Page 38 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - London

36  INTRODUCING L ONDON

Modern London

In 1997 Tony Blair entered Downing Street as prime minister after New Labour secured
a landslide victory. The following years saw the city busy with grand building projects and
new cultural attractions to mark the year 2000, including the Tate Modern, the London Eye,
the Millennium Dome (now the O2 arena) and the Millennium Bridge. Soon after, Great
Britain was protesting against the invasion of Iraq and the country joined the international
effort against terrorism. Sadly, July 2005 saw the capital city blighted by a horrific terrorist
attack on its transport system. In 2012, London was celebrating again as it hosted a hugely
successful Olympic Games.

2004 One of
London’s most
distinctive
buildings, 30 St
1997 Tony Mary Axe, also
Blair enters known as “the
Downing Street Gherkin”, opens
2003 Over a million
people march in London
2000 Ken Livingstone 2005 London’s public
becomes London’s first against the second transport system suffers a
directly elected mayor Iraq war
major terrorist attack
1995 2000 2005
Livingstone Johnson
1995 2000 2005
2000 A series of new
projects opens for the
millennium, including 2003 The congestion
the Tate Modern, charge is introduced in
1997 Princess London Eye and central areas of the city
Diana’s funeral Millennium Bridge prone to heavy traffic
procession brings
London to a halt
2008 Boris Johnson
becomes London mayor

2002
Celebrations
held around
the city for
the Queen’s
Golden Jubilee

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