Responding to the terror attack at Manchester Arena, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said:
“This was a despicable act designed to cause maximum pain and suffering. It’s barbaric beyond words that this happened at a concert attended by so many children and young people.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected including the wounded, those searching for loved ones, and those grieving a terrible loss.
“We also pay tribute to those public servants involved – their response was incredible. Many worked through the night to save lives or rushed into work to help when news broke of the attack. And they will continue to put Manchester back together in the days and weeks ahead.
“Strangers providing young people with a place to stay, taxi drivers taking people to safety and long queues at blood banks this morning tell a simple but important story – that hatred will never triumph.”
