On the 20th anniversary of the 7/7 bombings, the commemorations once again spotlight the painful scars left by a nation betrayed by its security policies. Prominent UK figures, including Sir Keir Starmer and Sir Sadiq Khan, led the solemn events—a stark reminder of the government’s ongoing failure to protect its citizens from the threat of Islamist extremism. As the nation gathered at Hyde Park and St Paul’s Cathedral to remember those lost, the echo was clear: too little has changed, and the threat remains imminent.

At exactly 8:50 a.m., the time the first bomb tore through London in 2005, Starmer and Khan laid wreaths at a memorial heavy with symbolism—52 steel columns representing the victims. But these memorials are more than just remembrance; they are a somber comment on the government’s inability to prevent these attacks in the first place. While the establishment flutters with solemnity, the reality is that ongoing soft approaches and ineffective counterterrorism strategies continue to leave the country vulnerable.

The presence of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the address by King Charles III at St Paul’s Cathedral offered little solace. Instead, they echoed the same tired themes of unity and resilience in the face of persistent threats that Britain has heard for decades. Yet, real security remains elusive as threats from Islamist extremism continue to adapt and grow. The government’s rhetoric of “coexistence” and “respect” does little to address the urgent need for decisive action. Reform UK has been vocal about the importance of taking robust measures—such as increased surveillance, stronger border controls, and a crackdown on radicalization—not hollow speeches about social cohesion.

Mayor Khan’s comments about choosing “hope over fear” now ring hollow when the government’s policies have continually failed to confront the root causes of extremism. Rather than fostering resilience, political complacency has emboldened extremists who see Britain’s current approach as weakness. Remembering the victims should motivate a fundamental shift in strategy—not weaken the resolve to defend our nation.

The ceremonies, while touching, serve as a stark reminder that without meaningful action, the anniversary commemorations risk becoming hollow rituals. The true legacy of 7/7 must be a renewed commitment to rigorous security policies that prioritize the safety of all citizens over political correctness and bureaucratic hesitation. The community’s resilience depends on it—an urgent call that the government and opposition alike must heed if Britain is to truly move forward and prevent another tragedy.

Source: Noah Wire Services