Latest news with #NationalRemembranceDayforVictimsandSurvivorsofTerrorism
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
MPs back the Mirror's campaign for a monument to honour UK terror victims
Labour's Kim Leadbeater, Lucy Powell, Andrew Gwynne and Graham Stringer all support our fight for a lasting touchstone to honour UK victims of terror and their families MPs have backed the Mirror's campaign for a monument to honour all UK terror victims. Labour's Kim Leadbeater, Lucy Powell, Andrew Gwynne and Graham Stringer all support our fight for a lasting touchstone. Last night Kim, whose sister Jo Cox MP was murdered by a white supremacist, said: "We should never forget the people we have lost to terrorism and I congratulate the Mirror on their 'Place to Remember' campaign which I am proud to support. 'Too many people have lost their lives to terrorism and extremist violence in our country and too many families have been left having to deal with their loss." The Spen Valley MP, 49, added: "We know that people grieve in different ways, but for some people having a special place to go to remember their loved ones could provide great comfort. A memorial would also serve to remind us of the life-changing impact of the actions of those who use violence to seek to divide us." The Mirror-backed Place to Remember Campaign is calling on the government to erect a monument honouring all those affected by terror attacks in the UK. We are also demanding that calls for a National Remembrance Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism be urgently listened to. March, Security Minister Dan Jarvis launched a consultation for a day of remembrance, which is due to close next month, but this does not include plans for a shrine. For Lucy Powell, MP for Manchester Central, the catastrophic impact of terrorism is all too familiar, having worked closely with victims of the Manchester Arena attack. Backing our campaign, she said: "As a constituency MP for Manchester Central I have seen first-hand the utter devastation and lasting trauma that terrorism causes. In Manchester, we pulled together as a city after the arena attack in 2017, and the Glade of Light memorial has provided a fitting space for remembrance and reflection in the city. 'However, a national monument to honour all those affected in the UK is perhaps overdue and would provide a central united space for remembrance. As such I support this and calls for a National Remembrance Day for victims and survivors of terrorism which would provide an opportunity for the nation to come together to remember those lost and affected.' Greater Manchester MPs Andrew Gwynne, who represents Gorton and Denton, and Graham Stringer, of Blackley and Middleton South, are also pleased to support our fight. Both leaders were heavily involved in the aftermath of Salman Abedi's blast at Manchester Arena on May 22, 2017, which left 22 dead and thousands more injured. Jo Cox, MP for Batley and Spen, was fatally shot and stabbed outside a library in Birstall, West Yorks, where she was about to hold a constituency surgery on June 16, 2016. Attacker Thomas Mair, a white supremacist who was obsessed with Nazis and apartheid-era South Africa, was handed a whole-life tariff and will likely die in prison. Jo's widower Brendan Cox, who co-founded terror victim Network Survivors Against Terror after her death, has also backed our campaign for a physical memorial.
Daily Mirror
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Daughter of IRA bomb victim backs our campaign for terror attack monument
Jo Berry's dad Sir Anthony Berry - a Tory party whip - perished along with four others in the blast at Brighton's Grand Hotel on October 12, 1984 during the Conservative Party conference The daughter of an MP murdered in the IRA's Brighton bomb has backed the Mirror 's campaign for a monument to honour terror victims. Jo Berry's dad Sir Anthony Berry - a Tory party whip - perished along with four others in the blast at Brighton's Grand Hotel on October 12, 1984. Members of the IRA planted an explosive device in a bid to assassinate PM Margaret Thatcher, who was staying in the seaside city with MPs and ministers for the Conservative party conference. Last night Jo, who has tirelessly campaigned for peace and conflict resolution, supported our fight for a lasting touchstone. She said: 'It can be a long, lonely, hard journey to recover from terrorism. The pain is different to anything else because of how it happens. When I speak to anyone affected by terrorism we have an understanding and know what it means. 'I know separate memorials for some major attacks already exist, but to have one that unites us all would be very different - especially because myself and others impacted by smaller attacks don't currently have a place to go. To have somewhere where we all belong, where we can go and find that solace and peace, would be incredible.' The Mirror-backed Place to Remember Campaign is calling on the government to erect a monument honouring all those affected by terror attacks in the UK. We are also demanding that calls for a National Remembrance Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism be urgently listened to. In March, security minister Dan Jarvis launched a consultation for a day of remembrance, which is due to close next month, but this does not include plans for a shrine. Jo, whose father represented Enfield Southgate in North London, added: 'I would like it to be a living memorial with a garden connected to it where we can sit and take time away from the rest of the world. Having spoken to many people affected by terrorism, we all agree that closure isn't something that happens, it's how we find a place for our pain and our trauma so we can continue living the best life. I think a living memorial would really help with that.' Sir Anthony was staying at the Grand Hotel with his second wife Sarah and their two Jack Russells when the bomb exploded at 2.54 am. He perished along with Eric Taylor, chairman of the Conservative Party in the northwest, Roberta Wakeham, wife to chief whip John Wakeham, Muriel Maclean, wife of the Scottish Conservative Association's chairman and Jeanne Shattock, wife of the party's western-area chairman. Sarah was among 31 people seriously injured, including Margaret Tebbit, wife of Norman Tebbit, who had to use a wheelchair for the rest of her life. More than three weeks before the horror, IRA volunteer Patrick Magee had checked into the hotel on Brighton's seafront under a false name and hid the bomb in the bathroom of his room, number 629. The homemade device was fitted with a long-delay timer. When it exploded, the blast engulfed one of the two 11ft chimney stacks atop the historic hotel and ripped through several rooms. Magee was jailed for 35 years but released in 1999 as part of the Good Friday Agreement, after serving 14 years. Thatcher was a prime target for the IRA as it saw her responsible for the deaths of 10 republicans in the 1981 hunger strike at the Maze Prison.
