View source for Reactions to the 2005 London bombings

{{Short description|Responses to the 2005 London bombings}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2011}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}}
{{2005 London bombings}}
The [[7 July 2005 London bombings]] were a series of [[suicide attack]]s carried out by [[Homegrown terrorism|homegrown terrorists]] on [[London]]'s [[Transport in London|public transport network]] during the morning rush hour.

The bombings, three on the [[London Underground]] and one on [[London Buses|a bus]], killed 52 people and prompted a massive response from the [[emergency service]]s, and in the immediate aftermath the almost-complete shut down of the city's transport system. Over the following hours and days there were several security alerts throughout the United Kingdom, and in some foreign cities. London largely returned to normality in the following days, though with several further security alerts and a reduced service on the Underground.

==Security alerts==

===Security responses in the UK===

====London====
* [[Cabinet Office Briefing Room A]] (COBRA) was activated within minutes of the first reports of explosions, and remained open round the clock for over a week.
* The [[London Underground]] was closed in the hours following the attacks, and did not re-open until the following day, with a reduced service. The [[Circle line (London Underground)|Circle line]], and the [[Piccadilly line]] between [[Hyde Park Corner tube station|Hyde Park Corner]] and [[Holloway Road tube station|Holloway Road]], remained closed. Several other lines remained disrupted in the areas affected. Security alerts were also causing disruption.
* The entire [[London Buses]] network was suspended on 7 July, with all buses sent back to depot for security checks. Eventually, services outside Zone 1 in central London returned to operations, and a reduced Zone 1 service operated in the evening of 7 July. Services returned to normal on 8 July, except through affected areas.
* All major [[Network Rail]] stations in London closed on the morning of 7 July, re-opening in late afternoon. [[London King's Cross railway station|King's Cross]] remained closed until 8 July. Most [[National Rail]] services terminated outside London, with [[Great North Eastern Railway]] trains stopping at [[Peterborough railway station|Peterborough]] and [[Virgin Trains West Coast]] stopping at [[Watford Junction]].
* The [[London Ambulance Service]] reported that they would "only be sending ambulances to patients across the capital with life-threatening illnesses or injuries".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.londonambulance.nhs.uk/news/archive/pressreleases/jul07_05.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927221651/http://www.londonambulance.nhs.uk/news/archive/pressreleases/jul07_05.htm |archive-date=2007-09-27 |title=Reports of an incident at Liverpool Street Station |date=7 July 2005}}</ref>
* The [[Metropolitan Police Service]] urged people not to enter London, and to limit their usage of public transport.<ref>{{cite web|author=Metropolitan Police |url=http://www.met.police.uk |title=Metropolitan Police Service – Homepage |publisher=Met.police.uk |access-date=7 May 2011}}</ref>
* Schools in the capital did not close on 7 July, as police thought it safer for children to remain in classes. On 8 July, most schools in central London were closed due to transport difficulties.
* In London, security responses saw major buildings such as the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace sealed off. Most landmarks such as the London Eye and Westminster Abbey were closed. All theatre productions in the West End were cancelled, as were several concerts. The Bank of England commenced financial continuity plans, to keep the financial system operational.
* [[East Croydon station]] was closed due to a suspect package, but was later re-opened. There were reports of [[London Victoria railway station|Victoria station]] being cordoned off by police amid reports of a "suspicious package" on a bus near the station.

====Nationwide====
* Security alerts were reported in [[Edinburgh]], [[Cardiff]], [[Birmingham]], [[Sheffield]], [[Southampton]], [[Portsmouth]], [[Swindon]], [[Brighton]] and [[Poole]].
* In Edinburgh, two controlled explosions were carried out on a [[Lothian Buses]] double-decker on [[Princes Street]] in the centre of Edinburgh at around 17:30; neither of the objects destroyed contained explosives.<ref name="Security increased after bombings">{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4662043.stm |work=BBC News  | title=Security increased after bombings | date=8 July 2005 | access-date=22 May 2010}}</ref>
* In Cardiff, the [[Cardiff Central railway station|Central railway]] and [[Cardiff Central bus station|Central bus]] stations were closed after a security alert.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/4660125.stm |work=BBC News  | title=Terror security is stepped up | date=7 July 2005 | access-date=22 May 2010}}</ref>
* In Birmingham, 20,000 people were evacuated from the city centre on 9 July while police carried out four controlled explosions.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4668313.stm |work=BBC News  | title=Birmingham threat 'real' – police | date=10 July 2005 | access-date=22 May 2010}}</ref>
* There were bomb scares in [[Sheffield City Centre]] on 5 July.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/south_yorkshire/4654289.stm |work=BBC News  | title=Bomb scare leads to city gridlock | date=5 July 2005 | access-date=22 May 2010}}</ref>
* In Southampton, the main coach station and the surrounding area was cordoned off after a suspect package.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hampshire/4660315.stm |work=BBC News  | title=Blasts cause South travel chaos | date=7 July 2005 | access-date=22 May 2010}}</ref>
* In Portsmouth the [[Portsmouth Harbour railway station]] and the nearby Hard bus interchange were closed for a few hours following a hoax bomb threat. Ian Tebbut was subsequently jailed for 6 months.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/local/jailed-bomb-hoaxer-who-paralysed-city-1-1219864|title=Jailed, bomb hoaxer who paralysed city|website=www.portsmouth.co.uk}}</ref>
* In Swindon, a suspicious package was spotted at the [[Swindon railway station|town's station]]. The area was evacuated and bomb disposal experts carried out a controlled explosion, but the parcel was found to contain two gifts and a bag of washing.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/4660403.stm |work=BBC News  | title='Reassuring' patrols stepped up | date=7 July 2005 | access-date=22 May 2010}}</ref>
* In Brighton there was a [[controlled explosion]] of a suspicious [[briefcase]] at approximately 12:55 in a [[telephone box]] outside [[Brighton station]]. The briefcase was later found to be harmless, and the station was re-opened.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/southerncounties/in_pictures/gallery/brighton_bomb/index.shtml |title=BBC – southerncounties – In Pictures |publisher=BBC  |access-date=7 May 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/4660429.stm |work=BBC News  | title=City commuters return from terror | date=7 July 2005 | access-date=22 May 2010}}</ref>
*[[Poole railway station]] was also closed in response to the discovery of a suspicious package. The package was later detonated by police in a controlled explosion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.poole.gov.uk/news.asp?act_news=display_article&unit_name=&id=7E199AD267C54B |title=Borough of Poole |publisher=Poole.gov.uk |access-date=7 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716141824/http://www.poole.gov.uk/news.asp?act_news=display_article&unit_name=&id=7E199AD267C54B |archive-date=16 July 2011}}</ref>
* At the G8 summit in Gleneagles, armed police patrolled the surrounding villages, and over 1,000 Metropolitan Police officers were re-deployed back to London.

