As the one year anniversary of the attack that killed four members of the Afzaal family approaches, members of the community along with the City of London have planned a number of commemorative events in the hopes of “continuing the healing.”
All Londoners are invited to attend the events that include a commemorative button and book display, a lecture and invocation from the Muslim Wellness Network, an Our London Family gym dedication, a march, prayer service, anti-Islamophobia workshop, among others.
Four members of the Afzaal family were killed on June 6, 2021 after being struck by a pick-up truck on Hyde Park Road. Only their nine-year-old son survived.
The accused driver is facing first-degree murder and terrorism charges.
A number of community organizations and partners worked together to bring the events to remember and honour “Our London Family” to the community.
During a joint press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo, Biden was asked if the US would be willing to go further to help Taiwan in the event of an invasion than it did with Ukraine.
“You didn’t want to get involved in the Ukraine conflict militarily for obvious reasons. Are you willing to get involved militarily to defend Taiwan if it comes to that?” a reporter asked.
“Yes,” Biden replied. “That’s the commitment we made.”
“We agree with the One China policy. We signed on to it, and all the attendant agreements made from there, but the idea that it can be taken by force, just taken by force, is (just not) appropriate,” he said.
Under the “One China” policy, the US acknowledges China’s position that Taiwan is part of China, but has never officially recognized Beijing’s claim to the island of 23 million.
In a statement following Biden’s remarks, a White House official said the US’ official position remained unchanged. “As the President said, our policy has not changed. He reiterated our One China policy and our commitment to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. He also reiterated our commitment under the Taiwan Relations Act to provide Taiwan with the military means to defend itself,” the official said.
The President has made similar comments on Taiwan in the past, including during a CNN town hall in October, only to have the White House walk back his remarks and insist that longstanding US policy has not changed toward the self-governing island.
The US provides Taiwan defensive weapons, but has remained intentionally ambiguous on whether it would intervene militarily in the event of a Chinese attack.
But this time, Biden’s strong warning was made right on China’s door step, during his first trip to Asia as President — a visit aimed at uniting allies and partners to counter China’s rising influence.
It also came a day before Biden is scheduled to attend the second in-person summit of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) — an informal grouping between the US, Japan, Australia and India that has alarmed Beijing.
Within hours, China had expressed its “strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition” to Biden’s comments, saying it will not allow any external force to interfere in its “internal affairs.”
“On issues concerning China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and other core interests, there is no room for compromise,” said Wang Wenbin, a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
“We urged the US side to earnestly follow the One China principle…be cautious in words and deeds on the Taiwan issue, and not send any wrong signal to pro-Taiwan independence and separatist forces — so it won’t cause serious damage to the situation across the Taiwan Strait and China-US relations.”
Taiwan lies fewer than 110 miles (177 kilometers) off the coast of China. For more than 70 years the two sides have been governed separately, but that hasn’t stopped China’s ruling Communist Party from claiming the island as its own — despite having never controlled it.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has said that “reunification” between China and Taiwan is inevitable and refused to rule out the use of force. Tensions between Beijing and Taipei are at the highest they’ve been in recent decades, with the Chinese military sending record numbers of war planes near the island.
Biden compared a potential invasion of Taiwan by China to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine earlier this year, warning, “It will dislocate the entire region,” and emphasizing “Russia has to pay a long-term price for its actions.”
“And the reason I bother to say this, not just about Ukraine — if in fact after all he’s done, there’s a rapprochement…between the Ukrainians and Russia, and these sanctions are not continued to be sustained in many ways, then what signal does that send to China about the cost of attempting, attempting to take Taiwan by force?”
Biden said that China is “already flirting with danger right now by flying so close and all the maneuvers they’re undertaking.”
“But the United States is committed, we made a commitment, we support the One China policy, we support all we’ve done in the past, but that does not mean, it does not mean that China has the ability, has the, excuse me, jurisdiction to go in and use force to take over Taiwan,” he added.
At the press conference, Kishida also reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
“Attempts to change the status quo by force, like Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, should never be tolerated in the Indo-Pacific, above all, in East Asia,” he said.
“As the regional security environment becomes increasingly severe, I reaffirmed with President Biden that we need to speedily strengthen the deterrence and response of the Japan-US alliance,” he said, adding that he conveyed his determination to “fundamentally strengthen Japan’s defense capability.”
Formula 1 told drivers it will reconsider the safety and security of all its events following the missile attack which occured yesterday, 10 kilometres away from the scene of this weekend’s race.
Valtteri Bottas and others revealed details of the discussion in the late night meeting between the Grand Prix Drivers Association and F1 bosses following the attack.
