An election debate for Croydon Central, due to be staged tonight by the town centre’s Business Improvement District, has been cancelled following last night’s horrific bombing in Manchester.
At least 22 were killed, including several children, and another 50 were injured, with some still fighting for their lives in hospital or facing life-changing injuries as a result of what is being investigated as a suicide bombing at Manchester Arena. The incident took place around 10.30pm last night in the foyer of the crowded arena, after a concert by the American singer Ariana Grande.
All the leading political parties have suspended campaigning today ahead of the General Election.
And just after 10am today, Croydon BID issued a brief statement to announce the cancellation of its election hustings for Croydon Central, at which Gavin Barwell, the Tory MP for the area since 2010, was to have debated with Labour’s Sarah Jones and other candidates.
The BID statement said, “Out of respect for those affected by last night’s horrific attack in Manchester, we have cancelled tonight’s Croydon Central Hustings.
“Our thoughts are with the victims, their families and friends at this traumatic time.”
The hustings organisers expect to announce an alternative date shortly.
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Gavin Barwell: “As a mark of respect to the victims, I have cancelled all campaigning for the General Election until further notice. We will make a decision about when to resume campaigning as the situation becomes clearer, but in the meantime I hope you will understand why we are not knocking on your door.”
So anytime there’s a disaster these people get an indefinite holiday? They took time off the other day to remember Jo Cox. Fair enough but she did die in June not May … Seems odd to commemorate her on that particular day? But then again why not? But then again… It does also feel like nobody’s heart is in this election. And no one else gets a day off… I bet all the businesses in the BID didn’t shut their shops for the day? Of course I might be cynical or missing the point or a bit mean spirited but… Why does everything have to stop because there’s been a bombing. For one thing isnt that sort of what the terrorists want? And not just an hour or day but indefinite? Really?