Daily Mirror
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Lee Rigby's mum backs Mirror campaign for monument to honour terror survivors
Lyn Rigby joined the growing band of survivors and families calling for a physical touchstone, saying: 'It is vital so people can keep on showing how much they care for the suffering of their fellow countrymen and women' The mum of murdered soldier Lee Rigby has backed our campaign for a memorial to honour all UK victims of terror. Lyn Rigby joined the growing band of survivors, grieving families and campaigners in calling for a physical touchstone. Proud Fusilier soldier Lee, 25, was murdered by two Islamic extremists in an act of terror that shocked the world exactly 12 years ago today. Last night Lyn, 58, said: "I back the Mirror's campaign 100 percent. One of my biggest fears has always been that Lee will be forgotten – but a national memorial [would] mean he and all the other victims will be honoured forever. "Every victim should be remembered as part of our nation's history – it's the very least we owe to the innocent who fall prey to heartless terrorist acts and their loved ones who suffer as a result. I know I would be so proud to honour Lee at such a place and it would bring me and so many others much comfort and healing." The Mirror-backed Place to Remember Campaign is calling on the government to erect a monument honouring all those affected by terror attacks in the UK. We are also demanding victims' calls for a National Remembrance Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism be urgently actioned. In March, security minister Dan Jarvis launched a consultation for a day of remembrance, which is due to close next month, but this does not include plans for a shrine. Lyn, who is also mum to four girls, said having a focal point for families to share their grief is "vital." She continued: "When Lee was murdered I became a member of a club that no one wants to join – I felt I had nowhere to run to [and] nowhere to bury my pain and my grief. "A memorial like this would bring those who are suffering together. It [would] bond people without words because everyone knows how fellow sufferers are feeling [and] how to bring comfort to one another. It's also so much more than just a place for victims and their families – it's a permanent reminder to the world what terrible suffering terror brings. It says we will never forget those who perished at the hands of evil and those who continue to suffer." Lee, who left behind his two-year-old son and devoted fiancée, was murdered by two Islamist extremists as he walked home to his army barracks in Woolwich, South East London, on May 22, 2013. He was off-duty and in civilian clothes when British-born Muslim converts Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale picked him out at random. They mowed him down from behind in a speeding car before hacking him to death in the street with knives and meat cleavers in front of hundreds of terrified onlookers. They tried to justify their actions as revenge for the deaths of fellow Muslims in wars such as Afghanistan. Lyn spent the anniversary on Thursday at home with family - where they have a little memorial in the garden - sharing memories and raising a glass to their beloved Lee. She added: "I wouldn't wish the suffering we have been through as a family on another single human being. But along with my amazing family, what got me through was knowing that people, often strangers, cared about what happened to Lee. "That's why a shrine is vital so people can keep on showing how much they care for the suffering of their fellow countrymen and women. It would stand as a symbolic and defiant gesture where, as a country, we could unite to stand against terror. Let's show that as a country we really do care."
