Prime Minister Theresa May has said the UK "stands shoulder to shoulder with Spain in confronting and dealing with the evil of terrorism" following the attacks in Catalonia. She confirmed that British nationals were caught up in the incidents and that the UK is looking into reports of a missing child with dual nationality.
Speaking from her Chequers country residence, Mrs May said she had "offered any assistance we can provide" to Spain. She stressed the importance of ridding the internet of "poisonous material" and vowed that "together we will defeat" terrorism, which she described as "the great threat that we all face".
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he was "shocked and appalled" by the attacks, which saw a van plough into pedestrians on Las Ramblas in Barcelona, killing at least 13 people and injuring more than 100. Police later shot dead five suspects after a second vehicle attack in Cambrils, in which a woman who was injured later died.
The Foreign Office has issued advice to tourists to take care and follow local security advice. A spokesperson said it had "deployed additional staff to Barcelona" and "offered support to the Spanish authorities". The Spanish flag and the union jack are flying at half mast in Downing Street and at other government buildings.
Political leaders across the UK expressed solidarity with Spain. London Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted: "London stands with Barcelona against the evil of terrorism." However, Plaid Cymru Leader Leanne Wood sparked controversy by suggesting far-right ideologies drove both IS and white supremacists, prompting calls for her to apologise or resign.
EU officials also condemned the attack. European Council President Donald Tusk tweeted: "All of Europe stands with #Barcelona." European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker added: "We will never be cowed by such barbarism."
