Australians awoke this morning to more shocking news about London, a place that is dear to our hearts, and home to many of our friends and family.

For the second time in two weeks, innocent people in Britain enjoying the freedoms we cherish in our two nations have once more been subject to a deliberate and barbaric attack.

Labor utterly condemns this shocking crime.

Just as has occurred after Manchester, we know that instead of generating fear in the United Kingdom, this attack will only make Britain more determined to confront and defeat the terrorists who seek to exploit Britain’s open, inclusive and democratic society.

Labor stands with the British community in their defence of freedom and democracy. We stand with the British community in its determination to resist and defeat these kinds of terrorist acts.

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the families and friends of the victims. Suffering on this scale is something we share deeply. Links of kinship and friendship between Australia and Britain are deep and enduring, and so is our grief when events like this happen.

We stand with all people of goodwill, of all faiths who utterly reject those who would seek to divide us through terror and violence.

Labor thanks our High Commission in London, and officials at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for their assistance to people concerned about friends and relatives in London.

Anyone concerned about family or friends in London should call the DFAT 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra on 1300 555 135 or, from overseas +61 2 6261 3305.

SUNDAY, 4 JUNE 2017