King Charles’ message of unity for 20th anniversary of 7/7 London bombings

In a message marking the 20th anniversary of the July 7 terror attacks, King Charles paid tribute to the spirit of unity ‘that emerged from the darkness of that day’.

From top left; the wreckage of a bombed double decker bus in Tavistock Square, people joining hands during a commemoration in a park near King’s Cross station two days after the attacks, and King Charles. Picture: Supplied

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III on Monday paid tribute to the spirit of unity shown in the aftermath of the July 7 bombings in London, 20 years on from the attacks.

On July 7, 2005, four homegrown Islamist extremists detonated suicide bombs across London at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King’s Cross and Tavistock Square, killing 52 people and injuring hundreds more.

The city is holding several events to mark the anniversary, with members of the royal family expected to join those directly affected at commemorations.

The king urged people to draw on the “extraordinary courage and compassion” shown following the attack.

“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,” he said in a statement published by the Press Association.

“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.”

A screen grab showing the scene on-board the train between King's Cross and Russell Square, after a bomb was detonated. Picture: Supplied

‘We stood together’

“Those who tried to divide us failed,” said Starmer, in a statement. “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.” “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.” The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will attend a National Service of Commemoration at St Paul’s Cathedral and survivors and the families of the victims will hold a service at the memorial to them in Hyde Park.

Charles said that “while the horrors will never be forgotten”, the country “may take comfort from the way such events rally communities together”.

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

“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.” Speaking ahead of the anniversary, interior minister Yvette Cooper warned that Islamist and right-wing extremism remained the country’s most significant threats.

One of the underground trains that was attacked, at Aldgate tube station in London. Picture: AFP

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said July 7, 2005 was one of Britain’s “darkest days.” She said that 20 years on, “Islamist extremist terrorism remains the greatest threat” to national security “followed by extreme right-wing terrorism."“But we also face hybrid threats to our national security from hostile states, serious organised crime, cyber criminals, those threatening our border security and a troubling rise in violence-fixated individuals radicalised online,” she wrote in the Sunday Mirror newspaper, adding that the government would “relentlessly confront and counter threats to our national security.”

AFP, AP