As the London Bridge terror attack anniversary approaches, Sadiq Khan says cowardly terrorists have failed to sow division as London stands ‘united, in defiance and staying true to our values and way of life’.
This Sunday, June 3, will mark the one year anniversary of when three terrorists drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge before going on a knife rampage through Borough Market.
Eight people lost their lives that night, with scores more injured.
In the run up to Sunday’s anniversary, The London Mayor said: “This weekend we come together to honour the innocent victims of the London Bridge attack on 3 June last year, who will forever remain in our hearts.
“We send our love and prayers to the victims’ families and everyone who was injured.”
In a video message posted on Twitter, Khan said: “A year on it is no less difficult, no less painful”, and paid tribute to the emergency services and first responders who “ran towards danger while directing others to safety”.
This weekend we come together to honour the innocent victims of the London Bridge attack on 3 June last year, who will forever remain in our hearts. We send our love and prayers to the victims’ families, and everyone who was injured #LondonUnited pic.twitter.com/LpyW9akP7s
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) June 1, 2018
Sharing with the hashtag ‘LondonUnited’, the Mayor said: “Our city faced some incredibly difficult times last year with the terrorist attacks in Westminster, London Bridge, Finsbury Park and Parsons Green.
“The cowardly terrorists who commit these horrific acts do so to try to divide us, to fuel fear and to change how we treat one another.
“I’m proud of the way we have responded: standing united, in defiance and staying true to our values and way of life.
“As we approach this sad anniversary, not only do we remember the victims but we recommit to honouring them through our actions and standing united against terrorism and in hope for the future.”
The London Mayor’s office also confirmed today that a #LondonUnited projection on London Bridge will begin at midnight on Sunday, June 3, visible until dawn and then once more from dusk until the following midnight.
As the News has reported, a special service of commemoration will be held this Sunday at Southwark Cathedral for the families and friends of those affected.
Khan will join the service, and a procession from the cathedral to Southwark Needle, where he will join a national minute’s silence.
This weekend will also see multi-faith events including a Grand Iftar, to celebrate the end of the Ramandan fast, and a book of remembrance in place for well-wishers to sign.
On Saturday, Borough Market traders will observe a minute’s silence, at the end of their trading day.