Theresa May leads the condolences from Westminster after the ‘horrifying’ Christchurch massacre
The PM sent her 'deepest condolences' and said 'to target Muslims as they were attending their place of worship is despicable'
THERESA May led the condemnation of the “horrifying” Christchurch massacre yesterday – as the attack sickened Westminster.
The PM sent her “deepest condolences” to the people of New Zealand.
She said: “My thoughts are with all of those affected by this sickening act of violence.”
The Government lowered flags on both Downing Street and The Foreign Office to half-mast as a market of respect to the 49 who lost their lives.
And as police stepped up protection around UK mosques, Home Secretary Sajid Javid vowed extremists would not divide Britain’s communities.
He tweeted he was “absolutely heartbroken to hear about this attack on peaceful worshippers”.
Mr Javid added: “We stand with New Zealand and Muslims across the world against all forms of racism and anti-Muslim hatred. We will not let extremists divide us #ChristchurchAttack.
“A horrific terror attack. We will never let the terrorists win and divide our communities. My thoughts and prayers with the victims and families of all those affected.”
Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: “Our hearts go out to the people of New Zealand following the news of this terrible act in Christchurch.
“NZ is one of the most peaceful, peace-loving and generous nations in the world.
“Your friends in the UK stand with you today in deepest sympathy.”
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn laid a wreath at New Zealand House for the Christchurch victims – saying “we must build a world which respects our diversity”.
Earlier he said: “My heart goes out to the victims of the horrific terror attack in New Zealand. We stand in solidarity with the Muslim community in Christchurch and around the world.
“We must defeat the bigotry which fuels such hatred and violence.”
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