UK mourns 20th anniversary of 7/7 London attacks, with ex-police chief saying Iraq invasion 'made extremists'

The US-led invasion of Iraq likely "made extremists of people", the former head of London's counter-terrorism police force has said, as the UK marks the 20th anniversary of the 7/7 bombings.

Neil Besu, the most senior Asian in the British police force, has said there was a clear link between foreign policy and the terror attacks and that the UK government should learn from these errors as the country continues to support Israel in the war on Gaza.

The UK was the strongest international supporter of the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, taking part in the illegal military action despite strong opposition in the country.

"A driver of the 7/7 attacks was foreign policy and Iraq. That does not excuse in any way what they did," he told The Guardian.

"That foreign policy decision has radicalised and made extremists of people who might not have been radicalised or extreme. And if they were on the pathway, it’s pretty much guaranteed."

On 7 July 2005, four men detonated explosive vests on packed buses and underground trains during rush hour, killing 52 people and injuring 400. It was the first suicide attack in UK history and the deadliest attack since the 1988 Lockerbie bombing.

Besu said that while the views of would-be bombers should not dictate UK foreign policy, they should also be aware that their actions might make people "less safe when you’re at Westfield on a Saturday afternoon".

King Charles III led commemorations on Monday to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the bombings, attended by former prime ministers, bereaved families, and other royals in London.

"We remember with profound sadness the 52 innocent people who were killed in senseless acts of evil -- and the enduring grief of their loved ones," he said in a statement published by the Press Association news agency.

"In doing so, we should also remember the countless stories of extraordinary courage and compassion that emerged from the darkness of that day."