He confirmed drivers raised concerns about the safety of the event after seeing smoke from the large fire which broke out at the oil plant which was struck near the circuit.
“We drivers, we were all concerned if it’s safe for all of us to be here, to race here,” said Bottas. “And we got decent explanations on things.
“Also we went through all the options – like what if we don’t race? For example, that will still mean the teams would have to stay here for a couple of days packing stuff. And it’s not like you can create suddenly new flights to get home.
“We’re already here, so our best option was to race here. They’ve increased all the safety facilities and all this defence. So I think everyone agreed that we might as well do the race and hope for the best.”
F1 is in the second event of a 15-year deal to race in Saudi Arabia. Bottas said the series will consider whether it is safe to continue racing there and at other venues.
“Obviously last night was quite late and in some places you don’t need to have that discussion,” he said. “So it’s a unique grand prix.
“At least Formula 1 promised us to reconsider all the events for the future, including this one, to make sure that we go to the right places, that they can guarantee our safety 100% always when we go there.”
Bottas said he “preferred not to answer” whether he was in favour of racing at the track this weekend or in future. However, he said the GPDA was “really, really united at the moment” despite the decision to do ahead with the race.
“It felt like everyone was kind of feeling the same. With any issues, we will always regroup and go through them and give our view. If it makes a difference that’s nice but it’s not always guaranteed it will.”
GPDA director George Russell said F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali had the backing of the association and also expects further discussions after this weekend.
“I think clarity was needed, the conversation was certainly needed and I think it was good. We’re all standing united, firstly between all the drivers and then together with Formula 1 and ultimately we trust in Stefano and Formula 1 as a whole.
“We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t think it was right to be here. So obviously that’s going to need some clarity after this race weekend where we go from here. But from what I understand, everything was under control in this specific region and what happens outside of this region you cannot control.”
The drivers were “very united in asking for some transparency”, said Fernando Alonso, because “we were not happy just seeing the smoke clouds while driving and maybe not knowing the truth and the facts and everything.
“So we wanted some transparency in that, we found that and I think we were happy.”
He said he is satisfied with the reassurances he’s had from those in charge about the security of the event. “We are here. Once we are here, I think we need to just make sure that the safety of everyone is guaranteed in a way.
“We [the drivers] look like we were there talking about our safety. But honestly, we are concerned about your safety: Media, mechanics, fans, everyone.
“So we think that all the organisers and the authorities and everyone, F1, FOM, are happy with how things are right now and how [they are] for the safety of everyone. So we have to move ahead. But we will hopefully not see any more of this kind of thing.”
Lewis Hamilton said the drivers “worked together as a group, we all discussed and made a decision as a sport.”
“I don’t feel a particular way about it,” he added. “I’m looking forward to get out.”
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The F1 and FIA confirmed on Saturday morning that, following discussions with teams and drivers, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will go ahead as scheduled
The F1 and FIA confirmed on Saturday morning that, following discussions with teams and drivers, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will go ahead as scheduled
Formula 1’s Saudi Arabian GP is set to go ahead despite concerns from drivers after an attack on an oil depot close to the Jeddah circuit.
F1’s grid of 20 drivers met for over four hours after practice on Friday and talks – which included team bosses and F1 chiefs – continued until 2.30am local time on Saturday in Saudi Arabia.
The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association – which all drivers are members of – released a statement on Saturday morning admitting a “difficult and stressful day” and “human concerns” in the wake of a missile attack on a nearby oil facility during Friday practice, but confirming they would continue after being assured that “security measures were being elevated to the maximum”.
Sky Sports understands that Lewis Hamilton, Carlos Sainz and Pierre Gasly were leading concerns, although the drivers eventually agreed that the event would continue.
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Sky F1’s Simon Lazenby provides an update on developments after a fire erupted at an oil depot in Jeddah, which Yemen’s Houthi rebels claim was an attack by the group.
Sky F1’s Simon Lazenby provides an update on developments after a fire erupted at an oil depot in Jeddah, which Yemen’s Houthi rebels claim was an attack by the group.
On Saturday morning, F1 and the FIA reiterated that final practice and qualifying would go ahead as planned later, with Sunday’s race to follow.
“Formula 1 and the FIA can confirm that following discussions with all the teams and drivers, the 2022 FIA Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will continue as scheduled,” read a statement.
“Following the widely reported incident that took place in Jeddah on Friday, there has been extensive discussion between all stakeholders, the Saudi government authorities and security agencies who have given full and detailed assurances that the event is secure.
