The Green Party's thoughts are with the people of Brussels this morning, and we offer our sympathy to the family and friends of those who have been killed, and those injured, in the attack.

"Like others all around the world we are deeply shocked by the violence that has struck Brussels overnight and the loss of innocent lives,” Green Party foreign affairs spokesperson Kennedy Graham said.

“We hope for peace to be restored to Brussels soon. Our hope also is that the world takes inspiration from the acts of love and togetherness that have been demonstrated already by communities in Belgium.

“More than 2,000 people gathered on Wednesday in Brussels' Molenbeek neighbourhood where the Muslim community was supported by hundreds of non-Muslim Belgians, all calling for support and tolerance.

“The best way to keep the world safe is to increase tolerance and to encourage communities to come together in support of one another.

“The greatest threats to the safety of people at times like this are more separation and more violence,” Dr Graham said.