By Joseph Watts and Joe Murphy Evening Standard
Survivor’s tribute: Jacqui Putnam, “As long as I live I will remember the people who died”
Party leaders today united in memory of the July 7 bombing victims and the “indomitable spirit” that London showed in the face of terror.
Monday is the ninth anniversary of the 2005 attacks in which 52 people were murdered and 770 injured. David Cameron said: “We will always remember the victims of that terrible day. But we also salute the indomitable spirit of Londoners who refused to be cowed by terrorism. Our city proved that extremists may attack us, but they can never win.”
Four bombs went off in a co-ordinated attack, three exploding at 8.50am on Underground trains outside Liverpool Street and Edgware Road stations, and on another travelling between King’s Cross and Russell Square. An hour later another explosion ripped apart a double-decker bus in Tavistock Square.
On minute’s silence will be held on Monday at the 7/7 memorial in Hyde Park, where victims will speak about their experiences and the names of the dead will be read out.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson will place a wreath.
The Prime Minister recalled today: “I was in my office in Portcullis House, near the Houses of Parliament when the news broke on 7/7. I and my team watched the events unfold on TV, in total shock.
“It brought back sickening memories of 9/11, when Samantha was working in New York and I had tried desperately to get hold of her to make sure she was all right.”
Opposition leader Mr Miliband called the attacks “a barbaric act” that had failed in its attempt to “destroy London’s incredible spirit”.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said 7/7 had shown the unbreakable strength of the capital city. “You cannot break London,” he said. “That’s the lesson from these bombings and anyone who seeks to hurt us should well-remember it.”
Monday’s commemoration ceremony, beginning at noon, will involve victims and emergency workers at the four scenes of explosions.
Jacqui Putnam, who survived the explosion on the Edgware Road train, said: “What are we, and what will we have become if we forget the most important things about the people who died on 7/7, or in any terrorist activity? They are not statistics, but people with families, children, friends and lovers. As long as I live, I will remember them.”
