One City, One World

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UK pauses for London victims
Last Updated Thu, 14 Jul 2005 08:23:01 EDT
CBC News

Millions of people lined the streets across Britain Thursday, standing silent for two minutes to mark the one-week anniversary of the London bombings.

People poured out of their homes and workplaces as traffic ground to a halt at noon local time for the memorial silence.

At least 52 people were killed and more than 700 injured when bombs exploded on three subway cars and one double-decker bus in the city during last Thursday morning's rush hour.

As Big Ben's chimes rang across the city, trains halted on their tracks, taxis and buses stopped on the street while officials at Heathrow and Gatwick airports delayed planes.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair marked the silence outside his official residence at 10 Downing St., while the Queen stood outside Buckingham Palace.

Thousands gathered at Trafalgar Square, where a giant banner read "One City, One World." A vigil for the victims will be held at the square later in the day.

British troops serving in Afghanistan were to have stopped their work while golfers competing at the British Open were to pause on the course.

Countries in the 25-member European Union also took part in the memorial.

In France, which is celebrating Bastille Day, President Jacques Chirac stood silent on the steps of the Elysee Palace. In Rome, commuters paused in the city's main train station.

The Toronto Transit Commission halted subway trains for two minutes as commuters honoured those killed and wounded.