We’ll never give in to terrorists insists
Cameron

Speaking outside Downing Street after chairing a meeting of the Government’s emergency Cobra committee, the Prime Minister said the attack “sickens us all” and was a “betrayal of Islam”.

“The people who did this were trying to divide us. They should know something like this will only bring us together and make us stronger,” he said.

“This country will be absolutely resolute in its stand against violent extremism and terror. We will never give in to terror or terrorism in any of its forms.

“This view is shared by every community in our country. This was not just an attack on Britain and on the British way of life; it was also a betrayal of Islam and of the Muslim communities who give so much to our country.

“There is nothing in Islam that justifies this truly dreadful act.”

He said the best response was for everyone to “go about our normal lives”

Mr Cameron cut short an official visit to Paris on Wednesday night to return to the UK to co-ordinate the Government’s response.

Speaking after meeting with police and intelligence chiefs, he said: “What happened yesterday in Woolwich has sickened us all. On our televisions last night and in our newspapers this morning, we have all seen images that are deeply shocking.

“Our thoughts are with the victim and with his family. They are grieving for their loved one and we have lost a brave soldier.”

Mr Cameron cautioned against “knee-jerk responses” to the outrage.

Troops in London were advised in the immediate aftermath of the attack not to wear their uniforms outside their bases.

But the Cobra meeting agreed that issuing orders against wearing military uniforms in public would not be the right response.

“After an event like this it is natural that questions will be asked about what additional steps can be taken to keep us safe,” Mr Cameron said.

“I will make sure those questions are asked and answered but I am not in favour of knee-jerk responses.

“The police have responded with heightened security and activity and that is right.

“But one of the best ways of defeating terrorism is to go about our normal lives and that is what we shall all do.”