National Leaders Joined Survivors at Memorial Events
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, along with the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, joined bereaved families, survivors, and first responders at a special memorial service held at St Paul’s Cathedral. The service featured emotional readings, prayers, and the release of 52,000 white petals each representing a life lost.
Earlier in the morning, Labour leader Keir Starmer and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan laid wreaths at the 7 July Memorial in Hyde Park, precisely at 8:50 a.m.—the exact time the first of the coordinated bombings occurred 20 years ago.
King Charles III Paid Tribute to the Spirit of London
In a statement released to mark the anniversary, King Charles III paid tribute to the resilience and diversity of London, recalling how communities stood together in the aftermath of the attacks.
“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,” he 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.”
He also acknowledged the “selfless bravery” of emergency workers, transport staff, and ordinary Londoners who rushed to help victims, calling them a lasting reminder of “the best of humanity in the face of the worst.”
City Remembered for Standing United Against Terror
During the memorial service, Saba Edwards, daughter of a victim, emotionally read her mother’s name aloud as part of a roll call for all 52 victims. She was joined by Thelma Stober, another bereaved family member, in honoring those who died in the coordinated suicide bombings that targeted three London Underground trains and a double-decker bus.
Speaking afterward, Keir Starmer said:
“We honour the courage that was shown that day – the bravery of the emergency services, the strength of the survivors and the unity of Londoners in the face of terror,” he said.
“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, of democracy and the rule of law.”
Leaders Reflected on the Lasting Impact
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper reflected on the gravity of the anniversary:
“Twenty years have passed since 7/7 but the passage of time makes what happened that day no less shocking. It was an appalling attack on our capital city and on democracy itself.
“As we come together to mark this anniversary, my thoughts remain with the victims, survivors and all who loved them. Amid the horror of that day, we saw the best of people, our emergency services, first responders and ordinary Londoners who bravely acted to help one another.
“Their courage continues to inspire us. We will always confront the threats facing this country to keep the public safe and preserve our way of life.”
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch remarked,
“We stood with those who carry the pain of that day—the families, friends, and colleagues of those who never came home. We will remember them always.”
