Tribute to the victims of the London attack

A car and a knife. That is all it took to make 4 victims and wound many innocent citizens.

The chosen date and location, which are very symbolic, were no coincidence.

One year after the terrible attacks that struck our country, it is the heart of British democracy that was targeted.

This time, no bombs or heavy weapons were necessary.

On this day of unity, terrorists aim to once again sow discord.

We know what it is to be attacked.

And we know how difficult it is to overcome trauma. 

We can arm ourselves against terror.
We can take security measures.
However, the battle is far from over.

On behalf of all Belgians, I have expressed my deepest condolences to British Prime Minister Theresa May. We are working closely with the security and intelligence services. I have assured my counterpart that she could count on all our support and cooperation.

I have one message to our friends in the UK:

We have chosen not to live in fear.
But hateful ideologies will continue to survive.

If we want to pay respect to the victims we have to show unity and mutual understanding.

That is the only way to preserve our way of life, our democracy, our freedom and values.