As a parent, British citizen and campaigner for peace against hatred of all sorts, I am deeply shocked and saddened by the second terror attack in London Bridge.

My son Martyn Hett was killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack and my heart goes out to the victims’ families and friends, the emergency services and all the brave members of the public who put themselves in harm’s way to help stop any further loss of life.

It’s these people who really show me what our country stands for – resilience, togetherness and strength.

The victims of the attack and the people at the scene who were motivated to protect our society, are who we should be focusing on at this time.

What we must resist is using such a horrific event as a political football, something Jack Merritt’s father has spoken up about in the past few days.

As someone whose child was killed in a terror attack by a mindless, senseless individual, I will not allow the memory of my son to be used to divide communities further or to support someone’s narrative on societal issues that affect us all.

A loss of life is a tragedy and the people whose lives have been taken should be remembered, but a terrorist attack should not serve as a platform for politicians to make election pledges, and accuse or defend political parties.

It is clear that both Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones were kind, compassionate and incredibly dedicated young people.

They were motivated to make the world better and brighter for the most troubled in society. I hope their stories will inspire others to live their lives to the fullest and do what they are passionate about.

After my son was killed, I felt compelled to speak to young people around the country to spread a message of tolerance, positivity and love.

People like Jack and Saskia represent the best of our country and I’ve been lucky to meet young people just like them through my work in schools – it gives me hope.

I know some may use this as an opportunity to tear us apart, but this is not the solution

I remember the amazing response from people I had never met before reaching out to me after the Manchester Arena attack, as well as Martyn’s friends sending me stories of him that reminded me of the person he was, always laughing and always seeing the best in a difficult situation.

I call on everyone to act in the same manner, focusing on what unites us and how acts of violence will not divide us.

I know some may use this as an opportunity to tear us apart, but this is not the solution.

I was in London yesterday and it is clear to me that hatred has no place in our society.

People were still carrying on with their day – going for lunch, spending time with their loved ones and embracing London for all it has to offer.

Though my world fell apart after Martyn’s death, it gave me the conviction to promote peace wherever I go and carry on promoting all the values he cherished, as well.

What I do know is that senseless acts of violence will never break our spirit or tear us down.

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