Reform Party members were harshly criticized for allegedly attempting to stoke fear and create division following the Huntingdon train incident. During a speech in the Commons, Lib Dem spokesperson Max Wilkinson accused unnamed hard-right individuals of trying to exploit the attack for political purposes. This accusation came after Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood assured that any necessary actions resulting from the attack would be taken.
According to Mahmood, the suspect, Anthony Williams, 32, facing charges of 11 counts of attempted murder, had no prior connection to security services or counter-terror police. Social media was flooded with racist content in the aftermath of the attack on an LNER train.
It was later revealed that Williams was a UK-born individual. Wilkinson, without specifying names, condemned the immediate spread of racial speculation on social media after such incidents and criticized certain hard-right political figures, including members of the Reform Party, for exploiting the tragedy to incite fear and division.
In response, Mahmood expressed disappointment at the rapid spread of misinformation on social media by armchair commentators. She emphasized the importance of waiting for all facts before drawing conclusions about people’s reactions during crises.
Mahmood commended the emergency responders, train staff, and passengers for their quick actions that saved lives during the attack. She highlighted the bravery of those who confronted the attacker, including a crew member who sustained injuries while preventing the assailant from advancing.
Williams appeared in court facing multiple charges related to the incident, including attempted murder and possession of a bladed weapon. A LNER staff member remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition, along with four others. Williams also faces charges related to a separate incident at Pontoon Dock DLR station in London.
District Judge Ken Sheraton remanded Williams into custody for a court appearance on December 1. The attack occurred shortly after the train departed Peterborough station and was redirected to Huntingdon following the emergency alarms being activated by passengers.
