After the Huntingdon train attack, Reform Party members faced severe criticism for allegedly attempting to stoke fear and create division, as claimed by Lib Dem home affairs spokesman Max Wilkinson during a speech in the Commons. Wilkinson accused unnamed hard-right individuals of exploiting the incident for political advantage. In response, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood assured that any necessary actions following the attack would be taken.
During the parliamentary session, Mahmood disclosed that the suspect, Anthony Williams, aged 32 and charged with 11 counts of attempted murder, had no prior connections to security services or counter-terror policing. Following the assault on an LNER train, social media platforms were flooded with hateful racist content.
It was later revealed that Williams was a UK-born individual. Wilkinson, without specifying names, condemned the immediate spread of racially charged speculation on social media after such incidents. He criticized certain hard-right political figures, including members of the Reform Party, for exploiting the tragedy to fuel fear and division.
In response to the allegations, Mahmood expressed her disapproval of the proliferation of misinformation on social media by armchair commentators. She emphasized the importance of waiting for all the facts before drawing conclusions about people’s reactions in times of crisis.
Mahmood commended the swift response and bravery of emergency services personnel, train staff, and passengers who intervened during the attack, saving lives. She highlighted the outstanding courage of a crew member who confronted the attacker, sustaining severe injuries in the process but preventing further harm.
Williams was brought before Peterborough Magistrates’ Court facing charges of attempted murder, assault causing bodily harm, and possession of a bladed weapon. A member of the LNER staff injured in the high-speed train incident remains in critical but stable condition, along with four other hospitalized individuals. Additionally, Williams faces charges related to another attempted murder incident at Pontoon Dock DLR station in London.
District Judge Ken Sheraton remanded Williams in custody pending a court appearance at Cambridge Crown Court on December 1. The assault occurred shortly after the train departed from Peterborough, with passengers taking quick action by activating emergency systems and diverting the train to Huntingdon.