===Security responses abroad===
* In other European countries, security was also tightened at major transport networks.
* [[Prime Minister of France]] [[Dominique de Villepin]] announced that France had increased its level of terror alert to red, the second-highest level, in response to the events in London.<ref>[[Wikinews:France raises security level to red in response to London bombings]]</ref><ref name="From Archive.org-6943264">{{cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,15855781-23109,00.html |title=France raises terror alert level |work=news.com.au |date=7 July 2005 |access-date=4 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050722114749/http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,15855781-23109,00.html |archive-date=22 July 2005 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref>
* Meanwhile, Berlin transport officials indicated that security alert levels for the public transport system of the German capital had been raised to yellow, the second of four levels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200507/s1409575.htm |title=European countries boost security in wake of London blasts. 07/07/2005. ABC News Online |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation  |date=7 July 2005 |access-date=7 May 2011}}</ref>
*Spanish [[Ministry of the Interior (Spain)|Interior Minister]] [[José Antonio Alonso]] raised the level of antiterrorist prevention and protection alert to level three, the highest level. This implied the use of all security forces in the country patrolling public transports and others mass confluence sites. For example, military forces patrolled in commuter trains in Madrid.<ref>{{cite web|author=Nacional |url=http://www.20minutos.es/noticia/37113/0/alerta/espana/atentados/ |title=Alonso anuncia que el estado de máxima alerta es de "carácter indefinido" – |date=7 July 2005 |publisher=20minutos.es |access-date=7 May 2011}}</ref>
* Transportation security was also tightened in Canada, particularly in the [[Toronto Subway]] and the [[Montreal Metro]].
* In Singapore, where a major presence of British, American and Australian interests are located, security measures were enforced immediately on the public transport system. Armed police officers from the [[Special Operations Command (Singapore)|Special Operations Command]] began patrols at [[Mass Rapid Transit (Singapore)|MRT]] stations, plans for CCTVs to be installed in all trains and buses were mooted, and the public was also updated on the progress of the planned [[MRT Security Unit]] of the [[Singapore Police Force]]. Security was also stepped up at the then on-going [[117th IOC Session]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/156968/1/.html|title=404|website=Channel NewsAsia}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/157138/1/.html|title=404|website=Channel NewsAsia|access-date=14 July 2005|archive-date=25 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090725024526/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/157138/1/.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* In Singapore, Liu Tze Yuen was behind [[Hougang MRT station|Hougang]] bomb hoax on 7 July 2005 and 12 August 2005. Lin Zhenghang was arrested for posting bomb hoax at Toa Payoh Bus Interchange which is similar to the 2005 London bombings on 11 February 2007.<ref>{{cite news | title = Bomb hoax youth gets 3 months' jail, $4,000 fine | publisher = Asia Media | date = 8 February 2007 | url = http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu/article-southeastasia.asp?parentid=63294 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081212201736/http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu/article-southeastasia.asp?parentid=63294 | archive-date = 12 December 2008}}</ref>
* In the United States, the [[Department of Homeland Security]] raised the [[Homeland Security Advisory System|terror alert level]] to orange, specifically for mass transit in large cities.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/07/07/us.response/index.html |publisher=CNN | title=U.S. raises terror alert for transit systems | access-date=22 May 2010}}</ref> In [[Seattle]], to name just one example of a major American city in which security on public transit was increased after the London bombings, Seattle police and [[King County]] sheriffs patrolled at each stop in the downtown [[Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel]].
* In Denmark, at least two controlled explosions were carried out in the week after the incident. Both incidents turned out to be left luggage. One of these controlled explosions took place on 11 July at [[Amalienborg Palace]], the residence of the Royal Family. Generally, police patrol activity in public transportation areas was increased significantly after the incident.
* On 11 July it became known that commanders at US airbases in [[East Anglia]] had issued orders immediately after the bombings forbidding servicemen from travelling within the [[M25 motorway]] until further notice, and strongly discouraged family members not subject to their orders from doing so.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/region_wide/2005/07/11/e362068e-c015-403a-9eb0-0175b83d2519.lpf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060308015512/http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/region_wide/2005/07/11/e362068e-c015-403a-9eb0-0175b83d2519.lpf |archive-date=2006-03-08 |title=London off limits for US airmen |date=11 July 2005}}</ref> The orders were revoked by higher authority on 12 July once they became generally known.

==Media response==
The first indication of the attacks came at 9:15&nbsp;a.m., when [[Sky News]], during its ''[[Sky News Sunrise|Sunrise]]'' breakfast show, flashed a report of an explosion at Liverpool Street Station in the City of London. The main UK TV networks ([[BBC One]] and [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]]) dropped programming and carried news solidly within 30&nbsp;minutes of the first reports. Initially, the BBC's response was slow. At 9:20&nbsp;a.m., a graphic appeared on BBC News 24 reporting an explosion in the City of London, only for it to be removed and go unmentioned by the channel's presenters for a further five minutes. Around this time, BBC One broke into programming with a short news report, and then returned to regular programming, only to have to return to the news studio several minutes later when the gravity of the incident became clearer. The major television channels' coverage continued throughout the day with [[simulcast]]s of the channels' respective rolling news services [[BBC News 24]] and the [[ITV News Channel]]. The length of this media coverage in the UK was unprecedented: for example it was the single longest broadcast in [[ITN]]'s history. There was total blanket coverage on all UK rolling news channels for several days.

Radio stations toned down their programming with extended news and information throughout the day. [[BBC Radio 4]] took rolling news programming from [[BBC Radio 5 Live]] during the morning. [[GCap Media]]'s London music radio stations – [[Capital Radio]], [[Capital Gold]], [[Choice FM]] and [[Xfm]] – simulcast rolling news coverage from the time the first reports came in. This coverage, aimed at Londoners struggling to get home or to work in the aftermath of the attacks, was much acclaimed within the industry and won the coveted [[Sony Radio Academy Awards|Sony Gold Award]].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://media.guardian.co.uk/londonbombsmedia/story/0,,1770987,00.html | work=The Guardian| location=London | title=GCap news coverage triumphs at Sonys | first=Julia | last=Day | date=9 May 2006 | access-date=22 May 2010}}</ref>

[[BBC Radio 4]] pulled its scheduled Classic Serial without explanation; it was to have been [[John Buchan]]'s ''[[Greenmantle]]'', about the revolt of Muslims against British interests abroad. [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] cancelled a broadcast of the film ''[[The X-Files (film)|The X-Files]]'' at midnight on 9 July, which featured an explosion at a U.S government building caused by a bomb. Another film, ''[[Stakeout (1987 film)|Stakeout]]'', was shown instead. The following evening, the terrorism-themed action film ''[[The Siege]]'', originally scheduled for a 10:15&nbsp;p.m. broadcast on [[ITV1]], was replaced by ''[[Gone in 60&nbsp;Seconds (2000 film)|Gone in 60 Seconds]]''. Similarly, in Denmark ''[[Blown Away (1994 film)|Blown Away]]'' featuring [[Tommy Lee Jones]] as a bomber was replaced on national TV station [[Danmarks Radio]] by ''[[Rain Man]]''. [[Five (channel)|Five]] postponed the showing of the ''[[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation|CSI]]'' fifth-season finale by a week because it featured a suicide bomber. It was replaced with a repeat from an earlier season. [[Sky One]] replaced the advertised episode of their documentary series ''Conspiracies'' on 10 July. The planned episode was due to focus on the [[Lockerbie bombing]]. It was replaced with an episode that focused on the [[Branch Davidian|Siege of Waco]] instead. Meanwhile, the network removed references to terrorism when broadcasting an episode of ''[[WWE SmackDown!]]''. The episode was taped two days before the attacks. (However, this episode, in which [[The Undertaker]] was the subject of a mock attack by two Muslim wrestlers, was shown unedited in the United States, to the chagrin of many viewers and critics.)<ref>''World Wrestling Insanity'', by James Guttman. New York: ECW Press, 2006</ref>

[[BBC Two]]'s topical news quiz ''[[Mock the Week]]'' was cancelled – the episode had been the last one of the show's first series and was replaced instead by a clip show showing edited highlights and outtakes from previous episodes in the show's run. [[Channel 4]]'s comic panel game ''[[8 out of 10 Cats]]'' was edited to remove a section of the show in which the panellists discussed which news stories the public had been discussing that week, and that portion remained absent from most of the rest of the series.

[[BBC Radio 1]]'s programming proceeded as normal throughout the day but with regular reports and updates both from the incumbent DJs and the [[Newsbeat]] team generally including listener feedback on the transport situation. [[Scott Mills]] at the time usually had an afternoon slot but was standing in that morning for [[Chris Moyles]]' Breakfast Show (Moyles was on holiday), with [[Vernon Kay]] in turn due to stand in for Mills in the evening. Due to the transport disruption Kay was unable to make it into the studio and Mills (also unable to travel out from the studio) filled in his usual evening slot. He managed to speak to Kay on the phone, who assured listeners that he was OK and just stuck somewhere. Finally due to high listener demand (he claimed) Mills rounded off this show with "[[Tubthumping]]" by [[Chumbawamba]]. The lyrics ''"I get knocked down, but I get up again, you're never gonna keep me down"'' were meant to represent the defiant attitude of the tuned-in listeners.

