SOUTH Lakes MP Tim Farron says Britain 'must stand shoulder to shoulder with the French people' following the attack on the offices of satirical weekly newspaper Charlie Hebdo yesterday.

Twelve people, including journalists and police officers, were murdered by masked gunmen in the massacre which has sent shockwaves around the world.

Charlie Hebdo has caused controversy over the years after publishing cartoons of the Muslim Prophet Muhammad and was firebombed three years ago. 

Mr Farron, who yesterday was announced as the Liberal Democrats spokesperson for foreign affairs in the run up to the General Election, told the Gazette: "It isn't a case of whether or not you agree with what Charlie Hebdo do, it's a point of whether they have the right to do it in a free society and the answer is 100 per cent yes.

"People in power in a civil society should be held to account by journalists, amongst others, and be open to ridicule. That is the cornerstone of democracy.

"What happened wasn't because of a lack of legislation. The way to deal with it is to make sure security services are well-equipped.

"Freedom of speech and expression is critical to what a modern democracy is. It should not cost you your life. We must stand shoulder to shoulder with the French people in defence of these values.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of all those killed and wounded.”