United message: Love is stronger than hate

BY TOBY PORTER

toby@slpmedia.co.uk

A minute’s silence was held on Sunday and a cathedral service staged one year after eight people died and 48 were injured in the London Bridge terror attacks.

Three extremists drove into pedestrians, then stabbed people in Borough Market on June 3 last year, in an attack which left the capital reeling in its aftermath – but united.

Their loved ones lit candles at the Southwark Cathedral service, attended by Prime Minister Theresa May, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and members of the emergency services.

An olive tree was planted using compost from floral tributes. The Dean of Southwark, the Very Reverend Andrew Nunn, read the names of those killed in the attack.

He praised the dedication of the emergency services and prayed for their continued safety.

“Love is stronger than hate, light is stronger than darkness, and life is stronger than death,” he said.

The dean said the olive tree, which was planted in the cathedral grounds, would be a reminder of the importance of communities coming together to stand against violence.

Theo Ancient, an actor and local resident who survived the attack, told the congregation: “At 10 in the evening, darkness falls in the worst possible way.

“In a few minutes, everything changes, though it will be hours before we’ll know the true cost.”

Liberal Democrat councillor for the ward where the attack took place, Adele Morris, said: “The terrorists wished nothing but death on this place. Instead, they made us think and talk in ways that are very much alive.”

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan gave a reading from Psalm 77 at the service. A procession then made its way to Southwark Needle, at the southern end of London Bridge, where relatives laid flowers and the minute’s silence was held.

Southwark council leader Peter John said: “Last June we experienced one of the darkest days in our borough’s history.

“Today we come together to demonstrate that we are strong and united in the face of evil.”

Later, the words #LondonUnited were projected onto the bridge. A digital book of hope was available at Southwark Cathedral throughout the weekend for the public to sign.

Mustafa Field, director of the Faiths Forum For London, said: “We were all shocked by the horrific attack. “It is important we come together as a community and combat hatred and bigotry through love.”