The [[bbc.co.uk]] website recorded an all time [[Bandwidth (computing)|bandwidth]] peak of 11[[Gbit]]/s at 12:00 on 7 July. [[BBC News]] received some 1&nbsp;billion total hits on the day of the event (including all images, text and [[HTML]]), serving some 5.5 [[terabyte]]s of data.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/feedback/07July_Statistics.shtml |publisher=BBC |title=Statistics about bbc.co.uk on 7 July 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050714005615/http://www.bbc.co.uk/feedback/07July_Statistics.shtml |archive-date=2005-07-14}}</ref>

Press photographs of a victim of the attacks being assisted by former firefighter Paul Dadge became iconic of the attacks.

[[R.E.M.]]'s concert in [[Hyde Park, London|Hyde Park]], scheduled for 9 July, was postponed until 16 July.<ref>{{cite news|title=West End returning to normality|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4660673.stm|access-date=23 December 2015|publisher=BBC News|date=8 July 2005}}</ref> [[Queens of the Stone Age]] were also obliged to call off their 7 July show at [[Somerset House]].<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2005/aug/26/popandrock.queensofthestoneage | location=London | work=The Guardian| title=Queens of the Stone Age | date=26 August 2005 | first=Caroline | last=Sullivan}}</ref>

===Opinion and reaction===
In ''[[The Guardian]]'' [[Tariq Ali]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/comment/story/0,,1523681,00.html |work=The Guardian|title=The price of occupation |first=Tariq |last=Ali}}</ref> and [[Robert Fisk]] in ''[[The Independent]]'',<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.independent.co.uk/world/fisk/article297623.ece |title=The reality of this barbaric bombing |work=The Independent |location=UK |date=8 July 2005 |access-date=7 May 2011 |first=Robert |last=Fisk |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080718133146/http://news.independent.co.uk/world/fisk/article297623.ece |archive-date=18 July 2008}}</ref> echoing earlier comments by [[George Galloway]] in parliament,<ref>{{cite news|last=Davies |first=Ben |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/4664343.stm |title=– I was right to blame Blair, says Galloway |publisher=BBC News |date=8 July 2005 |access-date=7 May 2011}}</ref> claimed that the [[Iraq War]] was the cause of the attacks, though both also ran opinion pages and letters responding that such claims were too oversimplified, and the general mood of the press was that Britain was always a terrorist target and at most the war made Britain a more prominent target.

The American [[Fox News]] network was criticised for its response to the news. [[Brian Kilmeade]] claimed that the attacks worked to the advantage of conservatives, putting terrorism back on the political agenda at a time when the [[G8]] were discussing [[climate change and poverty]].  Washington managing editor, [[Brit Hume]], claimed his first response to the news was that it was "time to buy", referring to the [[stock market]], and host [[John Gibson (political commentator)|John Gibson]] quipped that if the [[International Olympic Committee]] "picked France instead of London to hold the Olympics, it would have been the one time we could look forward to where we didn't worry about terrorism. [Terrorists would] blow up Paris, and who cares?"<ref>{{cite news|first=Julian |last=Borger |url=https://www.theguardian.com/international/story/0,,1524852,00.html |title=Fox News slammed over 'callous' line |work=The Guardian|location=UK |date= 9 July 2005|access-date=7 May 2011 }}</ref>

==Legislative reaction==
On 19 July 2005, the Home Secretary Charles Clarke announced in parliament the fast-tracking of a trimmed-down anti-terror bill, for which cross-party support had been secured, to become law by the end of the year. The new law would make criminal 'acts preparatory to terrorism' (possibly to include the accessing of any websites offering knowledge of terror tactics and bomb-making information), seeking or providing terrorist training domestically or overseas, and 'indirect incitement to terrorism'.{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}}

This law became the [[Terrorism Act 2006]], which despite broad cross-party support for many of the new offences legislated, created controversy due to the governments desire to introduce 90-day detention, though this was later reduced to 28 days.

==Community responses and remembrance services==
{{further|7 July 2005 London bombings memorials and services}}

Within hours of the explosions, several websites were established including [[You Will Fail]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ywf.org.uk/ |title=You Will Fail |publisher=Ywf.org.uk |access-date=7 May 2011}}</ref> which celebrated [[Mayor of London]] [[Ken Livingstone]]'s [[q:Ken Livingstone#Response to London bombings (7 July 2005)|defiant words]] and [[We're Not Afraid]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.werenotafraid.com/ |title=We're not Afraid! |publisher=Werenotafraid.com |access-date=7 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925090604/http://www.werenotafraid.com/ |archive-date=25 September 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> inviting all people to express their resolution not to be 'afraid, intimidated or cowed by the cowardly act of terrorism'. The theme of the latter site was to post a picture of individuals or groups holding a note with the words 'We are not afraid'. While initially intended for Londoners, the site was soon receiving supporting messages worldwide.

On Sunday 17 July around 1,000 people joined a '[[peace]]' vigil in [[Russell Square]] called by the [[Stop the War Coalition]] (StWC) and the [[Muslim Association of Britain]].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/4690413.stm |work=BBC News  | title=Anti-war vigil attracts hundreds | date=17 July 2005 | access-date=22 May 2010}}</ref> Speaking at the rally the StWC national convenor [[Lindsey German]] condemned the bombings but added that "''The only way to end the bombings is to withdraw from Afghanistan, Iraq and Palestine. When we have justice around the world we will have peace as well''".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.socialistworker.co.uk/article.php4?article_id=6978 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930015607/http://www.socialistworker.co.uk/article.php4?article_id=6978 |archive-date=2007-09-30 |title=Vigil sees Londoners standing together against war and racism}}</ref> The StWC also participated in vigils across the country.

==Speeches and offerings of condolence==
{{over-quotation|section|date=July 2016}}

===7 July 2005 London bombings===
====United Kingdom====

=====Royal Family=====

* [[Elizabeth II|The Queen]] issued an official statement, saying "I know I speak for the whole nation in expressing my sympathy to all those affected and the relatives of the killed and injured. I have nothing but admiration for the emergency services as they go about their work".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/Page4300.asp |title=Speeches and articles > Statement from The Queen following explosions in London |publisher=Royal.gov.uk |access-date=7 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616044229/http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/Page4300.asp |archive-date=16 June 2012 }}</ref> On 8 July, the Queen visited the [[Royal London Hospital]], near Liverpool Street, where she visited some of the victims of the attacks, and emergency staff who responded to the attacks. She later made a speech described by the [[BBC]] as "unusually forthright", in which she called the bombings an outrage, and said that "those who perpetrate these brutal acts against innocent people should know that they will not change our way of life".<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4665537.stm |work=BBC News  | title=Queen condemns bombing 'outrage' | date=8 July 2005 | access-date=22 May 2010}}</ref> On 10 July, the Queen again commented on the attacks, during the UK's commemoration services for the 60th anniversary of World War II. The Queen also ordered that the [[Union Flag]] on Buckingham Palace fly at half-mast.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.utvlive.com/newsroom/indepth.asp?id=62372&pt=n |title=News – UTV Northern Ireland |publisher=Utvlive.com |access-date=7 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060308171225/http://www.utvlive.com/newsroom/indepth.asp?id=62372&pt=n |archive-date=8 March 2006}}</ref>
* [[Charles III|The Prince of Wales]] and [[Queen Camilla|the Duchess of Cornwall]] visited St Mary's Hospital in Paddington on 8 July. The Prince said "It's been one of the things that many of us have dreaded for a long time and now they have finally got through," and added, "What I can never get over is the incredible resilience of the British people who have set us all a fantastic example of how to react to these kinds of tragedies." The Duchess also commented "It makes me very proud to be British" in response to the efforts of the emergency services.
* [[Prince William of Wales]], on tour in New Zealand with the [[British and Irish Lions]] said, "At this time I'm sure that I'm joined by New Zealanders and Lions supporters alike in extending to the families and loved ones of all those directly involved, my heartfelt sympathies".
* [[Prince Andrew, Duke of York|The Duke of York]] visited the [[Transport for London]] staff and the [[Metropolitan Police]] at [[CentreComm]], the London Buses Command and Control Complex in Buckingham Palace Road on 8 July. The Duke met staff who co-ordinated the transport network in London following the attacks, and praised Londoners for their reactions, saying "The way that Londoners pulled together yesterday was quite extraordinary".
* [[Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester|The Duke]] and [[Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester|Duchess of Gloucester]] visited the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital on 9 July to meet victims of the attack and to thank staff.

