Standing with Manchester

The entire global family of our International condemns in the deepest terms the abhorrent and heinous attack that was executed last night upon children and families attending a music concert in Manchester.

Targeting children, the most innocent of all civilians, so directly, is unspeakable, and it is utterly devastating that children as young as 8 years were among the 22 that were killed.

As with all terrorist attacks, the outcome of this atrocity has served no purpose except to more strongly unite people, communities and nations together against such perpetrators. This act strengthens our determination to overcome terrorism and to never cease in our resolve to defeat those who attempt to destroy our democracies, and take our rights and freedoms.

The International extends its heartfelt sympathy to the victims and families of the attack, to all the people of Manchester and the United Kingdom.