Latest news with #July7Bombings
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former Metropolitan Police commissioner Lord Blair dies aged 72
Former Metropolitan Police commissioner Lord Blair, who was in charge of the force during the July 7 bombings, has died at the age of 72. Ian Blair, who ran the force from 2005 to 2008, took a seat as a crossbench peer in 2010 when he became Lord Blair of Boughton. He had earlier been knighted in 1999. His death was confirmed by Christ Church Oxford, where he was an honorary student. In a statement on Friday, Christ Church Oxford said: 'The Christ Church community would like to extend its condolences to the family of Ian Blair, the Lord Blair of Boughton QPM, who has died at the age of 72. 'Lord Blair, an alumnus and honorary student (fellow) of Christ Church, served as the commissioner of the Metropolitan Police from 2005 to 2008.' The often controversial senior police officer saw his career cut short when he was axed from Scotland Yard by Tory mayor Boris Johnson. Until that point, he had held on to the job despite the furore caused by death of Jean Charles de Menezes, whom police shot at Stockwell Tube station in July 2005 after mistaking him for a suicide bomber. He clung on through a series of further hurdles with the support of the Home Secretary, the Police Authority and most of all, his senior officers. But when the new mayor took charge of the Police Authority and told him privately that he had no confidence in his work, he walked out. Lord Blair was chief constable of Surrey Police for two years before becoming deputy commissioner of the Met in 2000, taking over the top job five years later.
The Independent
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Former Metropolitan Police commissioner Ian Blair dies aged 72
Former Metropolitan Police commissioner Lord Ian Blair has died at the age of 72. Ian Blair, who ran the force from 2005 to 2008 and during the July 7 bombings, took a seat as a crossbench peer in 2010 when he became Lord Blair of Boughton. He had earlier been knighted in 1999. His death was confirmed by Christ Church Oxford, where he was an honorary student. In a statement on Friday, Christ Church Oxford said: 'The Christ Church community would like to extend its condolences to the family of Ian Blair, the Lord Blair of Boughton QPM, who has died at the age of 72. 'Lord Blair, an alumnus and honorary student (fellow) of Christ Church, served as the commissioner of the Metropolitan Police from 2005 to 2008.' The often controversial senior police officer saw his career cut short when he was axed from Scotland Yard by Tory mayor Boris Johnson. Until that point, he had held on to the job despite the furore caused by death of Jean Charles de Menezes, whom police shot at Stockwell Tube station in July 2005 after mistaking him for a suicide bomber. He clung on through a series of further hurdles with the support of the Home Secretary, the Police Authority and most of all, his senior officers. But when the new mayor took charge of the Police Authority and told him privately that he had no confidence in his work, he walked out. Lord Blair was chief constable of Surrey Police for two years before becoming deputy commissioner of the Met in 2000, taking over the top job five years later.
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
52,000 petals fall in St Paul's to remember 52 victims of 7/7 bombings 20 years on
As the white petals fell from the dome of St Paul's, so did the tears. The Prime Minister and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh joined victims' families, survivors and emergency workers at St Paul's Cathedral yesterday to mark the 20th anniversary of the July 7 London bombings. During the memorial service, the cathedral was filled with 52,000 white petals fluttering through the air like snow flakes as the names of the 52 dead were read out. One victim's daughter, Saba Edwards, stoically read the names of those who died on the Piccadilly Line bombing, but her voice cracked and she was unable to hold back the tears as she came to her own mother Behnaz Mozakka. Thelma Stober – who survived the Aldgate bomb but suffered life-changing injuries including the loss of her lower left leg – struggled to contain her emotions as she also read the names. During the emotional service, tributes were paid to those who lost their lives as well as the hundreds injured in the attacks on three Tube trains and a double-decker bus in the worst single terrorist atrocity on British soil. Survivors and relatives of those killed in the bombings spoke movingly about how the areas involved in the attacks have changed in the past 20 years. Ellie Patsalos, the wife of Professor Philip Patsalos, who lost a leg in the blast between King's Cross and Russell Square stations, said: 'Here, men and women seek understanding and their search for truth challenges the ignorance which casts so much darkness over our world.' With Keir Starmer at the commemorative ceremony were Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. Yesterday the Prime Minister laid wreaths at the July 7 memorial in Hyde Park at 8.50am to coincide with the time the first bomb went off. He was joined by officials including Scotland Yard Commissioner Mark Rowley, and the Chief Constable of the British Transport Police Lucy D'Orsi. Prince William was also at the Hyde Park memorial, laying a floral tribute and listening to testimonies given by family members of those who died and people present at the attacks. 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: freedom, democracy and the rule of law.' The Home Secretary added: '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.' Sir Sadiq said Londoners 'will always choose hope over fear and unity over division'. He added, 'We also pay tribute to those who ran towards danger on that terrible day... their bravery and selflessness will never be forgotten.'
Daily Mail
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Royal Family lead nation in remembering those who lost their lives in 7/7 terror attack 20 years ago
The King has called on the nation to remember the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' in the face of the horrors of the July 7 bombings, while the Prime Minister said the country will unite to remember the lives lost. In a message to mark the 20th anniversary of the atrocity, Charles said comfort can be taken from the 'spirit of unity' in London and the country more broadly, which has allowed the nation to heal. Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer said 'those who tried to divide us failed' adding 'we stood together then, and we stand together now'. The Prime Minister and London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan laid wreaths at the July 7 memorial in Hyde Park at 8.50am on Monday, to coincide with the moment the first bomb went off. Officials including Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and Chief Constable of British Transport Police Lucy D'Orsi also laid floral tributes. On July 7 2005, four suicide bombers struck the capital's transport network, killing 52 people and injuring more than 770 on three London Underground trains and a bus. The King has asked for the country to reaffirm its commitment to building a society of all faiths and backgrounds, standing against those who seek to divide us. He said: 'Today, as we mark 20 years since the tragic events of 7th July 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.' Other members of the royal family are to join services and memorials to mark the anniversary. 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 King also stressed the importance of communities coming together in times of adversity. He 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. On July 7 2005, four suicide bombers struck the capital's transport network, killing 52 people and injuring more than 770 on three London Underground trains and a bus. '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 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.' Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: '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 said: 'Today, we stand 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.'
