Representatives from seven political parties went head-to-head in an election debate on Friday evening, just hours after a terror attack that saw some political campaigning called off.

The shadow of the London Bridge attack loomed over the programme, with each candidate making a statement of support and sympathy at the beginning, and a fair chunk of the allotted time given over to questions of national security.

The debate came as it was announced some political campaigning on Saturday has been cancelled, including a "Stop Brexit" rally hosted by the Lib Dems and all campaigning by the Prime Minister.

The Telegraph understands the Tories will be campaigning elsewhere tomorrow.

Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn offered their condolences to people affected by the attack in public statements.

In tonight's event, Rishi Sunak represented the Conservative Party and Rebecca Long-Bailey fronted for Labour, while Jo Swinson, Nicola Sturgeon, Adam Price, Caroline Lucas and Richard Tice put the smaller parties' view.

The most heated segment of the debate came as the parties addressed the issue of NHS privatisation.

Mr Sunak said the allegation that the Tories are planning to sell the NHS is "a desperate, conspiracy theory".

He added: "We're absolutely crystal clear - the NHS will not be on the table, the price the NHS pays for drugs will not be on the table, we will walk away from any trade discussion where that's put on the table. We care deeply about supporting our NHS."

Ms Sturgeon added: "I'm going to be pretty blunt here, when Boris Johnson says the NHS is not on the table in a future trade deal, I simply do not trust him and I do not believe him on that point."

Mr Tice called the claims "scaremongering", but Ms Lucas said it is "absolutely right to say that the NHS is at risk here".