Theresa May yesterday urged Londoners to show “we will not be cowed by terrorists” by going out and enjoying themselves to the full over Christmas and the New Year.
The prime minister said people should not be deterred from flocking to shops and entertainments in the capital by the horrific attack on a Christmas market in Germany that killed 12 and injured 48 more.
Speaking exclusively to the Evening Standard, she said: “Of course our thoughts are with those who have been affected by the terrible attack that took place in Berlin but Londoners should go about their business as usual. They should enjoy this Christmas period.
“It is important, I think, that we send a very clear message that we will not be cowed by the terrorists — that we will carry on with our lives as usual.”
May’s rallying cry was welcomed by London’s hospitality and cultural leaders. Jace Tyrrell, chief executive of the New West End Company, said: “Christmas in the West End is that time of the year when we welcome 40mn visitors spending more than £2 billion.
“With the world’s best shops, Christmas lights, restaurants and bars, there is nowhere quite like the West End at Christmas.”
Huge crowds are already packing the capital’s stores, restaurants and theatres, while 107,000 tickets have sold out for the annual fireworks show hosted by the mayor.
In Trafalgar Square alone, throngs of 80,000 revellers have been recorded in past years.
Former home secretary May praised the “unsung heroes” of MI5 and Scotland Yard.
MI5 chief Andrew Parker recently revealed that 12 terror attacks in the UK have been foiled since June 2013.
The prime minister said: “The security services and the police are working day in and day out to keep us safe. They are often unsung heroes but they are actually doing a very good job. However, they have to be vigilant all the time and we should be very grateful for the work they do.”
Colin Stanbridge, chief executive of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “Our message is very much that London is open for business. That’s the case whether it’s for last-minute Christmas shopping or enjoying all the wonderful entertainments and restaurants this great city has to offer.
“Businesses are listening carefully to advice from police and work with them and each other to ensure Londoners and visitors can still take full advantage of all the city has to enjoy.”
Matthew Hill, retail and hospitality director at business group London First, said: “We each have a role to play in staying vigilant and doing all we can to keep visitors and workers safe.
“But London is a strong city, with robust security measures in place and a shared determination to make the most of our outstanding capital.”
On Tuesday Scotland Yard announced road closures to protect the Changing the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace as “a necessary precaution” for such a high-profile event attracting crowds.