Brighton and Hove will stand with the city of Manchester in solidarity and grief after a suicide bomb killed 22 last night, the leader of Brighton and Hove City Council said.
Councillor Warren Morgan also tweeted: “The worst news from Manchester. Thoughts with those injured and the families of those killed, and with all emergency services dealing.”
The worst news from Manchester. Thoughts with those injured and the families of those killed, and with all emergency services dealing.
— Cllr Warren Morgan (@warrenmorgan) May 22, 2017
The main political party leaders have suspended campaigning today after the killings last night (Monday 22 May).
Labour’s Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell has cancelled a speech that he was due to make to the annual conference of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union in Brighton this afternoon.
His appearance in support of Brighton Kemptown candidate Lloyd Russell-Moyle at the Latest Music Bar in Brighton has also been cancelled.
Councillor Russell-Moyle said: “Due to the tragic events in Manchester overnight the John McDonnell visit and all canvassing will be cancelled for the day.
“I think I speak for us all when I say our thoughts are with the friends and families of those involved.
“Manchester, just like Brighton, is a beautiful, diverse, peace-loving city and we owe it to them to stay strong and united in the weeks ahead.”
Flags have been lowered to half mast on public buildings and the government’s emergency committee COBRA was due to meet this morning (Tuesday 23 May).
The city of Brighton and Hove will stand with the city of Manchester in solidarity and grief, as will towns and cities around the UK.
— Cllr Warren Morgan (@warrenmorgan) May 23, 2017
In total 22 people, including children, are believed to have died, with 59 people injured, in the attack at the Manchester Arena as a concert by the American singer Ariana Grande ended just after 10.30pm.
The Brighton concert venue Concorde 2 tweeted a message of support, as did Peter Kyle, who has represented Hove in the House of Commons over the past two years.
Mr Kyle said: “Manchester is grieving and the heart of Brighton and Hove is filled with thoughts of the families for whom life will never be the same again.”
Caroline Lucas, who became Britain’s first Green MP seven years ago, representing Brighton Pavilion, said: “Heartbreaking news from Manchester. Our thoughts with those affected and thanks as ever to emergency services.”
A day of protest by cabbies in Brighton and a number of other towns and cities where Uber is operating has also been cancelled.
Manchester is greiving and the heart of Brighton & Hove is filled with thoughts of the families for whom life will never be the same again
— Peter Kyle (@peterkyle) May 23, 2017
Heartbreaking news from Manchester. Our thoughts with those affected and thanks as ever to emergency services.
— Caroline Lucas (@CarolineLucas) May 23, 2017
Our thoughts & love goes today to the people of #Manchester. A diverse & beautiful city, much like #Brighton. Devastated for those affected.
— Concorde2 (@concorde_2) May 23, 2017
broken.
from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don't have words.— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) May 23, 2017
