Leaders React To Glasgow Tragedy

22 December 2014, 21:38

Political and religious leaders have been expressing their shock after six people were killed by an out-of-control bin lorry in Glasgow.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon

"My thoughts are with everyone involved in this tragic incident, and especially with the friends and families of the six people who lost their lives in what is another sad day for Glasgow and Scotland.

"I am currently at the Police Scotland control room in Govan with Justice Secretary Michael Matheson, where I am being fully briefed with the latest information.

"As ever, Scotland's emergency services have responded in a swift and professional manner and I would encourage everyone to let them get on with their vitally important roles.

"I would urge anyone who was in Glasgow city centre today to contact their friends and family and let them know they are safe."

Glasgow City Council Leader Gordon Matheson

''This is a terrible tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected, particularly the families of those who have lost their lives."

Archbishop of Glasgow, Philip Tartaglia

"I was shocked and horrified to hear the news of this incident.

"My heart breaks for all those who have been directly caught up in it as they go about their business just a few days before Christmas in the centre of Glasgow.

"The circumstances could hardly be more tragic. I would ask any person of faith to pray for those who have died and their relatives and those who have been injured.''

Moderator of the General Assembly, Rt Rev John Chalmers

"The news from the city centre of Glasgow just a few days before Christmas is simply devastating.

"For the second year in a row Glaswegians will have to dig deep into their reserves of compassion and sympathy as they support the families of those who have been killed and injured today.

"I am sure that in these circumstances the churches and faith communities of Glasgow will do all that they can to bring support and comfort to those caught up in this tragedy and that all round Scotland and beyond; Glasgow will be remembered in the prayers of the people."

Glasgow Lord Provost Sadie Docherty

"This is shocking and upsetting. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those affected by this terrible incident.''

Glasgow Kelvin MSP Sandra White

"This is an utterly tragic day for the city of Glasgow and my heart goes out to the families of those who have lost their lives.

"For an incident like this to occur at any time of year is terrible, but for it to happen only a few days before Christmas is especially heartbreaking.

"This city has seen more than its share of tragedy in recent times - but I know I speak for all Glaswegians when I say that we will pull together and support all those affected as we always do.

"Glasgow is noted for how we respond to adversity - and we can be proud of the response of the emergency services, and of the people of Glasgow who did their best to help in the immediate aftermath."

Prime Minister David Cameron

"I'm being kept fully briefed on the major incident in Glasgow. My thoughts are with the families of those involved and the emergency services."

Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael

"I share Scotland's deep shock at the horrible events in Glasgow this afternoon.

"On the eve of the festive period, these are unimaginable scenes in one of the busiest parts of our largest city.

"My thoughts are with the bereaved, the emergency services dealing with the aftermath and everyone affected by this terrible incident."

Scottish Labour Leader Jim Murphy

"My thoughts and prayers are with everybody involved.

"People in Glasgow and across the whole of Scotland will be mourning this loss of life so close to Christmas. No words will be able to do justice to the pain the families involved will be feeling this evening.

"I want to pay tribute to our emergency services, who are performing heroics in the worst of circumstances. They will have the admiration of every Glaswegian and all Scots."

Labour Leader Ed Miliband

"Terrible news from Glasgow - my thoughts are with all those affected by this horrific accident."

Shadow Scottish Secretary Margaret Curran

"This is a tragedy that will be felt not just in Glasgow but across the whole country. Everybody in Scotland will keep the families of those who have died in their thoughts and prayers.

"Details of exactly what happened will emerge over the coming hours and days. In the meantime, it is important that our emergency services are given all the support they need."