=====Scottish, Northern Irish and Welsh responses=====
* {{flagicon|Scotland}} [[First Minister of Scotland]] [[Jack McConnell]] issued a statement in behalf of the Scottish Executive saying, "I had planned today (Thursday) to have a conversation with Mayor [[Ken Livingstone]] to congratulate him on the success for London yesterday in Singapore in winning the Olympic Games for 2012. Instead I have sent a message of condolence on behalf of the people of Scotland to the people of London and the families of those who have been injured or deceased in the terrorist atrocities that were seen in different locations in central London today".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2005/07/08112109|title=FM sends message of condolence|last=Scottish Government|date=8 July 2005|website=www.scotland.gov.uk}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Wales}} [[First Minister of Wales]] [[Rhodri Morgan]] issued a statement on behalf of the [[National Assembly for Wales]], saying, "The whole of Wales will feel nothing but revulsion at these savage acts of terrorism targeted at commuters during London's busy rush hour. On behalf of the people of Wales, I would like to express my deepest sympathies to the relatives of those killed and injured in this morning's attacks".
* {{flagicon|Northern Ireland|union}} The four major political parties in [[Northern Ireland]] condemned the attacks. [[William McCrea, Baron McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown|William McCrea]] spoke on behalf of the [[Democratic Unionist Party]] saying "I sympathise with those who have been bereaved as a result of this terrible atrocity and our thoughts are with the many families who have been so cruelly robbed of their loved ones". The DUP also used their statement to attack Sinn Féin and the IRA, whom they accused of "planting more bombs in London than anyone else".<ref>{{cite web|author=Democratic Unionist Party |url=http://www.dup.org.uk/ |title=DUP.org.uk |publisher=DUP.org.uk |access-date=7 May 2011}}</ref> [[Sinn Féin]] also condemned the attacks, with the Mayor of Moyle District Council, saying "On behalf of Sinn Féin I offer my sincere condolences to the victims and the families of those killed and injured and to the people of London".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sinnfein.ie/news/detail/10392 |title=Sinn Féin Mayors and Chairs to open Books of Condolence |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070526224538/http://sinnfein.ie/news/detail/10392 |archive-date=2007-05-26}}</ref>

=====Greater London=====

* [[Mayor of London]] [[Ken Livingstone]] delivered a message of defiance on behalf of the people of London, speaking directly to the bombers and their sponsors and saying that "That isn't an ideology, it isn't even a perverted faith, it is just indiscriminate attempt at mass murder". He also addressed the bombers, saying that people "flee you because you tell them how they should live. They don't want that and nothing you do, however many of us you kill, will stop that flight to our cities where freedom is strong and where people can live in harmony with one another. Whatever you do, however many you kill, you will fail".<ref>[[Wikiquote:Ken Livingstone#Response to London bombings .287 July 2005.29]]</ref>

====Multinational bodies====
[[File:G8 bombings response.jpg|thumb|250px|Prime Minister [[Tony Blair]], flanked by the G8 leaders, reads a statement on their behalf condemning the attacks in London]]
* {{flag|European Union}}: The [[European Parliament]] held a [[minute of silence]] to mourn the victims of the explosions.<ref name="From Archive.org-3185189">{{cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,15855768-23109,00.html |title=Minute of silence over attacks |work=news.com.au |date=7 July 2005 |access-date=4 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050827155811/http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,15855768-23109,00.html |archive-date=27 August 2005 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref>
* [[Commonwealth of Nations]] [[Commonwealth Secretary-General|Secretary-General]] [[Don McKinnon]] issued a statement saying, "All of us throughout the Commonwealth family are shocked by these barbaric and cowardly attacks. Our thoughts go to all the victims and their families and friends. Terrorism cannot be allowed to succeed. The Commonwealth has spoken out loudly and clearly against this scourge. The killing and maiming of innocent men, women and children is unjustifiable".<ref>{{cite news|title=We shall prevail|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2005/jul/07/terrorism.july72|access-date=23 December 2015|agency=Press Association|work=The Guardian|date=7 July 2005}}</ref>
* [[File:G8 organization.svg|35px|border]] [[G8]] leaders prepared a statement, read on behalf of them all by [[Tony Blair]], condemning the attacks as "an attack on civilised peoples everywhere", and saying that the G8 summit would proceed.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4658427.stm |work=BBC News  | title=G8 leaders condemn London blasts | date=7 July 2005 | access-date=22 May 2010}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|GCC}} The [[Gulf Co-operation Council]] "condemns the terrorist attacks which hit the British capital in several locations this morning".
* [[File:NATO flag.svg|25px|border]] At [[NATO]] headquarters in Brussels, the North Atlantic Council met for an extraordinary session, and issued a statement saying "The Council condemned in the strongest possible terms terrorism in all its forms. NATO Allies reaffirmed their determination to combat this scourge, and to defend with all means at their disposal the Alliance's values of freedom, tolerance and democracy".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nato.int/docu/pr/2005/p05-089e.htm |title=NATO Press Release(2005)089 |publisher=Nato.int |access-date=7 May 2011}}</ref>
* [[File:Olympic Rings.svg|35px|border]] The [[International Olympic Committee]] stated that "The IOC was appalled by the barbaric attack". The IOC also confirmed that the attacks would not affect London's successful Olympic bid for the [[2012 Summer Olympics]], stating "Security is one of the 17 themes of evaluating the Olympics and we have full confidence in the London authorities for a secure Olympic Games".<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/front_page/4659781.stm |work=BBC News  | title=IOC support after London attacks | date=8 July 2005 | access-date=22 May 2010}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|United Nations}}: [[United Nations Secretary-General]] [[Kofi Annan]] described the bombings as "an attack on humanity itself", and joined other world leaders in condemning the attacks. He said that he was personally "devastated" by the events.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200507/s1409609.htm |title=Annan condemns London bombings. 08/07/2005. ABC News Online |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation  |date=8 July 2005 |access-date=7 May 2011}}</ref>
* The [[Security Council]] condemned "without reservation" the terror attacks and urged nations to prosecute perpetrators of such "barbaric acts." In a [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 1611|resolution adopted by a 15–0 vote in an emergency meeting]], the Council expressed condolences to the victims of the bomb blasts.<ref>{{cite news|title=World leaders condemn barbaric acts|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna8496922|access-date=23 December 2015|agency=msnbc.com News|publisher=NBC News|date=7 July 2005}}</ref>

====International responses====

=====Africa=====
* {{Flag icon|MAR}} Morocco – Communication Minister Nabil Benabdallah gave a statement on behalf of the government, saying that "these heinous attacks underline the need for the international community to...unite its efforts to fight these acts and abort their objectives".
* {{Flag icon|EGY}} Egypt – Foreign Trade and Industry Minister Rachid Mohamed Rachid, who lived in London until his appointment in 2004, condemned the attacks while at a conference in Brussels. "Everyone is following what's happening in London with great anxiety. It is important to be brave in facing up to the scourge of terrorism," the state news agency MENA quoted him as saying.
* {{Flag icon|SADR}} Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic – President of the Sahrawi Republic, [[Mohamed Abdelaziz (Sahrawi politician)|Mohamed Abdelaziz]] expressed his condolences on behalf of the Saharawi people to the British people and government, vehemently condemning "the terrorist acts" that stroked the British capital.<ref>{{cite news|title=The President of the Republic expresses Saharawi people's condolences to British people |url=http://www.spsrasd.info/sps-e070705.html#4 |publisher=[[Sahara Press Service]] |date=7 July 2005 |access-date=19 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091005115823/http://www.spsrasd.info/sps-e070705.html |archive-date=5 October 2009}}</ref>
* {{Flag icon|Saint Helena}} Saint Helena – [[Governor of Saint Helena]], [[Michael Clancy]] said "On behalf of the people of Saint Helena, [[Ascension Island|Ascension]] and [[Tristan Da Cunha]] I convey our sympathy to those who have suffered injury or trauma as a result of yesterday's tragic events in London. We send our sincere condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives. While we are thousands of miles away, we feel very close to the people of Britain in spirit, and we know that they will respond with resolve and determination".
* {{Flag icon|ZAF}} South Africa – [[President of South Africa|President]] [[Thabo Mbeki]] has condemned the series of explosions on London's transport system: "As South Africa, we join the rest of the international community in condemning any acts of terrorism".

