Horrors of July 7 bombings ‘will never be forgotten’, King tells nation

Members of the royal family will be joining services to mark 20 years since the attack, which claimed 52 lives.

The King has called on the nation to remember the 52 people who lost their lives and the “extraordinary courage” of emergency workers and citizens in the July 7 bombings in London 20 years ago.

Other members of the royal family will be joining services and memorials to mark the anniversary of the attacks.

Four suicide bombers struck the capital’s transport network on July 7, 2005, killing 52 people and injuring more than 770 on three Underground trains and a bus.

In a message the King said: “Today, as we mark 20 years since the tragic events of July 7, 2005, my heartfelt thoughts and special prayers remain with all those whose lives were forever changed on that terrible summer’s day.

“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.”

Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer said “those who tried to divide us failed” adding “we stood together then, and we stand together now”.

Watch on ITVX: 20 years on from the 7th July London bombings which claimed 52 lives, three people whose lives were changed share their memories of pain, grief and heroism

On behalf of the King, The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will attend the National Service of Commemoration at St Paul’s Cathedral from 11.30am on Monday.

The Prince of Wales will join survivors of the attacks and the families of the victims for a service at the memorial gardens in Hyde Park.

The King also said: “While the horrors will never be forgotten, we may take comfort from the way such events rally communities together in solidarity, solace and determination.

“It is this spirit of unity that has helped London, and our nation, to heal.

“As we remember those we lost, let us therefore use this 20th anniversary to reaffirm our commitment to building a society where people of all faiths and backgrounds can live together with mutual respect and understanding, always standing firm against those who would seek to divide us.”

Sir Mark Rowley / Credit: Aaron Chown/PA

Sir Keir said: “Today the whole country will unite to remember the lives lost in the 7/7 attacks, and all those whose lives were changed forever.

“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.”

Met Police commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said he was an officer in Surrey at the time, but lived in London.

He said: “It just was such a ghastly moment as the news unfurled, and you get that sense of multiple attacks, and the deaths and the slow horror that revealed what happenedas the investigation came together.

“Watching the Met Police, emergency services and London’s communities from a different perspective, the way everyone stepped forward, the bravery and resilience was inspiring, as the attack was ghastly.”

He added: “It’s quite overwhelming what they took on, and you see people talking about it today, and you can see they are carrying a heavy burden for what they did that day.”

Sir Mark said since the attacks, police and security services like MI5 have been brought much closer together, and counter-terrorism is now spread across the country.

He said the changes have “created something far strong and far more effective in protecting communities”.

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