Nations stand with Britain

Messages of support pour in from all corners of the world

Paris: World leaders have unanimously condemned the attack in the heart of London by a man who was shot dead by armed police, with many saying they stand with Britain.

At least four people were killed and more than 40 injured in the attack outside parliament on Wednesday when a man mowed down pedestrians with a car then leapt out and stabbed a police officer.

Chancellor Angela Merkel said Germany stood “firmly and resolutely alongside Britons in the struggle against all forms of terrorism” while President FrankWalter Steinmeier added: “In these grave moments, we Germans feel very close to the British people.”

President Francois Hollande sent a message of “solidarity” and “support to the British people”, saying France could identify with their pain after the attack, in which three French high school students were also wounded.

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

And Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve tweeted: “Solidarity with our British friends, horribly attacked, full support for the injured French students, their families and their friends.”

The White House condemned the attack and pledged “the full support of the US government in responding to the attack and bringing those to justice who are responsible”, spokesman Sean Spicer said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted: “Our thoughts are with the victims of today’s attack in London and their families. Canadians remain united with the people of the UK.”

In Brussels to commemorate the oneyear anniversary of attacks on the main airport and a metro station, European Commission president JeanClaude 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”.

European Council president Donald Tusk tweeted: “My thoughts are with the victims of the Westminster attack. Europe stands firm with the UK against terror and ready to help”.

Speaking on Russian television, Foreign Ministry spokesman Maria Zakharova sent Moscow’s “condolences” and said Russia felt the pain.

“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”.

Prime Minister Mark Rutte told the media he was shocked by the “horrific” news and said: “The city is in our hearts. We are following the situation closely, and are in contact with the British authorities.”

Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, who observed a moment of silence at the start of a meeting with Social Democratic lawmakers, expressed his “condolences” and said: “Italy and the United Kingdom remain sidebyside in our condemnation and firm response to all forms of terrorism”.

“Our condolences are with those who mourn and all who are affected in London,” Prime Minister Charles Michel tweeted. “Belgium stands with UK in fight against terror.”

France, which has been hit so hard in recent times, knows what the British people are suffering today.

Francois Hollande