On the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham highlighted the enduring friendship and unity between the United Kingdom and the United States. He emphasized that "terror still knocks at the door of democracy," and stressed the importance of remembering the nearly 3,000 people killed in the attacks, including 67 British citizens. Burnham reflected on the shared values of the two nations and the support the UK received from across the U.S. after the Manchester terrorist attacks in 2017, during his time as mayor. He noted messages of solidarity from families of 9/11 victims, showing a continued connection between the two countries. Burnham stated that the response to the 9/11 attacks was clear: those who seek to destroy democratic values will never succeed. He referenced letters from children of 9/11 victims who reached out to families affected by the Manchester attacks, highlighting the shared grief and unity between the two nations. Burnham noted that the UK and the U.S. stand together in memory of those lost and in defense of their shared democratic principles. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair, who was in office during the 9/11 attacks, described the anniversary as a time to remember the strong bond between the UK and the U.S. He recalled the attacks as the worst terrorist incident in history and the greatest loss of life on American soil. Blair emphasized the need to recommit to fighting terrorism and promoting peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths, cultures, and nations. The 9/11 attacks, which took place on a clear, sunny day, resulted in the deaths of 2,977 people, including 67 British citizens. The attacks involved hijacked planes crashing into the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and a fourth plane that crashed in Pennsylvania. Carried out by al Qaida terrorists, the attacks remain the deadliest in history, with victims from over 90 countries. In response to the attacks, the U.S. invoked NATO's collective security clause, leading to the UK's involvement in military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. The U.S. ambassador to the UK, Warren Stephens, praised the UK's support during one of America's darkest hours and noted that despite occasional disagreements, the transatlantic relationship has kept both nations safe for centuries. Stephens highlighted the ongoing cooperation between the UK and U.S. military and intelligence communities, which has continued to save lives. At a ceremony at the American embassy in London, Stephens dedicated a memorial stone to the victims of 9/11, emphasizing the long-standing partnership between the two nations. He pointed out that the UK and U.S. have worked together to overcome numerous threats, from Nazi Germany to communist ideologies to modern terrorist groups, reinforcing the strength of their alliance.