Theresa May ‘will cut short G7 summit visit’ in wake of Manchester bombing
THERESA May is set to cut short her visit to the G7 meeting in Sicily, Italy, following the devastating Manchester bombing, a senior government official said.
Theresa May is set to cut short her visit to the G7 meeting in Sicily, Italy
The Prime Minister was due to stay at the meeting of the world's leading industrialised nations until the end of the programme on Saturday, but now plans to leave after the first day.
The decision comes after Mrs May raised the UK terror threat level to ‘critical’ following the Manchester terror attack.
The official said: ”Based on the fact that we have a threat level which is currently critical and the ongoing situation here, the PM currently plans a shortened programme at the G7 so she is likely to return on Friday evening.”
Theresa May penning a letter during a visit to Manchester Town Hall after the attack
On Monday evening, Salman Abedi killed 22 people in a devastating attack at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester Arena.
The announcement comes after it was revealed the Prime Minister will meet with President Donald Trump at a Nato summit, where she’s expected to insist that world leaders "need to do more" to defeat Islamist terrorists.
At the summit in Brussels, Mrs May will tell world leaders she is "grateful for the support and solidarity shown by all our Nato allies".
Theresa May offers 'thoughts and prayers' to terror attack victims
Our unity in responding to common threats is our most potent weapon
But she will add that the savagery is "an example of why the international community, including Nato, needs to do more in the fight against terrorism."
Mrs May will also tell the summit that "a strong capable and united Nato is at the heart of the security of each and every one of our nations."
She will say: "Our unity in responding to common threats is our most potent weapon.
"We must redouble our resolve to meet the threats to our shared society, whether from terrorism or Russia."
Some of the victims killed in the Manchester bombing
The Prime Minister earlier condemned the Manchester bombing, which left 22 people dead, as “barbaric”.
Mrs May said: ”It is an absolutely barbaric attack that has taken place, to cut off young lives in this way, and it is absolutely devastating and our thoughts and prayers must be with their families and friends at this horrendous tragedy that has taken place.
"I'm very clear that the police and the security services have the resources to ensure that they continue their investigation.”
More than 66 people were injured in the Manchester blast with 20 being described as fighting for their lives, according to doctors.