Andy Burnham marks 25 years since 9/11 attacks
Andy Burnham has expressed the UK’s unity with the US on the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks that shocked the world, warning that terror “still knocks at the door of democracy,” reports BritPanorama.
With ceremonies taking place on either side of the Atlantic on Friday to mark the sombre milestone, the Prime Minister said the UK and US “stand together in memory of those we lost, and in defence of the values we cherish.” He recalled how, in the aftermath of terrorist outrages in Manchester during his tenure as mayor of the city region, messages of support were received from across the US, including from the children of those killed on September 11, 2001.
Mr Burnham stated: “On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, we remember the nearly 3,000 people who were killed, including 67 Britons. My thoughts are with all those who lost friends and family members that terrible day. Time may pass, but I know the grief is still felt just as deeply today.”
He emphasized, “On this anniversary, we must remember that hatred and fear did not have the last word on 9/11.” The impact of the attacks, he noted, extended beyond America, affecting nations committed to shared values. “The terrorists sought to weaken and divide America, and everyone who believes in the values our countries share. But our response was clear: those who seek to destroy our way of life will never win.”
Reflecting on the support received during the Manchester attacks, Mr Burnham recounted, “Some of the children of those killed in the 9/11 attacks wrote to the families of the people killed in Manchester, and they said this: we are you and you are us. We are one.”
In addition to Burnham, Sir Tony Blair, who was Prime Minister at the time of the attacks, marked the anniversary as a moment to “commemorate the unshakeable and essential bond” between the two countries. He remarked, “9/11 was the worst terrorist attack ever perpetrated, the greatest loss of life through an attack on American soil in the history of America and the largest death toll of any act of terrorism in respect of the British people.”
Blair added, “That day changed the world and 25 years on, changes the world even now.” He noted the ongoing struggle against terrorism, urging a recommitment to confront those who engage in such acts, advocating for peaceful coexistence among diverse peoples.
On a clear day 25 years ago, 2,977 people – including 67 British citizens – were killed when passenger jets hijacked by al Qaida terrorists struck the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre in New York. The impact of that day led to significant geopolitical changes, including the invocation of NATO’s collective security clause for the first time in history, which prompted military engagements in Afghanistan and Iraq.
US Ambassador to the UK Warren Stephens remarked that Britain rallied in support “in one of America’s darkest hours,” emphasizing the long-standing transatlantic relationship that has weathered both support and disagreements over the years. Speaking at a ceremony at the American embassy in London, he reflected on the deep cooperation between the US and UK intelligence communities that began following the tragic events of September 11.
Stephens concluded: “That co-operation saved countless lives – and it continues to save lives today. We must always remember the painful lessons 9/11 taught us.”
The observances reflect not only the loss endured but an enduring commitment between nations facing the persistent threat of terrorism.
