Labour will restart local campaigning on Thursday, after suspending it following the Manchester Arena bombing.

The Party told MPs today that they could restart local campaigning on Thursday, with national campaigning to return the following day.

The Conservative Party have also announced they will return to national campaigning on Friday, with local canvassing returning tomorrow.

In a statement, Jeremy Corbyn said: "The British people are united in their resolve that terror will not prevail. It will not prevent us going about our daily lives or derail our democratic process.

“Resuming democratic debate and campaigning is an essential mark of the country’s determination to defend our democracy and the unity that the terrorists have sought to attack.”

(Image: Getty Images Europe)

The Labour leader reportedly told Theresa May personally of his plan to resume campaigning.

Conservatives, Labour, Lib Dems, UKIP, Greens and the SNP all cancelled planned general election events yesterday and today out of respect for the 22 victims and 59 injured.

Details are still emerging of the horrific bomb which sent shrapnel tearing through concert-goers at Manchester Arena.



Labour had allowed "low-key and sensitively handled" local campaigning today.

Candidates were told they could organise their campaigns and deliver leaflets.

But an e-mail from HQ added: "Campaigns should not be using social media, shouldn’t be taking part in hustings events, fundraising or street stalls, and shouldn’t undertake phone canvassing or doorstep Voter ID."

An e-mail to candidates today said: " Jeremy Corbyn has confirmed that all local campaign activity may resume from tomorrow, including door-knocking and events.

"Obviously seats may exercise their own discretion about what is appropriate locally, but it is the view of the campaign leadership that the campaign should go on as normal as of tomorrow."

Ukip were the first to break ranks, announcing they would launch their manifesto on Thursday morning.

(Image: Jack Taylor)

Leader Paul Nuttall was originally scheduled to unveil their policy document today.

Mr Nuttall said in a statement it was “right and proper” to stop campaigning “for a short period as a mark of respect”.

But he added: “We cannot be cowed or allow our way of life to be undermined by those who wish to do us harm.

"These people hate the way we live, hate our freedom and hate our democracy.

"The best response we can make is to ensure that the democratic process continues."