7/7 commemoration: London Fire Brigade honours victims and responders
Iain Hoey
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Firefighters across London take part in 7/7 memorials
Firefighters across the capital joined memorial events on 7 July 2025 to mark the 20th anniversary of the 7/7 attacks.
Fifty-two people were killed in the 2005 bombings, including London Fire Brigade finance officer Lee Baisden.
A wreath was laid at the 7/7 Memorial in Hyde Park by London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith, who was joined by the Prime Minister, the Mayor of London and emergency service representatives.
Wreaths were also laid at the sites of the four bombings: Aldgate, Edgware Road, King’s Cross and Tavistock Square.
Local firefighters attended each location, standing alongside police, ambulance staff and members of the public.
Firefighters remember the 2005 response
Fifty serving and retired members of the Brigade attended a remembrance service at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Among them was Group Commander Paul Osborne, who in 2005 was stationed at Southwark Fire Station.
His crew was among the first to arrive at Aldgate Station following the explosion.
Paul Osborne said: “When we first arrived at Aldgate Station, we thought it was a surprise training exercise. However, we quickly began to realise the severity of what had happened.
“After entering the tunnel and reaching the carriages, we immediately set to work and followed our training.
“Our equipment for providing first aid at the time was very basic, but we did everything we could to treat people and provide comfort for the injured.
“On that day I saw some of the worst in humanity. However, the dedication, determination and compassion shown by emergency service workers and the public also showed me the best.”
Remembering Lee Baisden
One of the seven people killed in the Aldgate bombing was Lee Baisden, who worked in the Procurement Department of London Fire Brigade.
He was commuting to work when the attack occurred.
His name is commemorated on a plaque in the Brigade’s Memorial Hall at its Lambeth headquarters.
His memory was recognised during the day’s remembrance services.
Commissioner pays tribute to responders
Following the wreath-laying in Hyde Park, London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith reflected on the legacy of the attack.
Jonathan Smith said: “Although it is twenty years on, I know that 7/7 remains fresh in the minds of many, including those firefighters that responded on the day. Today, across the Brigade, we honour the memory of the 52 people who lost their lives, including our colleague, Lee Baisden.
“I’d also like to pay tribute to those firefighters and emergency service workers who responded on the day.
“Their work in incredibly challenging and dangerous conditions is an example of the dedication shown by emergency service workers on a daily basis.”
Public and emergency services unite in tribute
Memorial events were held at multiple locations across London, involving emergency service staff and public attendees.
The 7/7 Memorial in Hyde Park served as the central gathering point, where senior leaders paid their respects.
Additional ceremonies at the bombing sites were attended by firefighters and partner agencies.
Colleagues of the Brigade laid tributes and observed moments of silence throughout the day.
Commemorations formed part of a wider remembrance effort across the United Kingdom.
7/7 commemoration: London Fire Brigade honours victims and responders: Summary
Firefighters joined memorial events for the 20th anniversary of the 7/7 attacks.
Fifty-two people were killed in the 2005 bombings.
One of the victims was London Fire Brigade employee Lee Baisden.
Wreaths were laid at the 7/7 Memorial in Hyde Park and at all four bombing sites.
London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith took part in the Hyde Park ceremony.
Fifty current and former Brigade members attended a service at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Group Commander Paul Osborne recalled being among the first to respond at Aldgate Station.
Baisden is commemorated at the Brigade’s Memorial Hall in Lambeth.
Events involved emergency services, public officials and members of the public.
The anniversary was marked across London and the wider UK.