A message from King Charles III was part of the marking of the 20th anniversary of the 7-7 suicide bombings in London yesterday.
The King said: “We remember with profound sadness the 52 innocent people who were killed in senseless acts of evil – and the enduring grief of their loved ones. We recall, too, the hundreds more who carry physical and psychological scars, and pray that their suffering may ease as the years pass. In doing so, we should also remember the countless stories of extraordinary courage and compassion that emerged from the darkness of that day. The selfless bravery of our emergency services, transport workers, and fellow citizens who rushed towards danger to help strangers reminds us of the very best of humanity in the face of the very worst.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “We honour the courage shown that day—the bravery of the emergency services, the strength of survivors, and the unity of Londoners in the face of terror. Those who tried to divide us failed. We stood together then, and we stand together now—against hate and for the values that define us of freedom, democracy and the rule of law.” He was among attenders at a memorial service at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Also attending was the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Paul Dimoldenberg, who said: “Twenty years ago, London faced one of the darkest periods in its history. On July 7, 2005, attacks in Tavistock Square and near Aldgate, Edgware Road and Russell Square stations struck at the heart of our city, claiming 52 innocent lives and injuring hundreds more. Today, we honour those we lost, the survivors, and the remarkable bravery of the bystanders and emergency services who showed the best of who we are as Londoners. In the face of horror, our communities came together with compassion, resilience, and unity showing the unbreakable spirit of this city.”
On July 7, 2005, four suicide bombers detonated devices on Tube trains near Aldgate, Edgware Road and Russell Square stations; another terrorist self-detonated on a bus at Tavistock Square. Hundreds were injured.
If you, or someone you know has been affected by terrorism, support is available at gov.uk/victimsofterrorism. A tender, which opened on July 3, for a 24/7 support hub to provide specialist, trauma-informed care to victims and survivors of terrorism; which has funding from the re-insurer Pool Re, a partner in the government’s CONTEST strategy and the Counter Terrorism Alliance. In March, the Home Office began a consultation on a National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism, which closed on June 11.
Comment
Richard Ellis, Managing Director of ATG Access, the bollard and road blocker manufacturer, said: “Two decades on from the 7/7 attacks, London is one of the most closely monitored cities in Europe. Surveillance has become part of daily life and has undoubtedly helped identify threats and support arrests. But surveillance alone is not enough. It is largely reactive. True public safety must be rooted in prevention through intelligent, proportionate physical security that protects without disrupting daily life.
“Effective urban security should feel like part of the environment, not turning public spaces into fortress-like zones. Hostile vehicle mitigation measures, for example, can blend into public spaces, protecting high-footfall areas or public events such as stadiums, squares and theatres without disrupting daily life or altering the character of a place. As we reflect on the lessons of 7/7, the focus must be on designing layered, proportionate security that works with the public, not just for them.”
More in the August edition of Professional Security Magazine.
