The City 's position as the United Kingdom 's financial centre and a critical part of the country 's economy , contributing about 2.5 % of the UK 's gross national product , has resulted in it becoming a target for political violence . The Provisional IRA exploded several bombs in the early 1990s , including the 1993 Bishopsgate bombing
1993 Bishopsgate bombing
1993 Bishopsgate bombing
City of London