Terror attack victims to be honoured with National Day of Remembrance
Dan Jarvis, the security minister, said the Government would seek opinions on how the day should recognise the suffering of victims and survivors of all terror attacks involving Britons.
A 12-week consultation will allow victims and the public to help decide tone, timing and scale. There is already a UN-backed international day of remembrance and tribute to the victims of terrorism, August 21.
Some survivors of terrorist atrocities – including Travis Frain, who was injured in the Westminster Bridge attack in 2017 – called for a national day to recognise that they were the innocent victims of violence directed at the state.
Mr Frain said: 'Recognition and remembrance are key to building societal resilience against violent extremism, and I welcome today's announcement…
'I'm pleased to see that this Government recognises the importance of these issues and the role that they can play in facilitating the recovery of those impacted by horrific acts of terrorism.'
Victim support hub
Mr Jarvis also announced that the Government would set up a dedicated support hub for victims and survivors, to ensure they had a single point of contact after a terror attack rather than having to seek help and present their case multiple times to different agencies.
Mr Jarvis said: 'The impact of a terrorist attack is long-lasting and evolving. Victims and survivors of terrorism need the highest levels of support to recover and rebuild their lives. These reforms will significantly enhance the support available to those affected.
'I would like to pay tribute to the bravery and courage of all those who helped to shape these reforms and pledge my commitment to ensuring victims and survivors of terrorism receive the support and recognition they deserve.'
Brendan Cox, co-founder of Survivors Against Terror, said: 'Survivors of terror attacks have been crying out for change for years. Today's double announcement is a major step forward in giving survivors and victims the recognition they deserve and the support that they need.
'Terrorists aim to divide and weaken our society. Our best response is to hold together, and stage one of that is looking after those who have suffered the most.'
The Government also pledged to enhance communication with victims, ensuring they know what support is available, and to improve support for children and young survivors.
The Ministry of Justice is currently reviewing the criminal injuries compensation scheme, through which victims of terror attacks seek financial help.
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