“It has been agreed with all stakeholders to maintain a clear and open dialogue throughout the event and for the future.”
Shortly after, a statement from the GPDA meanwhile said: “Yesterday was a difficult day for Formula One and a stressful day for us Formula One drivers.
“Perhaps it is hard to comprehend if you have never driven an F1 car on this fast and challenging Jeddah track, but on seeing the smoke from the incident it was difficult to remain a fully focused race driver and erase natural human concerns.
“Consequently we went into long discussions between ourselves, with our team principals, and with the most senior people who run our sport. A large variety of opinions were shared and debated and, having listened not only to the Formula 1 powers but also to the Saudi government ministers who explained how security measures were being elevated to the maximum, the outcome was a resolution that we would practice and qualify today and race tomorrow.
“We therefore hope that the 2022 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will be remembered as a good race rather than for the incident that took place yesterday.
Yemen’s Houthi rebel group have taken responsibility for the attack.
An oil depot – around seven miles from the track and owned by F1 sponsor Aramco – was set ablaze during first practice in Saudi and a large black smoke cloud could be seen from the circuit.
The fire was still burning late on Friday night and there was still smoke pouring into the sky on Saturday morning.
Saudi Arabian authorities say there were no casualties from the attack.
Final practice begins at 2pm on Sky Sports F1, with qualifying to follow at 5pm.
Slater: I can’t say the drivers were absolutely unanimous
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Craig Slater says that as a group of drivers they have agreed it’s correct to carry on with Saudi Arabian GP
Craig Slater says that as a group of drivers they have agreed it’s correct to carry on with Saudi Arabian GP
Analysis by Sky Sports News’ Craig Slater
“They had a very long discussion yesterday, all 20 drivers, for around about four hours, the vast majority of that time dealing with concerns about the rocket attack.”
“They sought the most robust assurances they could about the level of safety, what had gone on and how they saw things developing from here.
“Among those leading the conversations were the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Carlos Sainz, Pierre Gasly, Mick Schumacher as well. In the end, I can’t say they were absolutely unanimous that it was the right thing to proceed, but as a group of drivers they have agreed that it is correct to carry on and that is what is happening.
“We’ve had the drivers included in both the FIA and F1 statement and also this from the GPDA. Quite poignant, wasn’t it, maybe one or two things we hadn’t thought about raised by that GPDA statement, including how the drivers were feeling as they saw black clouds of smoke from close to the circuit and they’re driving around at speeds of 200mph.
“You have to be fully concentrated to do that kind of thing and to be concerned and worried is surely very destabilising. In the immediate aftermath, we didn’t know if it was an accident or an attack, now it’s confirmed it was an attack there’s that extra level of concern with ‘could it happen again?’
“We heard the FIA president saying in effect ‘don’t worry, the Houthi rebels claiming responsibility for it are targeting infrastructure like oil depots and refineries.
“What I would say, F1 and the FIA answered as best they could all the drivers’ questions and gave them as much time and room to ask the questions they wanted to ask.”
F1 and FIA presidents insist Saudi GP is safe
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F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said the Saudi Arabia GP will go ahead after there was an attack at a nearby oil depot
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said the Saudi Arabia GP will go ahead after there was an attack at a nearby oil depot
Before the F1 drivers continued their meetings in the Jeddah paddock, the sport’s president Stefano Domenicali insisted they had received support from drivers to continue and “total assurance” about safety from authorities.
The attack took place during first practice, which continued as normal, though there was a 15-minute delay to the start of second practice as drivers and team principals met with F1 president Domenicali and the FIA’s Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
There was another meeting following P2, which was also attended by a Saudi delegation, after which the F1 and FIA chiefs emerged at 10:40pm local time and insisted the Grand Prix would be going ahead.
The fire at the North Jeddah Bulk Plant happened around seven miles from the Jeddah circuit
“We have received total assurance of the country’s safety first,” said Domenicali. “They have placed all the systems to protect this area. So, we feel confident that we have to trust the local authority in that respect. We will of course go ahead with the event.”
Ben Sulayem added that attackers were “not targeting the track”.
“We had meetings with the high-level security then we had meetings with the team principals and the drivers,” the FIA president said. “And to assure you that, they are targeting the infrastructure of the economy not the civilians and, of course, not the track.
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Red Bull’s Christian Horner and Mercedes’ Toto Wolff say they have been assured safety and have come to a unanimous decision to keep racing after a nearby oil outlet was attacked at the Saudi Arabia GP.
