Theresa May vows to double UK efforts to tackle terrorism after Nice massacre
British security services will review arrangements at sporting fixtures and music festivals in coming days
THERESA May yesterday vowed to crush terrorists bent on “destroying our way of life” and said Britain stood “shoulder to shoulder” with France.
The new PM led outrage from politicians as she spoke of the “horrifying” Bastille Day attack.
She said: “If, as we fear, this was a terrorist attack then we must redouble our efforts to defeat these brutal murderers who want to destroy our way of life.”
Breaking off from her first official trip to Scotland, she added: “Our hearts go out to the French people.”
The PM called a meeting of the Government’s emergency Cobra committee and the French Tricolore flew at half-mast at No10 yesterday.
Her official spokeswoman said security at big public events was under review.
She said: “The threat level here was already at severe, and it remains the same.”
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said safety in the capital would be assessed.
He said of the terrorists: “They will not win. Not in France, not in London, not anywhere. We will defeat their poisonous and twisted ideology.”
Shadow home secretary Andy Burnham said the UK was “in sympathy & solidarity” with France.
Theresa May statement in full
I am shocked and saddened by the horrifying attack in Nice last night.
Our hearts go out to the French people, and to all those who have lost loved ones or been injured.
While the full picture is still emerging, it seems that at least 80 people are feared dead and many others have been injured.
These were innocent victims enjoying a national celebration with their friends and families.
We are working urgently to establish whether any British nationals were caught up in the attack.
Our Ambassador is travelling to Nice today with consular staff and they will be doing all they can to help anyone affected.
I have asked my Deputy National Security Adviser to chair a COBR meeting of senior officials to review what we know and what we can do to help.
And I will speak to President Hollande today and make clear that the United Kingdom stands shoulder to shoulder with France today as we have done so often in the past.
If, as we fear, this was a terrorist attack then we must redouble our efforts to defeat these brutal murderers who want to destroy our way of life.
We must work with France and our partners around the world to stand up for our values and for our freedom.