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22 September 2006
A new report finds that when the bombs exploded in London last year, there were incredible acts of bravery by the emergency services, volunteers, and members of the public - but there are still lessons to be learned.
The report, 'Addressing lessons from the emergency response to the 7 July 2005 London bombings', published today by Home Secretary John Reid, shows that the emergency services responded efficiently, and under very difficult conditions. But it also sets out a number of areas where more could have been done, and details changes that should be made.
In the year since the attacks, Dr. Reid and Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell have met with many of the families of the victims of the bombings and those who survived. Their experiences and concerns helped to shape the report.
Main findings
The main findings of the report are:
- the response to the bombings demonstrated the strength and flexibility of the UK’s emergency response arrangements
- officials need to share information and provide practical and emotional support to survivors and the families of those killed
- reception and assistance centres must be established quickly
- communications equipment used by emergency services must be improved
Incredible bravery
John Reid praised the emergency services who responded on that day, saying, 'There were some incredible acts of bravery, and there can be no doubt that many lives were saved thanks to the efforts of everyone involved in the response.'
He noted that the report found the initial response had been 'fast, professional and effective'. However, he added, 'In times of crisis, information and support must be readily available and easy to access for those who need it. Getting the right help in place is of critical importance and we are working hard to strengthen our emergency response.'
Tessa Jowell, Secretary of State for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport called 7 July 'a day of infamy and heroism'. She credited the emergency services and transport workers with taking 'enormous risks to save lives'.
Having met with many of those bereaved or injured on that day, she said, 'While they have differing experiences, it is clear that more could have been done to support all those who were caught up in the attacks - on the day and in the weeks and months that followed. I have been humbled by the courage and dignity of the bereaved families and those who survived the attacks. I am very grateful to them for sharing their experiences, and absolutely determined that we will apply the lessons learned so that we can do better in the future.'
Additional information
Along with the full report (new window), a separate London Regional Resilience Forum report (new window), also published today, summarises the main findings and lessons learned from the frontline response by London’s emergency services and the other key agencies involved.