=====Americas=====
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* {{Flag icon|ARG}} Argentina – President [[Néstor Kirchner]] sent a press release that stated "We're convinced that the respect to life is the pillar of the democratic coexistence, and manifest our total condemn of any kind of terrorist act, such as the one suffered by the British citizenship, and hope for the people responsible to be apprehended and submitted to justice. The Argentine people feels deeply identified with the victims and their relatives, to whom we would like to express our deepest sentiments of consternation and solidarity."
* {{Flag icon|BRA}} Brazil – President [[Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva]] said that "Brazil expresses its harshest condemnation of this most recent, deplorable terrorist act" and voiced "solidarity with the suffering of the victims' families".
* {{Flag icon|CAN}} Canada – The [[Governor General of Canada]], [[Adrienne Clarkson]], said in a statement, "The world has once again witnessed the horrors of terrorism and we have all been shaken by these shocking and terrifying events. All Canadians are saddened to see this tragedy unfold and we give the people of Britain our heartfelt sympathy".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gg.ca/media/doc.asp?lang=e&DocID=4495 |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20080114022216/http://www.gg.ca/media/doc.asp?lang=e&DocID=4495 |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 January 2008 |title=Message from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson Governor General of Canada on today's terrorist attacks in London}}</ref>
** Prime Minister [[Paul Martin]] offered his condolences to the families of the victims of the bombings also calling the bombings "an unspeakable attack on the innocent and on a way of life," as well as "our collective freedom has come under attack by those who would use violence and murder to force extremism on the world".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news.asp?id=539|title=Prime Minister of Canada|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060108104446/http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news.asp?id=539|archive-date=8 January 2006}}</ref> Martin also requested [[Canadian flag]]s on all [[Structure of the Canadian federal government|federal]] buildings be lowered to [[half-staff]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/progs/cpsc-ccsp/berne-halfmasting/index_e.cfm |title=Half-Masting of the Flag |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051105014751/http://www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/progs/cpsc-ccsp/berne-halfmasting/index_e.cfm |archive-date=2005-11-05}}</ref>
** [[Deputy Prime Minister of Canada|Deputy Prime Minister]] [[Anne McLellan]] said,"Acts of terrorism are completely without conscience...terrorism is a scourge on our civilisation. Those who commit the acts do not care whom they kill or how much damage they inflict on those who are truly innocent".
** [[Conservative Party of Canada|Conservative Party]] leader [[Stephen Harper]] said,"We should not be under any illusion that we couldn't just as easily be a target, and certainly, obviously, we could be a basis from which terror could be launched", and "those who oppose the war in Iraq also oppose the war in Afghanistan, and Canada is very involved in that".
** [[New Democratic Party]] leader [[Jack Layton]] felt,"repulsed by the violence we have witnessed today in London...we will not allow it to undermine Canadian society, our institutions or our beliefs in democracy, human rights, tolerance, and equality. Indeed, we must go forward today with greater determination to build a world that embraces these ideals".
* {{Flag icon|CHL}} Chile – [[President of Chile|President]] [[Ricardo Lagos]] said that "every Chilean repudiates what has happened today at dawn in London".
* {{Flag icon|CUB}} Cuba – [[President of Cuba|President]] [[Fidel Castro]] wrote, in a letter to the Queen,  "I can assure you that the Cuban people, who have been a victim of terrorism for more than four decades, share your grief and condemn this unjustifiable attack on the British people".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.granma.cu/ingles/2005/julio/vier8/mensaje.html |title=– Message from President Fidel Castro to the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland |publisher=Granma.cu |date=8 July 2005 |access-date=7 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604072732/http://www.granma.cu/ingles/2005/julio/vier8/mensaje.html |archive-date=4 June 2011}}</ref>
* {{Flag icon|Falkland Islands}} Falkland Islands – [[Governor of the Falkland Islands|Governor]] [[Howard Pearce]] sent a message of condolence to [[Elizabeth II]], saying, "The people of the Falkland Islands are deeply shocked and outraged by the appalling attacks which took place in London earlier today. On behalf of all Falkland Islanders, I convey our sympathy to those who have suffered injury or trauma as a result of these events and our deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives. While we may be many thousands of miles away in distance, we feel very close to all Londoners in spirit, and we know that they will respond with courage and fortitude".
* {{Flag icon|MEX}} Mexico – A spokesman for [[President of Mexico|President]] [[Vicente Fox]] said that "on behalf of the people of Mexico, the president would like to express his solidarity and support to the people and government of the United Kingdom, terrorism and violence against civilian population have no possible justification, President Vicente Fox has already given his condolences to Prime Minister Blair".
* {{Flag icon|PAN}} Panama – [[President of Panama|President]] [[Martín Torrijos]] visited the British ambassador to Panama, James Ian Malcom, to express condolences and solidarity with the UK.<ref>[http://www.presidencia.gob.pa/noticia.php?cod=6862 Presidencia de la República de Panamá]</ref>
* {{Flag icon|USA}} USA – President [[George W. Bush]] spoke at the [[31st G8 summit]] in Scotland, saying "I spent some time recently with the Prime Minister, [[Tony Blair]], and had an opportunity to express our heartfelt condolences to the people of London, people who lost lives. I appreciate Prime Minister Blair's steadfast determination and his strength. He's on his way now to London here from the G8 to speak directly to the people of London. He'll carry a message of solidarity with him".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2005/07/20050707-2.html |title=President Offers Condolences to People of London, Will Not Yield to Terrorists |publisher=Georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov |date=7 July 2005 |access-date=7 May 2011}}</ref>
** [[Secretary of Defense]] [[Donald Rumsfeld]] has said: "Before long, I suspect that those responsible for these acts will encounter British steel. Their kind of steel has an uncommon strength. It does not bend or break. The British have learned from history that this kind of evil must be confronted. It cannot be appeased. Our two countries understand well that once a people give in to terrorists' demands, whatever they are, their demands will grow. The British people are determined and resolute. And I know the people of the United States are proud to stand at their side".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dod.gov/releases/2005/nr20050707-3921.html |title=Statement by Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld on London Bombings |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060114033952/http://www.dod.gov/releases/2005/nr20050707-3921.html |archive-date=2006-01-14}}</ref>
** [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]] Chairman [[Howard Dean]] stated, "I join all Americans today in offering my condolences to the victims of today's vicious terrorist attacks in London. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their friends and their families. We remain steadfast in our commitment to defeating those who threaten our freedom and values. At a time when world leaders were working together to help make our world a better place, these terrorists were plotting to disrupt that effort by killing and injuring innocent people. We will continue to stand with our allies around the world to defeat terrorism and protect our liberty and freedom".

