Britons will never give in, says bombed bus driver

The driver of the London double-decker bus destroyed by a bomb issued a defiant message today that the British public will never be defeated by terrorism.

George Psaradakis, 49, read out a moving message of sympathy to the families of the 13 people who died when the bomb exploded on the No 30 bus.

One of the victims, Shahara Islam, a 20-year-old bank worker was the daughter of a fellow bus driver, it was revealed today.

Her father Shamsul Islam works for Stagecoach and is based at Barking in east London.

Mr Psaradakis, surrounded by his colleagues at the Stratford depot in east London, read out his message just before noon today.

He said: “A week ago I took my No 30 bus out from here on a journey which ended as a nightmare.

“What happened to my passengers and to passers-by was truly dreadful.

“I did what I could to help them. I send my thoughts at this time to the families of the innocent victims, especially my fellow colleague at Barking garage whose daughter lost her life on my bus.

“In today’s silence we remember them. With quiet dignity and respect we show our deep contempt for those who planted the bombs and those who masterminded them.

“It is good to be back with my company Stagecoach who have done all they could to help me through this difficult period.

“It is good to have my trade union, the Transport and General Workers Union, alongside me and my family as they have been all the way through our ordeal.

“As we stand together in silence, let us send a message to the terrorists - you will not defeat us and you will not break us.”

Mr Psaradakis was praised earlier this week by Chancellor Gordon Brown when the two men met at the TGWU’s bi-annual conference in Blackpool.

Mr Brown saluted the driver’s courage.