NZ political leaders condemn London attacks

New Zealand political leaders have condemned last night's terrorist attacks in London and have expressed sympathy for victims of the blasts.

There were no known New Zealand casualties this morning in the explosions that ripped through central London killing at least 37 people and injuring more than 700.

Prime Minister Helen Clark said today she had expressed her sympathies to British Prime Minister Tony Blair through the New Zealand High Commission in London.

She had also requested that all government departments and agencies fly New Zealand flags at half-mast today out of "solidarity" with people in London and Britain "who we've stood alongside in so many terrible episodes in the past".

Greens co-leader Rod Donald said the bombings were "sick in the head".

"No cause can justify the killing of innocent people."

He said he had left messages for the New Zealand Rugby Union this morning suggesting it adopt a minute of silence before tomorrow night's test match between the All Blacks and the Lions touring rugby team in Auckland. The NZRU and Lions confirmed they will be holding a minute's silence at Eden Park.

"Our hearts go out to all the Lions supporters here in New Zealand and that's the least we can do to show some respect," he said.

The party would express its sympathies to the British government through its high commission in Wellington, he said.

United Future leader Peter Dunne said just about every New Zealander had friends or relatives in London and people he had spoken to were "numbed and outraged" by the attacks.

Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia said the attacks were abhorrent.

"It's incredibly worrying when innocent people become the pawns in political games," she said.

She had two nephews in London and had been trying to get in touch with them.

"Lots of New Zealanders will be in the same situation."

Both parties said they would express their sympathies to the British government.

National party leader Don Brash condemned the attacks.

"This is a very sad day, not just for London but for people and nations around the world committed to freedom and justice."

He extended the party's sympathy to those still waiting to hear from friends or relatives in Britain.

NZ First leader Winston Peters described the attacks as "cold-blooded murder".

He said there should be no weakness or lack of resolution in pursuing the perpetrators.

ACT leader Rodney Hide said his heart went out to victims and their families.

He would be personally expressing his sympathies to the British people in a letter to their government, he said.

Progressives leader Jim Anderton said the attacks were a serious blow against "open democratic societies" around the world.

He said it was almost impossible to prevent well-planned and co-ordinated attacks in such societies unless people's rights were seriously curtailed.

However he warned against excessive protections, saying they could ruin the quality of life and freedoms the measures were trying to protect.

- NZPA