Statement by Len Duvall, Chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority, following the London bombings

8 July 2005

Like all of us I, and other members of the MPA, am still coming to terms with the reality of the terrorist attack on our great city writes Len Duvall, chair of the Authority.

We add our voice to the unanimous, worldwide condemnation and disgust at these callous acts of terror on the innocent people of London and offer our condolences to the bereaved. I know that the Met, working with the security agencies, will do everything in its power to bring the perpetrators to justice.

I have nothing but praise for the superb response of everyone in the Met, together with the staff of all other emergency services and Transport for London. The professionalism, dedication and determination with which they went about their work guaranteed the overriding atmosphere of calmness across London.

Resilience training for such unwelcome eventualities has paid off and the real and clearly visible co-ordination of our response was reassuring.

Reassurance is now a key word. The Authority is working with the Met to ensure that there is no backlash against particular communities. MPA members have been liaising with their link borough commanders to reassure communities whose members may feel vulnerable that we take their concerns seriously and are making every effort to prevent acts of recrimination. Extra patrols are on the beat in some areas and meetings are planned with local groups to spread the message. This is a vital job and we offer our full support.

London is a remarkable city. It is a resilient city. We have always known this. But the way we all – emergency services and public alike - responded to events as they unfolded, with united composure and dignity, proved this beyond doubt.

The MPA thanks everyone in the Met for their remarkable work.

Send an e-mail linking to this page

Feedback