=====Asia=====
* {{Flag icon|BGD}} Bangladesh – Prime Minister [[Begum Khaleda Zia]] within hours of the attacks condemned the act of terrorism and expressed deep sorrow upon the deaths in the attacks. Foreign Minister [[M. Morshed Khan]] later visited the [[British High Commissioner]] [[Anwar Choudhury]] to convey the condemnation of the [[Government of Bangladesh]] upon the attacks.
* {{Flag icon|IND}} India – Speaking at the G8 summit in Scotland, Prime Minister [[Manmohan Singh]] said, "Just a couple of days back, India faced a [[2005 Ram Janmabhoomi attack|major terrorist attack]] and these incidents show that global terrorism does not recognise international boundaries and we all need to work together to counter it".
* {{Flag icon|IDN}} Indonesia – Foreign Ministry spokesman [[Marty Natalegawa]] has said, "We're shocked to hear the bombing attacks. We condemned them," He also expressed condolences to the victims and their relatives, and pray for the wounded for their early recovery.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.antara.co.id/en/seenws/?id=4955 |title=The Indonesian News Agency |publisher=ANTARA |date=2 March 2011 |access-date=7 May 2011 }}{{dead link|date=November 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
* {{Flag icon|JPN}} Japan – Prime Minister [[Junichiro Koizumi]] has said, "This terrorist action will never be forgiven, but remembered with great indignation. I offer Mr. Blair my full support to his response, and will gladly cooperate in any way possible".
* {{Flag icon|MYS}} Malaysia – Prime Minister [[Abdullah Ahmad Badawi]] said all Malaysians were saddened and distressed over the bomb attacks in London. He said every Malaysian hates violence and condemns it because violence is not the solution. He stated "I believe all countries and races condemn what had happened in London although we do not know yet who is responsible for the bombing".
* {{Flag icon|PAK}} Pakistan – Information Minister [[Sheikh Rashid]] said "We offer our heartfelt sympathies to those who suffered due to such acts".
* {{Flag icon|PRC}} People's Republic of China – Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao has said that "China is shocked" by this tragedy and "strongly condemns" any terrorist attacks targeted at civilians.
** {{Flag icon|HKG}} Hong Kong – [[Chief Executive of Hong Kong|Chief Executive]] Donald Tsang said he was shocked and saddened by what has happened. He felt aggrieved, and had spoken to the Consul General of the United Kingdom in Hong Kong to convey condolences, saying that British nationals in Hong Kong would be protected. He added the government was not complacent, although Hong Kong is a low-risk area. Security arrangements were upgraded. The market had good foundations and fundamentals. [[Secretary for Security]] [[Ambrose Lee]] also condemned terrorist attack. Necessary assistance was provided to Hong Kong people in the United Kingdom.<ref name=autogenerated2>{{cite web|url=http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200507/08/07080085.htm |title=Chief Executive talks about London explosions |publisher=Info.gov.hk |date=8 July 2005 |access-date=7 May 2011}}</ref>
* {{Flag icon|PHL}} Philippines – President [[Gloria Macapagal Arroyo]] and Foreign Secretary [[Alberto Romulo]] offered condolences to the families of the victims.
* {{Flag icon|SGP}} Singapore – Prime Minister [[Lee Hsien Loong]] condemned the terrorist attacks in London and expressed Singapore's sympathy to the victims of the attacks and their families, and to the British people and government.

=====Europe=====
* {{Flag icon|CYP}} Cyprus – President [[Tassos Papadopoulos]] stressed that "the Government and the people of Cyprus strongly condemn such horrendous acts of terror and stand in full solidarity with the British people and the rest of the international community in the fight against terrorism of all kinds".<ref>{{cite news|title=Cyprus joins EU in observing silence for London bomb victims|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-07/14/content_3220625.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223235531/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-07/14/content_3220625.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 December 2015|access-date=23 December 2015|agency=Xinhua News Agency|publisher=China View|date=14 July 2005}}</ref>
* {{Flag icon|CZE}} Czech Republic – President [[Václav Klaus]] wrote in a statement to the Queen: "We are jointly facing those who would like to destroy the values upon which our civilisation rests by their coward inhuman acts." "Along with you, we are determined not to yield to the forces which are seeking to destroy everything in which we believe through violence," Klaus wrote in the letter, in which he voiced his deepest sympathies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ceskenoviny.cz/news/index_view.php?id=137625 |title=ČeskéNoviny.cz |publisher=Ceskenoviny.cz |access-date=7 May 2011}}</ref>
* {{Flag icon|DNK}} Denmark – Prime Minister [[Anders Fogh Rasmussen]] stated: "Again we're witnessing scruples' and barbaric attacks against completely innocent people – civilians, women and children... Terrorists use fear and terror as political pressure. We can't – and will not allow that. We shall never give in to terrorists."
* {{Flag icon|FIN}} Finland – president [[Tarja Halonen]] expressed condolences in a letter to the Queen. In it she said "It is with profound sadness that we in Finland have received the news of the fatal bomb explosions in London, in which precious human lives were lost and many seriously injured". Foreign Minister [[Erkki Tuomioja]] also expressed condolences, stating: "I vehemently condemn these shocking and cruel acts".
* {{Flag icon|FRA}} France – president [[Jacques Chirac]], describing the attackers as "savages" said that "these attacks have without any doubt reinforced the solidarity between the eight [heads of government]" at [[31st G8 summit|The G8]] summit,<ref>{{cite news|title=Europe Reacts to London Bombings|url=http://www.dw.com/en/europe-reacts-to-london-bombings/a-1642907|access-date=23 December 2015|publisher=Deutsche Welle|date=7 July 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=In quotes: World reaction|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4660415.stm|access-date=23 December 2015|publisher=BBC News|date=8 July 2005}}</ref> adding that the attacks would also strengthen the fight against terrorism.
** [[French Prime Minister|Prime Minister]] [[Dominique de Villepin]] called the attack "a tragedy for Great Britain" and "a tragedy for Europe as a whole which had already been hit in [[Madrid]] in [[11 March 2004 Madrid train bombings|March 2004]]." In a letter to Prime Minister Tony Blair, De Villepin also offered "immediate, full and total collaboration of French services in helping you identify the authors of these crimes".
* {{Flag icon|DEU}} Germany – Chancellor [[Gerhard Schröder]] called the attacks "cowardly and perfidious", while Foreign Minister [[Joschka Fischer]] declared his "unswerving solidarity" with London.
* {{Flag icon|Gibraltar}} Gibraltar – Chief Minister [[Peter Caruana]], sent a message of condolence to the Queen, saying "Please accept the sympathy and solidarity of the people and Government of Gibraltar in the face of these cowardly and wicked attacks on London and its people. Please accept our condolences on the loss of life".
* {{Flag icon|GRC}} Greece – Prime Minister [[Kostas Karamanlis]] stated "On the part of the government and the Greek people, I would like to express my deepest condolences" and added "Our thoughts are with the families of the victims".
* {{Flag icon|HUN}} Hungary – Prime Minister [[Ferenc Gyurcsány]] called the attacks "lowly and inhuman", and expressed his "sincere sympathy" with the families of victims and with the inhabitants of London.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.miniszterelnok.hu/gss/alpha?do=2&pg=11&st=1&m9_doc=496&m12_curr=1 |title=Miniszterelnök.hu archívum (2004–2006) – Hír |access-date=2005-07-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927192522/http://www.miniszterelnok.hu/gss/alpha?do=2&pg=11&st=1&m9_doc=496&m12_curr=1 |archive-date=27 September 2007}}</ref> Outgoing [[President of Hungary|President]] [[Ferenc Mádl]] likewise condemned the attacks and expressed his condolences.
* {{Flag icon|ISL}} Iceland – president [[Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson]], says that terrorist attacks have paralysed the city. "The British nation has shown great courage and is resolved to deny the terrorists success in their attack on the open and free society".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news/?cat_id=16539&ew_0_a_id=143196 |title=IcelandReview – Online |publisher=Icelandreview.com |date=6 December 2005 |access-date=7 May 2011}}</ref>
** Prime Minister [[Halldór Ásgrímsson]] said it is the duty of all countries to stand together in the fight against the forces that organise attacks like the 7/7 bombings. He said that counter-terrorist preparations and surveillance would increase in European countries in the wake of the attacks, including Iceland.
* {{Flag icon|IRL}} Ireland – [[Taoiseach]] [[Bertie Ahern]] said that "after [[London 2012 Olympic bid|yesterday's outpouring of great joy]], today is a tragic and difficult day for London." [[Mary McAleese]], then [[President of Ireland]] also offered her condolences in a statement released from [[Áras an Uachtaráin]].
* {{Flag icon|NLD}} Netherlands – Prime Minister [[Jan Peter Balkenende]] stated: "Continuous intensive attention is required in the war against terrorism. Terrorism is an evil that can hit each European country. Cooperation in the EU and worldwide is crucial to counter this evil".
* {{Flag icon|NOR}} Norway – [[King Harald V]] sent a message to The Queen saying "It was with great sorrow I received the shocking news about the horrible incidents that happened in London this morning, that have injured and claimed the lives of innocent humans".<ref>[[Wikinews:World leaders respond to London blasts]]</ref>
** [[Prime Minister of Norway|Prime Minister]] [[Kjell Magne Bondevik]] said "On behalf of the Norwegian Government, I wish to express my deepest condolences and sympathy. My thoughts are with all those who were injured and the bereaved families, and with the people of the United Kingdom. We are mourning with you in this time of grief".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://odin.dep.no/smk/norsk/aktuelt/pressesenter/pressem/001001-071310/dok-bn.html |title=Prime Minister Bondevik sends condolences to London – regjeringen.no |publisher=Odin.dep.no |date=7 July 2005 |access-date=7 May 2011}}</ref>
* {{Flag icon|POL}} Poland – The Polish Parliament, [[Sejm]] lower house observed a [[moment of silence]] as 3 Polish nationals were killed in the bombings.
* {{Flag icon|PRT}} Portugal – Prime Minister [[José Sócrates]] said in a statement made from the national Parliament "The terrorist threat is global and demands for a global response. If any doubt would existed about the priorities of Europe, this dramatic attack obliges all the 25 European Union states to stay together in this fight".
* {{Flag icon|ROU}} Romania – President [[Traian Băsescu]] expressed his solidarity with the British people and authorities.
* {{Flag icon|RUS}} Russia – President [[Vladimir Putin]] expressed his condolences over the attacks and called on all countries to unite in the fight against international terrorism.
* {{Flag icon|ESP}} Spain – Prime Minister [[José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero]] has stated "I want to express the condolences of the Government and the Spanish people to relatives of the victims of this horrible attacks. I absolutely share the sentiments stated by my colleague Tony Blair. Moral strength of democracy is far superior than such vile and cowardly methods of terrorism".
* {{Flag icon|SWE}} Sweden – Prime Minister [[Göran Persson]] stated: "It is an attack on our open society. It's an attack on a democracy that's hosting a meeting to discuss such difficult issues as the climate change and the poverty of Africa. In this situation it's important that we hold together, that we're steady in the fight against terror and that we give all the support that we can give to British authorities but also to the people who has been affected, and we of course also express our sympathy with the British people and all the single people who today have received messages that near and dear have been affected by serious injuries or death. [...] The same icy feeling as after 9/11, the same definite opinion: this is not something that we'll give away for. If this will become the future norm for how to decide the political agenda, then we'll live in a whole other Europe, a whole other world, and that's something none of us wishes. Now we defend the open society".

