Reform Party members faced strong criticism for allegedly attempting to stoke fear and create division following the Huntingdon train incident. During a parliamentary address, Lib Dem spokesperson Max Wilkinson accused unnamed hard-right individuals of exploiting the situation for political advantage. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood assured lawmakers that any lessons learned from the disturbing attack would be acted upon.

Mahmood informed MPs that the suspect, Anthony Williams, 32, facing 11 counts of attempted murder, was not previously flagged by security agencies. She highlighted the surge of racist content on social media post-attack. It was later disclosed that Williams was a UK native.

Wilkinson condemned the immediate spread of racially charged speculation on social platforms after such incidents. He criticized certain hard-right political figures, including Reform Party members, for swiftly leveraging the tragedy for political gains by inciting fear and division.

In response, Mahmood expressed dismay over the ease with which misinformation spread on social media. She refrained from directly addressing the behavior of other individuals during crises.

Mahmood commended the rapid actions of emergency responders, train personnel, and passengers that prevented further harm during the attack. She emphasized the need for a thorough review of preventive measures once all facts are gathered.

She praised the bravery of those who intervened, particularly highlighting a crew member who courageously confronted the attacker, sustaining severe injuries in the process. Williams appeared in court facing multiple charges related to the incident, with a staff member remaining in critical but stable condition post-stabbings.

District judge Ken Sheraton remanded Williams into custody for a court appearance on December 1. The attack occurred shortly after the train’s departure from Peterborough, leading to the diversion of the LNER service to Huntingdon.