UK opposition leader calls on prime minister to resign

By Ahmet Gurhan Kartal

LONDON (AA) - Britain’s main opposition party leader has called on Prime Minister Theresa May to resign following Saturday’s terror attack in London that killed seven people.

Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn’s call came on Monday as U.K. election campaigning resumed after a deadly terror attack at London Bridge and Borough Market in the U.K. capital.

Corbyn told ITV News he backed similar calls by "very responsible people" who were "very worried" about May’s record.

He said May should resign for presiding over cuts in police numbers during her time as Home Secretary.

The number of police staff has fallen by 20,000 under the last two British governments since 2010 -- a fact the prime minister has received criticism for from political opponents ahead of Thursday’s election.

However, May said although there had been three major attacks recently, the security forces had foiled five others.

Dozens of people have been killed and many more injured in three terror attacks in London and Manchester over the past three months.

“As the terror threat evolves, the government’s response must change,” May said in a speech on Monday.

She also said an extra 1,500 armed officers were to be hired, but added “it is not just about resources; it is about powers”.

British police are generally unarmed; firearms are only carried by specialist officers.

May also said police now knew the identity of the three suspected terrorists behind Saturday’s killings but added the security forces would release the names when “operationally ready”.

The U.K. temporarily withdrew intelligence sharing with American counterparts last month after details of the bomber who killed dozens at a Manchester pop concert were leaked to the U.S. media.