May
24

Author: Chloe Smith, Updated: 24 May 2017 09:43

I am shocked and horrified by the attack in Manchester 36 hours ago.  As a new parent I'm just revolted by it being targeted at children.  I am sure that everyone in Norwich joins together in putting our thoughts totally with the victims, who are only now being named, and with their families and friends as they need strength in this dark week. 

 

We also know that the potential threat is not over.  You can read the Prime Minister's words directly here:  https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/pm-statement-following-second-cobr-meeting-on-manchester-attack-23-may-2017.  The work done yesterday after the Arena attack shows that there may be other individuals linked to the attack, and that another attack may be imminent.  The change in the threat level means that there will be additional resources and support made available to the police as they work to keep us all safe.  This means that armed police officers responsible for duties such as guarding key sites will be replaced by members of the armed forces, which will allow the police to significantly increase the number of armed officers on patrol in key locations. You might also see military personnel deployed at certain events, such as concerts and sports matches, helping the police to keep the public safe.  The police ask everybody to be vigilant, and to cooperate with and support them as they go about their important work.  We should also thank them and the other emergency services - as well as members of the public - who worked so hard in Manchester to save lives and help those whose lives have now been changed utterly.  The Prime Minister says for the whole country what many have said in Manchester already:  our spirit is greater and we stand united and defiant.

 

Political party leaders have agreed to suspend campaigning in the General Election.  This means that events such as the planned hustings in St Cuthbert's Church (24th May) will not go ahead, as well as Norwich Conservatives' own scheduled plans to continue working around the constituency to speak to voters and answer their questions.  I will be happy, of course, to carry on answering people's questions about the Election in due course but at this moment it is right to pause this activity and show our respects.