Emmanuel Macron says France is ‘more then ever’ at the side of the UK as leaders unite in offering support

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

World leaders expressed solidarity and outrage after Saturday night’s van and knife attacks on London Bridge and in nearby Borough Market killed seven people and left 48 in hospital, some in critical condition.

“Today we are united across borders in horror and mourning, but also in determination,” said Angela Merkel, the German chancellor. “For Germany, I reiterate that in the fight against all forms of terrorism, we are resolutely at Britain’s side.”

Emmanuel Macron, the French president, said his thoughts were with the victims, their families and their friends, adding that France was “more than ever” at Britain’s side. Four French nationals were wounded in the attacks, one seriously.

Macron spoke to Theresa May at lunchtime on Sunday to discuss the situation. A statement from the Elysée said the president expressed his “solidarity and support” and stressed the importance of European cooperation to combat terrorism.

Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) Face à cette nouvelle tragédie, la France est plus que jamais aux côtés du Royaume-Uni. Mes pensées vont aux victimes et à leurs proches.

Denouncing an “abominable and cowardly” attack, Macron said France, which is still under a state of emergency after a string of Islamist terrorist attacks that have killed more than 230 people in the past two years, would continue fighting terrorism “with all our strength alongside Britain and all other countries concerned”.

Edouard Philippe, France’s prime minister, expressed his “great sorrow” in the face of “cowardly attacks”. France was totally mobilised in the fight against terrorism, he said, and Britain could count on its full cooperation.

Donald Trump, the US president, drew widespread criticism for first retweeting an unconfirmed news item about the attack, then using it to argue in favour of his controversial travel ban, before sending a message of support.



Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!

Another tweet read: “Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the UK, we will be there – WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!” The US state department condemned the “cowardly attacks targeting innocent civilians in London”.

On Sunday morning, tTrump made another political point on Twitter, adding: “We must stop being politically correct and get down to the business of security for our people. If we don’t get smart it will only get worse.”

Heather Nauert, the state department spokeswoman, said the US stood ready to provide assistance, adding: “Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of the victims. We wish a full and quick recovery to those injured in the attacks. All Americans stand in solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom.”



Vladimir Putin condemned the attack and called for greater joint efforts in the fight against terrorism. The Russian president “expresses his profound condolences for the British people”, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.



“This crime shocks with its cruelty and cynicism,” Putin was quoted as saying later in a telegram to Theresa May, adding that it must serve to “increase ... combined efforts in the fight against the forces of terror around the world”.

Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European commission, said:

Jean-Claude Juncker (@JunckerEU) Following latest #London incidents with horror. Thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. Please stay safe.

Donald Tusk, the president of the European council, tweeted:



Donald Tusk (@eucopresident) My heart and mind are in London after another cowardly attack. Europe stands by UK in fight against terrorism.

Mark Rutte, the Dutch prime minister, said London was “in mourning, once again, after a cowardly attack. And we are in mourning with her. Our thoughts and our heart are with the victims and their families”.

Paolo Gentiloni, the Italian prime minister, said that in memory of the victims and the injured: “We stand together in a shared commitment to combating terrorism”. His foreign minister, Angelino Alfano, said: “You are not alone.”

In an early morning tweet, Mariano Rajoy, the Spanish prime minister, said he was monitoring the attacks “with worry and sadness”. The Federica Mogherini, the EU security chied, said she was “with

Justin Trudeau, the Canadian prime minister, tweeted in English and French, saying:



Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) Awful news from London tonight. We're monitoring the situation - Canadians in need of help please see below: https://t.co/NVHwMlD2uu

Malcolm Turnbull, the Australian prime minister, said his country’s “prayers and resolute solidarity” were with the people of Britain, and his foreign minister, Julie Bishop, said Australia stood ready to support the British government in responding to the attacks.



Bill English, New Zealand’s prime minister, said: “No one should be forced to live in fear, no matter their race or religion, their politics or beliefs. Our hearts go out to you. Too many lives are being taken by terrorists set on inflicting pain and suffering on innocent people.”

Narendra Modi, India’s prime minister, also condemned the attacks, saying they caused shock and anguish. Modi said in a brief statement after returning from Europe that his thoughts were with the families of the deceased, and offered prayers for the injured.



Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, Bahram Ghasemi, expressed sympathy for the families of the victims and said the rising number of extremist attacks was “an alarming signal for the global community”. He condemned all forms of terrorism “regardless of purpose and motive”.