"The events of Saturday night are truly horrific. The loss of yet more lives to terrorism is tragic and my thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and all those affected.

"We cannot give in to people who perpetrate such acts of atrocity. Terrorism must not be permitted to undermine our democratic electoral process and locally we will continue with low-key campaigning out of respect for those who have suffered but also in defiance of those who would destroy our freedom.

"As for many people, the fear of terrorism has become an increasing concern for me as in one way or another it begins to touch all of us. Before becoming an MP, I worked at the BBC as a Senior Analyst advising on terrorism and Home Affairs. In September 2001 on my second day in the role, the attacks on the Twin Towers in New York occurred. During my time I advised on the terrorist murders of Daniel Perl, Ken Bigley and others. Like many people, I was on the Tube when the 7/7 bombers attacked and I was on the phone to the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority Chairman when the Tavistock Square explosion occurred. In March I was in Parliament when it was attacked and on a recent visit to Pakistan was close to a suicide attack that killed 6 people.

"Dealing with the threat of terrorism nationally and internationally is a major priority. The General Election must happen on Thursday so Parliament can return to debate our way forward. The safety of our local community and the our country will always be my main priority."