Red Bull’s Christian Horner and Mercedes’ Toto Wolff say they have been assured safety and have come to a unanimous decision to keep racing after a nearby oil outlet was attacked at the Saudi Arabia GP.
“Of course, we have checked the facts from them and we have had the assurance from the high authorities of the safety here and let’s go racing.”
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said: “It was a good meeting, the drivers are going to talk now at a drivers’ meeting. We are the team principals, we’ve been assured we are protected here and it’s probably the safest place you can be in Saudi Arabia at the moment and that’s why we are racing. [It was a unanimous decision] by the team principals, yes.”
Red Bull principal Christian Horner added: “I think the sport has to stand together collectively. Any act of terrorism cannot be condoned and sport shouldn’t be bullied into a position – a situation like that just isn’t acceptable. Stefano and the president are dealing with it, there has been all of the assurances from the organisers and we’ll be going racing.”
The drivers, who had their scheduled media commitments cancelled, then met to discuss the situation.
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Watch the moment smoke was visible from the Jeddah Circuit in Saudi Arabia
Watch the moment smoke was visible from the Jeddah Circuit in Saudi Arabia
Yemen’s Houthi rebel group takes responsibility for attack | No casualties reported
Neither F1 nor the FIA have confirmed the blaze was caused by an attack.
However, Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for a barrage of attacks on the kingdom, according to the Associated Press, while the Saudi Motorsport Company also referenced an attack.
“We are aware of the attack on the Aramco distribution station in Jeddah earlier this afternoon,” a statement read.
“The race organisers remain in direct contact with the Saudi security authorities, as well as F1 and the FIA to ensure all necessary security and safety measures continue to be implemented to guarantee the safety of all visitors to the Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix as well as all drivers, teams and stakeholders.
“The race weekend schedule will continue as planned. The safety and security of all our guests continues to be our main priority and we look forward to welcoming fans for a weekend of premium racing and entertainment.”
Fire broke close to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Saudi Arabia during Friday’s practice
The blaze was centered on the same oil depot that the Houthis had attacked in recent days.
The al-Masirah satellite news channel run by Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed they had attacked an Aramco facility in Jeddah, along with other targets in Riyadh and elsewhere. The report provided no further details.
Saudi state TV acknowledged that a “hostile operation” had taken place at the Aramco facility in Jeddah, with Reuters reporting there had been no casualties and that the fire was under control.
All driver media sessions were cancelled on Friday evening, although near the end of first practice Verstappen said on team radio: “I smell a bit of a burning feeling. I am not sure if it is my car, or another car.”
His engineer Gianpiero Lambiase replied: “We are happy it is not your car.”
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Max Verstappen stated he could feel ‘burning’ in his Red Bull F1 car during first practice at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
Max Verstappen stated he could feel ‘burning’ in his Red Bull F1 car during first practice at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
Explaining the situation in Jeddah
Analysis by Sky Sports News’ Craig Slater
“We have learnt that the explosion was caused by an attack on an Aramco oil plant setting two tanks ablaze.
“Reuters have reported there are no casualties.
“Houthi rebels from Yemen have claimed responsibility for this, they did so soon after the event on a satellite news channel they run. There has been an ongoing conflict in Yemen, government forces aided by a Saudi-led coalition have effectively been in a civil war with rebels for the past seven years and these rocket attacks have been a fairly regular yet infrequent occurrence and Jeddah has been targeted before but shocking that it could happen during such a big event.
“It took a while for F1 to stand up the reports that it was indeed an attack, that they wanted confirmation from the Saudi authorities. What F1 have said though is that they have been in close contact with the relevant authorities over the situation, as they still continue to call it, today.
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Watch the moment smoke was visible from the Jeddah Circuit in Saudi Arabia
Watch the moment smoke was visible from the Jeddah Circuit in Saudi Arabia
“The authorities have confirmed that the event can continue as planned.
“Formula One knew about the possibility of these rocket attacks before they came out here. I spoke to Prince Khalid, who is the Chairman of the circuit at Silverstone and he had assured me the air defence systems were adequate enough to stop an attack getting through.
“Domenicali is on site and able to deal with this situation. It was a little surprising when we heard it was a deliberate attack because what is there to say what those individuals might attack next. They have never given any indication they would attack the Grand Prix itself of course but does it have to be considered a health and safety risk.
“It all happened very quickly. Formula One does exist, if I am honest, in a little bit of a bubble away from the significant events from around the race tracks around the world and the show carries on.”
“At face value, at least, Formula One and the race promoter admitted that the safety of all our guests continues to be the priority and we look forward to welcoming fans for a weekend of entertainment.”
