UKIP says May must bear 'some responsibility'

UKIP's deputy chairman has backtracked after saying Theresa May must bear "some responsibility" for the Manchester terror attack because of cuts to the police. Suzanne Evans was answering questions from journalists after attacking the Prime Minister's record as home secretary during the launch of the party's manifesto in central London.

When asked by Sky's Adam Boulton what was the point of listing Mrs May's failures at the Home Office if it was not to suggest she should bear some responsibility for the security failings which led to Monday's attack, Evans said: "I think she must bear some responsibility."All politicians who voted for measures to make cuts bear some responsibility."I think when 9/11 happened we should have had a serious rethink about immigration. It didn't happen."When pressed on her claim Evans at first denied saying it, and then sought to clarify her remark, telling journalists: "The only people who are responsible for what happened in Manchester are the terrorists. Let me make that absolutely clear."I think sometimes we are too quick to blame other people but the terrorists in these situations.

UKIP is pledging to fund 20,000 extra troops and police officers, as well as 7,000 extra prison officers and 4,000 more border officers.