police if her party wins, as London mayor Sadiq Khan announced a vigil on Monday in memory of the victims.

Reports said the Islamic State had claimed responsibility for the attack, but some experts raised doubts about its authenticity.

Transport links that had been closed after the attack in the vicinity of London Bridge and the Borough Market were reopened.

However, there was increased presence of armed police in public places.

Raids and arrests were continuing as the police said the identity of the three assailants was known to them, but would release their details when operationally appropriate.

“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 said, following criticism from Corbyn, who said forces lost 20,000 policemen due to Conservative cuts in funding.

Corbyn said: “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.”

Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrats leader added: “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.”

Health officials said 21 people remained in a critical condition on hospitals, including three police officers.

The police thanked the media for not speculating about the identity of the three attackers, though some reports claimed one of the attackers was of Pakistani origin.

Assistant commissioner of police Mark Rowley said: “I would like to assure them and the public that this (not speculating) is directly assisting the progression of the investigation and confirm we will release the identities of the three men directly responsible for the attacks…as soon as operationally possible.”