London terror attack may help May ahead of election

Significance

Police know the attackers' identities but are controlling the release of such details until it is time to seek cooperation from the wider public.

Impacts

• The attack will play to May's pose as a strong leader in the Thatcher image while glossing over her record for cutting police resources.
• Tackling terrorism will require winning minorities' hearts and minds, not demonising them, as in parts of the press.
• Debate will intensify over technology companies' role in facilitating radicalisation, which is arguably a distraction from its real causes.