Blair Vows to Bring London Bombers to Justice

WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES

07.11.2005

Courtesy Story

Defense.gov         

One of the "most vigorous and intense" investigations in British history is under way to get to the bottom of who planned and carried out the July 7 terrorist attacks in London and to bring them to justice, Prime Minister Tony Blair told the British House of Commons today.

The prime minister vowed to "pursue those responsible -- not just the perpetrators, but the planners of this outrage -- wherever they are."

"We will not rest until they are identified and, as far as is humanly possible," prosecuted for their crimes, he told the lawmakers.

While the investigation continues, Blair said, it "seems probable that the attack was carried out by Islamic extremist terrorists of the kind who, over recent years, have been responsible for so many innocents' deaths in Madrid, Bali, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Kenya, Tanzania, Pakistan, Yemen, Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, (and) of course in New York on September the 11th (2001), but in many other countries too."

The prime minister insisted that the terrorists won't succeed in their goals. "We are united in our determination that our country will not be defeated by such terror, but will defeat it and emerge from this horror with our values, our way of life, our tolerance and respect for others undiminished," he said.

Blair praised London's emergency-services workers for their responsiveness to the tragedy and Londoners for their "stoicism, resilience and sheer undaunted spirit." They "were an inspiration and an example," he said.

"At the moment of terror striking, when the eyes of the world were upon them, they responded -- and continue to respond -- with a defiance and a strength that are universally admired," the prime minister said.

The death toll from the attacks currently stands at 52, with 56 people still hospitalized, some with severe injuries, Blair reported.

Great Britain will observe a two-minute silence at noon Greenwich Mean Time (1 p.m. in London; 8 a.m. in New York), July 14 to honor those who died during the attacks.

Story by Donna Miles, American Forces Press Service

• Date Taken: 07.11.2005
• Date Posted: 07.04.2025 04:36
• Story ID: 537804
• Location: WASHINGTON, US