Government leaders and politicians in Bermuda have expressed their horror at yesterday?s bombings in London, describing the attacks as senseless and warning that terrorism and violence would fail to bring down civilised societies.

Governor Sir John Vereker said the appalling acts left many victims and he was sure he spoke for all Bermudians in extending his deepest sympathy to the relatives and friends of those who lost their lives and those who were injured.

?As Tony Blair said earlier, our determination to defend our values and our way of life is greater than the determination of terrorists to cause death and destruction to innocent people,? he said.

Sir John said London has tried and tested systems for dealing with major incidents, including acts of terrorism.

?It is already clear that these have worked well. The London bombings are a reminder to all of us to ensure that our plans for handling emergencies, including terrorism, are kept up to date and are regularly exercised.?

He and Lady Vereker said they both worked in London for 30 years and their children work there now.

?It is a great city and terrorism will never change that,? he said.

Premier Alex Scott said he knew that the people of Bermuda shared the shock and horror of waking up to the news of the terrible events in London.

Mr. Scott said the Government of Bermuda stands in solidarity with the Government of Britain in condemning this ?barbarism? and the country?s hearts and prayers go out to the victims and their families.

?To Bermudians and British alike we say that if we stand firm now, we will not fall as victims of the criminal element in our midst in the future. I have today written to Prime Minister Blair to express our sympathy and support,? Premier Scott said.

He said the Government would continue to keep a watching brief on the situation as it unfolded, especially with regard to the many Bermudians and residents with family and other ties to the City of London.

Meanwhile the Minister of Labour, Home Affairs and Public Safety Randy Horton said the Government was concerned for the well-being of Bermudians who were visiting the London area, or anyone who has loved ones studying and working there.

He said local residents who had yet to ascertain if their loved ones are safe are invited to contact the Office of the Deputy Governor for assistance.

?The impact of these senseless and atrocious acts resounds not only throughout the United Kingdom, but throughout the world,? Mr. Horton said. ?They cause people everywhere to reflect anew upon the importance of respect for one another, respect for life, respect for law and order and respect for those positive values that have strengthened societies for so long.?

Mr. Horton said these acts cause Bermudians to reflect upon the peace and prosperity that the Island has traditionally enjoyed.

He said the community must adopt a zero-tolerance approach to violence and lawlessness in any form, whether an act of terrorism or the wielding of a machete in a public place.

?Our thoughts and prayers go to the innocent victims of the horrific occurrences in London and we pray that the perpetrators of these heinous deeds are apprehended and brought to justice at the earliest possible time,? he said.

Leader of the Opposition Grant Gibbons also joined in condemning the terrorist attacks as ?brutal and indiscriminate?.

?What makes this kind of act so despicable is that it targets innocent, ordinary people who are simply going about their lives,? he said.

He said it is important for Bermudians to recognise that they cannot afford to be complacent either in Bermuda or when they travel abroad.

?It?s been about four years since 9/11 and although there have been other acts of terrorism since in Spain and Bali, I believe many of us have lowered our guards and we can?t afford to do that because it?s clear that terrorism has not gone away,? he said.