The UK Foreign Office has urged people to remain vigilant following a van attack at the Berlin pride festival that left one person dead. The Government department updated its advice for anyone who may be in the German capital after a van slammed into people gathered for the festival on Saturday.
Attack details and police response
At least 16 people were injured in the incident. Berlin police have issued a wanted notice for a fugitive suspect who may be armed and dangerous, after saying they had identified a suspect with ties to Islamic extremists.
On Sunday, the UK Foreign Office updated its travel advice page for Germany to reflect the events that have occurred. It explained that a major investigation was under way and the public were being advised to avoid the affected area.
Foreign Office statement
It said: "On 25 July 2026, at around 10pm a vehicle-related incident took place during the Christopher Street Day celebrations in central Berlin, resulting in multiple injuries and one fatality. A major police operation was launched and local authorities advised the public to avoid the affected Tiergarten area. At the time of writing, no arrests had been announced and investigations were ongoing. Those in Berlin should remain vigilant, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media for updates."
UK politicians condemn attack
A number of UK politicians have denounced the attack and said it underlined the continued need for pride marches. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said he had spoken to his German counterpart to convey the UK’s solidarity.
Mr Miliband said on X: “Horrified by the appalling attack in Berlin. My thoughts are with all those affected, and the entire LGBT+ community. The values of openness, tolerance and freedom are what unite us. I have spoken to @AussenMinDE (German foreign minister Johann Wadephul) to convey the UK’s solidarity: we stand with Germany.”
Minister for equalities Simon Lightwood said on X: “The scenes from Berlin Pride are heartbreaking. My thoughts are with everyone affected, their loved ones and the wider LGBT+ community. Pride is about visibility, solidarity and the simple belief that everyone should be free to live openly and be themselves without fear. When that freedom is threatened, it reminds us just how much Pride still matters.”
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has also condemned the attack. He told Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips on Sky News: “This is an absolutely horrific disaster, and my thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Berlin and right across Germany, who will be, I think, shaken by these scenes. And these types of attacks I’m afraid are becoming far too common on our television screens.”
