Party leaders suspend campaigning after Manchester terror attack
The PM is chairing a meeting of the COBRA committee
Last updated 23rd May 2017
Campaigning in the General Election has been suspended until futher notice following the suicide bombing at a concert in Manchester.
Prime Minister May will chair a meeting of the Government's emergency Cobra committee on Tuesday morning.
Mrs May said: "We are working to establish the full details of what is being treated by the police as an appalling terrorist attack.
"All our thoughts are with the victims and the families of those who have been affected.''
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: "I am horrified by the horrendous events in Manchester last night. My thoughts are with families and friends of those who have died and been injured.
"Today the whole country will grieve for the people who have lost their lives.
"I have spoken with Andy Burnham, the mayor of Manchester, who has fully briefed me on the operational response in the city.
"I would like to pay tribute to the emergency services for their bravery and professionalism in dealing with last night's appalling events.
"I have spoken with the Prime Minister and we have agreed that all national campaigning in the General Election will be suspended until further notice.''
Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron called off an election visit to Gibraltar and the SNP postponed Tuesday's planned manifesto launch.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has tweeted that' she's heartbroken by the news from Manchester and says her thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones or been injured in what she called a barbaric attack.
The SNP has cancelled all campaigning for the day will delay its manifesto launch following the horrific events.
Ms Sturgeon said: "My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those who have been affected by this barbaric attack in Manchester.
"The Scottish Government is working with Police Scotland and the UK Government to ensure that we have a full understanding of the developing situation.
"I will convene a meeting of the Scottish Government's Resilience Committee this morning to receive an update and to consider any implications for Scotland.''
Home Secretary Amber Rudd has said the explosion was a "barbaric'' attack on some of the "most vulnerable in our society''.
She said the intention of the attack was to "sow fear'' but stressed that it would not succeed.
In a statement, she said: "I know that some people will only just be waking up to the news of the horrific attacks in Manchester last night.
"This was a barbaric attack, deliberately targeting some of the most vulnerable in our society - young people and children out at a pop concert.
"My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and the victims who have been affected, and I know the whole country will share that view.
"I'd like to pay tribute to the emergency services who have worked throughout the night professionally and effectively - they have done an excellent job.
"Later on this morning, I will be attending COBRA, chaired by the Prime Minister, to collect more information - to find out more - about this particular attack, and I can't comment any more on that at the moment.
"The public should remain alert but not alarmed. If they have anything to report, they should approach the police.
"But I have two further things to add.
"The great city of Manchester has been affected by terrorism before. Its spirit was not bowed; its community continued.
"This time it has been a particular attack on the most vulnerable in our society - its intention was to sow fear - its intention is to divide. But it will not succeed.''