Theresa May has said she understood that members of the Muslim community may be a little apprehensive after last week’s terror attack but ‘the person responsible for the terrorist attack is the terrorist.'

She also reached out to traditional Labour supporters when asked why they should now choose to back her on election day next week.

Mrs May was speaking to Asian Image in Accrington on the campaign trail.

Addressing how members of the Muslim community may fear reprisals following the Manchester Arena terror attack which killed 22 people and injured dozens more, she said, “First of all it was a horrific attack and our thoughts and prayers remain with all those affected and with the people of Manchester.

“What I would say to the Muslim community is that there is no excuse for terrorism. The person responsible for the terrorist attack is the terrorist.

“And we need to work with the Muslim community and provide the reassurance because I know people are concerned about hate crimes and incidents that might take place off the back of this.

“What I want to see is that we are united together as one society and collectively giving a clear message that there is no place for terrorism and no place for radicalisation that leads to terrorism in our country."

When asked about terror legislation and how her government would tackle extremist elements in the UK she said, “One of the things we are committed to doing is introducing Commission for Countering Extremism and what I want to see that commission doing is to be working to promote what joins us together in terms of living here and our British values. I think it is very important we do that.

“I also want to see it working with the private and public sector in better identifying extremism and dealing with extremism where that is found.

“I think it is so important that we recognise what we share and the values we share together – different communities but as one country.”

Many areas in the North West and the Asian community in particular have traditionally voted Labour.

She was asked to explain why those members of the Asian community who had always voted Labour should now choose to back her.

Mrs May said, “I would say we stand at a very important moment in the country’s history and we have a very significant change ahead in terms of the Brexit negotiations and leaving the European Union.

“I would say this is the most crucial election the country has faced in my lifetime and when it comes to the vote on the 8th June they have a clear choice and it is not about who they voted for in the past – it is about who they want to see leading this country forward for the future.

“And there is only going to be one of two people as Prime Minister – it is either me or Jeremy Corbyn. And I have a team, a strong and stable leadership and the plan for the Brexit negotiations and the plan to build a more prosperous and stronger Britain for the future.”

She was asked about what a Conservative government would do for small businesses in the UK.

“The Conservative Party has always been a party of business and particularly encourage small businesses. We are the party that has cut corporation tax. The Labour Party would increase corporation tax.

“We are the party that has given support to small businesses in a number of ways. Recently with support for small businesses through business rates.

“We recognise that small businesses are the backbone of our economy and every large business was a small business once.”

The election will be held in the month of Ramadan and Mrs May reiterated that her aim was to ‘unite all communities.'

“For those in the Muslim community and for those in other communities it (the election) is about the future for them and their families and their children.

“I want to ensure a strong economy, higher paid jobs, see more opportunities for young people. I want to see every youngster have a good school place so they get a good start in life.

“These are the things that will make a difference to people’s lives. “But I also want to see us coming together as a country, united in one purpose.”