Relatives of British victims of the September 11 attacks gathered in London's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Friday to observe the 25th anniversary of the tragedy that claimed 2,977 lives across the United States. The commemoration, organised by the UK charity Since 9/11, took place adjacent to a memorial sculpture fashioned from steel salvaged from the ruins of the World Trade Center.
Among those who attended were members of the public, first responders, school children, and bereaved families. Prime Minister Andy Burnham delivered remarks via video address to the assembled crowd, stating:
"On this anniversary, we must remember that hatred and fear did not have the last word on 9/11."He continued:
"Time may pass, but I know the grief is still felt just as deeply today. But our response was clear: those who seek to destroy our way of life will never win."
The Prime Minister drew a connection to attacks that have struck the United Kingdom, referencing his own city's experience.
"I will never forget the messages of support and friendship from people across America who knew better than anyone the suffering of our city."Of the 2,977 people killed in the attacks, 67 were British citizens.
What happened on 11 September 2001?
On that date, suicide attackers commandeered four commercial aircraft. Two were flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York, causing both structures to collapse. A third struck the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. The fourth aircraft, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers and crew members resisted the hijackers and prevented the plane from reaching its intended target.
Who else paid tribute at the London ceremony?
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis addressed attendees, emphasising that within Jewish tradition, commemorative anniversaries serve a forward-looking purpose.
"When confronted by hate, our response must be to increase our love of community, of decency, of fairness, of family,"he said. Cellist Megan Clarke performed for those gathered at the Olympic Park memorial.
Liam McKenna, who attended the event, lost his aunt and uncle in the attacks. He was 15 years old when the tragedy unfolded and watched the events on television. He explained the significance of ensuring that both his family and future generations maintain knowledge of what occurred 25 years ago.
Separately, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester participated in a special Changing of the Guard ceremony, while US Ambassador to the United Kingdom Warren Stephens laid a white floral wreath at the September 11th Memorial Garden in Grosvenor Square in central London.
"It's a tragedy none of us will ever forget,"he said.
"But we'll also never forget the friendship the British people showed us with an outpouring of letters and flowers from all over the country."
How have UK political leaders responded?
Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey expressed that he continues to experience an
"overwhelming mix of shock, grief and outrage"and stated:
"We stand united against terror, and in defence of freedom."Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch described 9/11 as
"a terrible day for not just the US, for the UK and the whole world"and noted:
"The world changed that day. Life changed for so many of us. Even the conflicts that we see today, a lot of them have roots in what happened back on September 11th."
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage paid tribute to those who died and to the passengers on Flight 93.
"Today, we remember those who lost their lives, and indeed the extraordinary courage of those on Flight 93 who fought back. Their bravery prevented an even greater atrocity."He also commended emergency service workers, saying:
"many of them sacrificed their entire futures to try and help those around them."
Wales' First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth, who covered the aftermath as a journalist, recounted his experience in New York.
"I remember arriving and it being a distinctly different city. The smell, I remember still - the burning. This bold city, quieter. I remember the sense of shock, which was palpable on the streets of New York."
Who survived the attacks?
Vanessa Lawrence was participating in an artists' residency on the 91st floor of the North Tower when the attack occurred on 11 September 2001 and managed to escape. Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland's Breakfast programme on Friday morning, she recalled:
"At the point I came out of the building, I remember sort of silence and slow motion, but it was obviously very loud and somebody made me look up and that was the big dust cloud coming down, so that was the South Tower collapsing, which I got caught under – luckily not hit by anything."
What security measures are in place for the anniversary?
According to New York City officials, there are no specific or credible threats tied to the 9/11 anniversary, though security has been expanded around Lower Manhattan and other sensitive sites. The FDNY held its main 25th-anniversary memorial ceremony on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, at FerryHawks Stadium on Staten Island.
What commemorative events are planned in New York?
New York's official commemoration at the 9/11 Memorial Plaza will include reading the names of 2,983 victims, including those killed in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. The ceremony is scheduled for Friday, 11 September 2026, with public viewing available via the memorial's livestream. On the evening of 11 September, the Tribute in Light will illuminate the New York City sky, a symbolic installation that has become central to annual remembrance.
The Imperial War Museums in London has opened a new permanent photography installation featuring images by Bill Biggart, displayed in the United Kingdom for the first time. The museum scheduled a reflective public event on 5 September 2026, alongside expert discussion and live music to mark the anniversary. Additionally, New York City Council announced $1 million in funding for the 9/11 Memorial & Museum to support free field trips for students and educational programming tied to the anniversary, while Mayor Zohran Mamdani planned to sign executive orders making 11 September an official "Day of Remembrance" in New York City.
Key Facts
- 67 British citizens were among the 2,977 people killed in the attacks on 11 September 2001
- The London ceremony took place at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park near a memorial made from steel recovered from the World Trade Center ruins
- Commemorative events in New York on 11 September 2026 include the 9/11 Memorial Plaza ceremony, the Tribute in Light installation, and FDNY remembrance ceremonies
- The Imperial War Museums opened a new permanent photography installation by Bill Biggart to mark the 25th anniversary
- New York City has designated 11 September as an official "Day of Remembrance" and allocated $1 million for educational programming at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum
