Statement by Len Duvall, Chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority

37/05
28 July 2005

Speaking at the meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority on Thursday 28 July 2005 Len Duvall, Chair of the Authority said:

“This is the first formal authority meeting since the terrorist murders on 7 July 2005, the further attempts last week and the tragic shooting at Stockwell underground station on Friday 22 July that led to the death of another innocent person. Our deepest condolences go to his family and friends.

“I want to pay a number of tributes: to those who died or who were injured and to their friends and relatives, to all those people in the emergency services – fire, ambulance, health service, transport and of course to the police themselves – British Transport Police, City of London and to the Metropolitan Police Service. Our resilience planning went into operation and although there will be lessons to be learnt, London should be very proud of our emergency services. I have seen for myself the outstanding professionalism and sheer hard work of those involved. Their actions saved lives.

“I want to emphasise the Authority’s support and admiration for the extraordinary level of dedication and skill being devoted to the Met’s investigation and we give them our thanks and absolute encouragement.

“It is a very rapid on-going investigation and the impressive information gathering will help police to understand and help prevent further attacks. We must give police officers and other agencies our support and understanding as they go about their work.

“We also need to give all our communities in London reassurance and in this context the MPA salutes the sterling work being undertaken in London’s boroughs by their borough commanders and local community leaders. I also wish to thank the MPA members who have been working alongside their borough commanders and the senior members of the MPA who have been working with the Commissioner and his senior management team. The MPA pays tribute to Sir Ian, his senior management team and all branches of the police family and pledge our continuing support.

“The threat remains. We must all be ever vigilant and I appeal to anyone with information to talk to police, or if you feel unable to do this, report the matter through a third party. Your information could be crucial in preventing further loss of life.

“Finally to those who wish to cause further destruction: be aware that there is a great resolve amongst Londoners from all our communities along with police to bring those responsible to justice. London will not be divided and our support for the police and other agencies will not be deflected.”

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