=====Middle East=====
* {{Flag icon|ISR}} Israel – Prime Minister [[Ariel Sharon]] said "In these moments, Israel entirely expresses its solidarity with the people of Britain, aching with their pain, and sending condolences to the families of the dead and wishes of fast recovery to the wounded".
* {{Flag icon|KWT}} Kuwait – denounced the attacks in a letter to British Prime Minister [[Tony Blair]] from Prime Minister Shaikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, who is in the United States. Shaikh Sabah expressed Kuwait's "strong condemnation" of the blasts that left a number of "innocent casualties," said the state news agency KUNA. "These terrorist attacks which target innocent lives are against all human norms and values," the Kuwaiti leader said. Shaikh Sabah also expressed "Kuwait's sympathy and support to friendly Britain and to all actions it will take to eradicate vicious terror in order to preserve security and stability".
* {{Flag icon|LBN}} Lebanon – President [[Émile Lahoud]] said that "Lebanon, which has been the victim of violence for years, shares with the British their pain".
* {{Flag icon|SAU}} Saudi Arabia – Social Affairs Minister Abdulmohsen al-Akkas said his country, battling a two-year wave of attacks by Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda network, knew what London was suffering. "We understand. Since May 2003 we have been experiencing the horrors of terrorist acts" said Akkas, who was visiting London.
* {{Flag icon|SYR}} Syria – President [[Bashar al-Assad]] condemned the attacks in a cable sent to Prime Minister Tony Blair.
* {{Flag icon|TUR}} Turkey – Prime Minister [[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]] said that "we have always stressed that the fight against terror is something we all have to join into together. I believe especially that our mutual intelligence organisations need to pool their information and knowledge to be better able to support one another against attacks of this kind".<ref>{{cite news|title=Erdogan: We need to pool our resources to fight against terror|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/erdogan-we-need-to-pool-our-resources-to-fight-against-terror.aspx?pageID=438&n=erdogan-we-need-to-pool-our-resources-to-fight-against-terror-2005-07-08|access-date=23 December 2015|publisher=Hurriyet Daily News|date=8 July 2005}}</ref>
* {{Flag icon|ARE}} United Arab Emirates – [[Deputy Prime Minister]] and [[Minister for Foreign Affairs]] [[Sheikh|Shaikh]] Hamdan bin Zayed al-Nahayan said the [[UAE]] government "condemns in the strongest possible terms these horrific crimes and declares full solidarity with the British government" and that the UAE also "supports any measures [the British government] may take to deal with" the attacks.

=====Oceania=====
* {{Flag icon|AUS}} Australia – Prime Minister [[John Howard]], in a live-to-air broadcast, expressed his "horror and disgust at this cowardly attack on innocent people."  Mr Howard also stated that "It's important that we stand shoulder to shoulder with our British allies at a time such as this" and that "these types of attacks will not alter the determination of free countries to do the right thing". Recognising an Australian connection to the British capital, Mr. Howard said "Australians will feel very deeply about this because London is the city, above all others outside our own country, we know and identify with".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.optusnet.com.au/news/story/abc/20050709/06/domestic/1409553.inp|title=Optus Zoo Closure Notice|first=Singtel|last=Optus|website=www.optusnet.com.au}}</ref> In a radio interview with [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] on 8 July 2005, PM Howard commented "This attack will not cow the British. It will not cow free people anywhere in the world. It will in fact steel the determination of people who recognise the threat that terrorism poses to democratic societies, to go on with the fight against terrorism".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2005/s1409787.htm |title=AM – John Howard offers condolences to London bombing victims |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation  |access-date=7 May 2011}}</ref>
** [[Australian Labor Party]] leader [[Kim Beazley]] said the terrorists were "sub-human filth who must be captured and eliminated". He also stated: "The evil that they stand for must be confronted and they need to know that nothing they can do changes our values and nothing they do eliminates our resolve to deal with them".
* {{Flag icon|NZL}} New Zealand – Prime Minister [[Helen Clark]] has conveyed to the British government the "deep shock and sympathy and concern of the government and people of New Zealand", and has also requested [[Flag of New Zealand|New Zealand flags]] be flown at half-mast.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvnz.co.nz/view/page/411749/596569 |title=No known NZ casualties in London &#124; WORLD &#124; NEWS |publisher=tvnz.co.nz |date=7 July 2005 |access-date=7 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110518104514/http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/411749/596569 |archive-date=18 May 2011}}</ref>

