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UK politicians set aside differences in solidarity with Manchester

UK politicians set aside differences in solidarity with Manchester
MENA
3 min read
Diana Alghoul
23 May, 2017
General election campaigning has been put on hold following a deadly bombing in Manchester, as Mancunians pull together and offer their beds to those stranded in the city.

British politicians have put their political campaigns on hold to pay their respects to victims of a blast at a pop concert in Manchester on Monday night.

At least 19 died and 50 were injured after an explosion at a pop concert in Manchester, northern England towards the end of concert by Ariana Grande, an American pop singer.

It was initially suspected that a balloon had popped, causing panic and injuried from a stampede when the explosion was heard at 22:30GMT.

Shortly after, Northwest Counterterrorist Unit confirmed they were responding to a "terror incident" at the Manchester Arena, with reports of an explosion either in the foyer or just outside the venue as crowd's left the concert.

Manchester residents have been quick to unite, as people try to unite with their family members. Locals are offering a bed to those caught up in the incident and left stranded in the city with the hashtag #RoomForManchester trending on Twitter.

Political officials followed suit, as they put their electoral campaigns and political differences on hold in solidarity with the victims of the tragedy.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was the first to respond to the attack, paying tribute to the emergency services.


UK Prime Minister Theresa May described it as an "appalling terrorist attack".

The Conservative party confirmed that  out of respect for those who died and their loved ones.

"We are working to establish the full details of what is bein treated by the police as an appalling terrorist attack. All of our thoughts have been with the victims and families affectedm," she said.

UK Home Secretary Amber Rudd said "My thoughts are with all those affected by this barbaric act".

Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham - and former competitor of Jeremy Corbyn in the 2015 Labour party leadership race - gave an emotional tribute via his Twitter account.



Leader of the Liberal Democrats Tim Farron also offered his condolences to those killed in the attacks.

He confirmed that a campaign trip to Gilbratar has been cancelled, following the attack.


Outside the paradigm of British politics, Tim Cook, CEO of Apple had offered his sympathies to Manchester.