====Religious reactions====

=====Muslim=====
* The [[Grand Mufti]] of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh denounced the deadly blasts that rocked London, saying "Killing and terrorising innocent people and the destruction of property are not condoned by Islam". He also censured the terrorists for tarnishing the image of Islam by attaching their heinous crimes to the religion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fatwa-online.com/news/0050709.htm |title=NEWS \ Grand Mufti and Others Denounce London Bombings |publisher=Fatwa-online.com |date=9 July 2005 |access-date=7 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110526211838/http://www.fatwa-online.com/news/0050709.htm |archive-date=26 May 2011}}</ref>
* The [[Muslim Council of Britain]] said that it "utterly condemns" the "indiscriminate acts of terror".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mcb.org.uk/ |title=MCB |publisher=MCB |access-date=7 May 2011}}</ref>
* The Australian Muslim Civil Rights Advocacy Network have issued a public statement condemning the attacks, offering their condolences to the British people, and pledging their support in bringing the terrorists to justice.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amcran.org/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=79&Itemid= |title=amcran.org |publisher=amcran.org |date=14 July 2008 |access-date=7 May 2011}}</ref>
* The [[Council on American-Islamic Relations]] condemned the attacks, stating "We join Americans of all faiths, and all people of conscience worldwide, in condemning these barbaric crimes that can never be justified or excused. American Muslims offer their sincere condolences to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured in the attacks and call for the swift apprehension and punishment of the perpetrators".<ref>[http://www.cair.com/press-center/press-releases/1370-cair-condemns-barbaric-london-terror-attacks.html "CAIR Condemns 'Barbaric' London Terror Attacks"], 7 July 2005, retrieved 9 September 2015</ref>
* The [[Islamic Circle of North America]] released a statement saying, "The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) is shocked and horrified at the several attacks on the people of London during the rush hour mass transit. We join everyone in condemning such acts of terror and senseless violence. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones at this tragic moment. We trust that the authorities will determine those responsible for these barbaric acts and bring them to justice quickly".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://icna.org/pr_london_attacks.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050917044948/http://www.icna.org/pr_london_attacks.htm |archive-date=2005-09-17 |title=ICNA condemns the bomb attacks in London}}</ref>
* Leading Lebanese [[Shi'ite Muslim]] scholar [[Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah]] stated, "These crimes are not accepted by any religion. It is a barbarism wholly rejected by Islam."
* Most British Muslims were deeply hurt and disgusted at these attacks, especially due to the fact that the bomb site by Aldgate station had a huge surrounding Muslim and Asian community. However, they cited the British government foreign policy as the main reason for the attacks. One in four British Muslims supports the reasons mentioned by the terrorists, whilst 6% felt the attacks were fully justified.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1494648/One-in-four-Muslims-sympathises-with-motives-of-terrorists.html | work=The Daily Telegraph | location=London | access-date=22 May 2010 | first=Andrew | last=Haldenby | title=One in four Muslims sympathises with motives of terrorists | date=23 July 2005}}</ref>
* [[Al Qaeda]] cleric [[Omar Bakri Mohammed]] approved of the bombings and called them a "warning" for the British government.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,22989-1702400,00.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060115235528/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,22989-1702400,00.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=15 January 2006 | work=The Times | location=London | title=Expect more bloodshed says defiant Islamic cleric Bakri | date=21 July 2005 | access-date=22 May 2010 | first1=Sean | last1=O'Neill | first2=Philip | last2=Webster | first3=Richard | last3=Ford}}</ref>
* The cousin of [[Shehzad Tanweer]], one of the suicide bombers, approved of the suicide bombings by Tanweer and called him a "good Muslim".<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite news| url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,22989-1704235,00.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080808140205/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,22989-1704235,00.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=8 August 2008 | work=The Times | location=London | title=Cousin listened to boasts about suicide mission | first1=Daniel | last1=McGrory | first2=Zahid | last2=Hussain | date=22 July 2005 | access-date=22 May 2010}}</ref>
* About 2,000 villagers in [[Shehzad Tanweer]]'s Pakistani village of origin prayed for him at his funeral.<ref name=autogenerated1 />
* Grand Imam [[Muhammad Sayyid Tantawy|Mohammed Sayyed Tantawi]] of Cairo's Al-Azhar University condemned the attacks and said that the attacks could be not justified as an attempt to force Britain out of Iraq. ''"This is illogical and cannot be the motive for killing innocent civilians"''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fareedzakaria.com/articles/newsweek/071805.html |title=How We Can Prevail |first=Fareed |last=Zakaria |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060107055912/http://www.fareedzakaria.com/articles/newsweek/071805.html |archive-date=2006-01-07}}</ref>

=====Christian=====
* [[File:Logo of the Church of England.svg|25px]] [[Church of England]] – The [[Bishop of London]], [[Richard Chartres]], issued a statement saying "The attack on London is not an attack on Presidents and men of power but an attack on ordinary Londoners travelling to work by bus and tube...On Wednesday evening [[St Paul's Cathedral]] was packed with Londoners come to listen to the Secretary General of the UN and the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what can be done to tackle poverty in the world. The atmosphere was electric and the determination to do something practical to help was obvious. That is the real agenda in today's world. By contrast this act of violence is a cruel irrelevance".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.london.anglican.org/NewsShow_4778 |title=Diocese of London – News: The Bishop of London Reacts to the Bombings |publisher=London.anglican.org |access-date=7 May 2011}}</ref>
** [[File:Angl-Canterbury-Arms.svg|25px]] [[Archbishop of Canterbury]], Dr Rowan Williams, spoke of his horror and grief. Amid widespread speculation that the bombings were the work of Islamic extremists, he said that, as it happened, he had "spent this morning with Muslim colleagues and friends in West Yorkshire; and we were all as one in our condemnation of this evil and in our shared sense of care and compassion for those affected in whatever way. Such solidarity and common purpose is vital for us all at this time of pain and sorrow and anger".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/articles/40/00/acns4001.cfm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050909224656/http://anglicancommunion.org/acns/articles/40/00/acns4001.cfm |archive-date=2005-09-09 |title=Archbishop of Canterbury Statement on London Terrorist Attacks}}</ref> On Friday he gave the "[[Thought for the Day]]" on [[BBC Radio 4]] in which he spoke of the difference between shocked silence and calmness.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/articles/40/00/acns4003.cfm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050909224502/http://anglicancommunion.org/acns/articles/40/00/acns4003.cfm |archive-date=2005-09-09 |title=Archbishop of Canterbury: Thought for the Day, BBC Radio}}</ref>
* [[File:Standard of the Salvation Army.svg|25px]] [[Salvation Army]] – [[General of The Salvation Army]] [[John Larsson]] sent out mobile relief teams and said to continue to pray for the people of London.
* {{VAT}} – [[Pope Benedict XVI]] has called the attacks "inhuman" and "barbaric acts against humanity."

===Political forces===
Organisations such as the Stop the War Campaign take the view that the fault for the bombings lies with the foreign policy decisions of [[Tony Blair]], and particularly his decision to send troops to Iraq to attack the régime of [[Saddam Hussein]], which he claimed harboured weapons of mass destruction. Journalist [[John Pilger]] in a column published in the ''[[New Statesman]]'' on 25 July 2005, ascribed blame to Blair, whose decision to support the invasion of Iraq, and the overthrow of the [[Saddam Hussein]] regime, generated the rage that he claimed precipitated those bombings.<ref>John Pilger [http://www.newstatesman.com/node/151164 "Blair's bombs"], ''New Statesman'', 25 July 2005</ref>

* [[File:Flag of al-Qassam Brigades.svg|25px]] [[Hamas]] – Moussa Abu Marzouk, a spokesman for [[Palestinian territories|The Palestinian]] Islamist organisation [[Hamas]], has condemned the bombings, saying "Targeting civilians in their transport means and lives is denounced and rejected".<ref>{{cite news|title=Sympathies From Middle East Countries |url=http://news.sky.com/story/358850/sympathies-from-middle-east-countries |access-date=23 December 2015 |publisher=Sky News |date=7 July 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223191240/http://news.sky.com/story/358850/sympathies-from-middle-east-countries |archive-date=23 December 2015}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Toronto}}  – [[Mayor of Toronto]] [[David Miller (mayor of Toronto)|David Miller]] stated, "residents of Toronto stand in solidarity with people around the world in their condemnation of this and every act of terror".
* [[File:Grandes Armes de Paris.svg|25px]] – [[Bertrand Delanoë]], the mayor of Paris: "Today, we're all Londoners".

===21 July 2005 London bombings===
====United Kingdom====

[[Tony Blair]] and Home Secretary [[Charles Clarke]], among other ministers and key officials from government and the emergency services attended a meeting in [[COBR]] after the second wave of attacks occurred. Blair also interrupted a meeting with [[Prime Minister of Australia]] [[John Howard]] to attend a COBR meeting, although he and Howard would later gave a joint news conference in response to the attacks on both the London Underground and Bethnal Green (Howard was also in Washington, D.C., at the time of the [[11 September 2001 attacks]].)<ref>{{cite news |title=Panic as London is hit again |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2005/jul/21/july7.uksecurity2 |access-date=7 July 2021 |date=21 Jul 2005}}</ref>

===International reaction===
*{{flag|United States}}: [[The Pentagon]] raised its security level in response to the attacks. In addition, [[New York City Police]] announced that they would begin randomly searching backpacks on the [[New York City Subway]] system, though they have said that this move had been under consideration before the events in London.<ref>{{cite news |title=NYC Transit Cops Search Subway Backpackers |url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4766995 |access-date=7 July 2021 |date=July 22, 2005}}</ref>
*{{flag|Australia}}: John Howard condemned the attack on the London Underground and Bethnal Green stated that Australia stood by Britain and that people should "beware the minds of terrorists" during a press conference with Tony Blair.

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

[[Category:July 2005 London bombings]]
[[Category:2005 in international relations]]
[[Category:Reactions to terrorist attacks|London bombings]]
[[Category:Reactions to 2000s events|London bombings]]
[[Category:Foreign relations of the United Kingdom]]