Daily Mirror
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
'I survived Manchester Arena attack - we need a memorial to recognise our loss'
Nearly 4,000 have lost their lives in terror atrocities in the UK since 1970, but there is no universal memorial to honour their agony - and families are demanding change in a new campaign backed by the Mirror Terror attack survivors and grieving families today demand a monument to remember victims in a new campaign backed by the Mirror. Nearly 4,000 have lost their lives in terror atrocities in the UK since 1970, but there is no universal memorial to honour their agony. As tomorrow marks eight years since the Manchester Arena bombing left 22 dead and more than a 1,000 injured and traumatised, victims are calling on the government to erect a physical tribute to ensure nobody is forgotten. Last night Brendan Cox, whose Labour MP wife Jo Cox was murdered by a terrorist in 2016, backed our fight and said: 'What we remember as a society matters - and the lack of a monument to honour victims of terror attacks has made many survivors feel like they don't count.' In March, security minister Dan Jarvis launched a landmark consultation for a National Remembrance Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism, which is due to close next month, but this does not include plans for a physical shrine. Survivors say a memorial should be erected as part of the day to act as a focal point for remembrance events, not dissimilar to the Cenotaph war memorial in central London. Manchester survivor Abi Quinn, who was just 12 when she narrowly missed terrorist Salman Abedi's explosion and is still in therapy for the trauma, said: 'As someone directly impacted by terrorism, and knowing how long the effects can last, we need a memorial to recognise the pain and the loss we're still dealing with. It's so important to keep the memory and our voices alive. Key terror attacks in the UK 21 November 1974: Birmingham pub bombings - IRA bombs exploded in two pubs in Birmingham, killing 21 people and injuring 182. 21 December 1988: Lockerbie disaster - Pan Am Flight 103 was blown up while in flight over Lockerbie, Scotland, killing all 259 passengers and crew and 11 Lockerbie residents. 20 March 1993: Warrington bomb attacks - two bombs exploded in litter bins in a shopping precinct in Warrington, Cheshire, killing a three-year-old boy and injuring 55 people. July 7 2005 - 7/7 London bombings – conducted by four separate Islamist extremist suicide bombers. 52 killed and around 700 more were injured. 22 May 2013: British soldier Lee Rigby murdered in Woolwich, southeast London, by Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale, two Islamist extremists. 16 June 2016: Labour MP Jo Cox murdered by white nationalist Thomas Mair outside her constituency surgery in Birstall, West Yorks. 22 March 2017: Westminster attack – Islamist extremist Khalid Masood drove a car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge in London, killing three and injuring almost fifty, one of whom died two weeks later. 22 May 2017: Manchester Arena attack – suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated a homemade explosive device as people were leaving an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 and injuring 1,017. 3 June 2017: London Bridge attack – three Islamist extremists drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge before stabbing people in and around pubs in nearby Borough Market. Eight people were killed and at least 48 wounded. 29 November 2019: Fishmongers' Hall attack (London Bridge) – Islamist extremist Usman Khan fatally stabbed two people and injured two more at an event for reformed prisoners. 14 May 2010: MP Stephen Timms stabbed during a constituency surgery by Roshonara Choudhry, a British Islamic extremist. 15 October 2021: Conservative MP David Amess was fatally stabbed by terrorist Ali Harbi Ali at his constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. "It's not just about remembering who we've lost, but it's about knowing we're not forgotten and we've not been cast aside and brushed under the carpet.' Abi, a criminology student at the University of Liverpool, said organising a memorial and commemorative events should not be the responsibility of survivors and grieving families. She continued: 'It's hard enough for us to just come to terms with what we've been through; we shouldn't also be burdened with the pressure of figuring out a way to remember. It makes our pain that bit more difficult.' Statues honouring those who lost their lives in specific terror attacks already exist, including the 7/7 memorial in London's Hyde Park, the Glade of Light in Manchester and the national memorial for British victims of overseas terrorism in Lichfield, Staffs. But survivors and the bereaved say a physical tribute to every UK terror victim is vital in representing the sheer scale of suffering. Paul Price, who lost his partner Elaine in the Manchester Arena attack and sustained life-changing injuries, said: 'Terror attacks not only affect the bereaved, victims and survivors, it's an attack on everyone, it's an attack on the state - so having a physical memorial would be very healing to the country as a whole. 'When an attack like Manchester happens, it's front page news for weeks and then quickly becomes yesterday's news - but for the bereaved and survivors, the pain is ongoing forever.' Paul, who will remember Elaine today (THURS) by enjoying a meal with her friends, added that a physical memorial would also act as a reminder of the ongoing threat of terrorism. Although it's something we don't like to think about, there have been terrorist attacks in the UK for decades, and sadly, there will be more.' Michelle Jones, whose daughter Saskia, 23, was murdered in the Fishmongers' Hall attack on London Bridge in November 2019, agrees. She added: 'It [a physical memorial] would serve as a visual reminder to the general public of the impact of terrorism and its consequences. It has taken too many years for a memorial and we are still waiting. 'Saskia died as a victim of an attack on the State. A physical memorial predominantly ensures our loved ones are not forgotten and it would act as a central point for us all to come together and find support in the healing process, as well as representing our strength and resilience. 'Although this consultation for a day of remembrance is a good start, it is my hope that a physical memorial will be actioned by the Government as a matter of urgency. They owe it to those we have lost as well as the people who continue to struggle on a daily basis.' Calls for a physical monument for terror victims were first made in 2018 as part of a Survivors' Charter by Survivors Against Terror, a network of people impacted by terror attacks. In a report by the organisation, an IPSOS survey revealed 78% of respondents would support a monument. The Charter's other demands include a day of remembrance, which is currently under government consultation, and an addition to the UK honours system, which would recognise the sacrifice of those injured or bereaved by terrorism. Survivors Against Terror last night backed our campaign and said: 'Victims of terror attacks aren't picked for who they are - but as innocent representatives of our country. That means the government has a particular responsibility to honour their memory and a permanent memorial is a good place to start.' On May 22, 2017, terrorist Salman Abedi detonated a makeshift explosive device as more than 14,000 people left the Manchester Arena venue after an Ariana Grande concert. The blast left 22 innocent people dead – including eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos. A memorial would also bring solace to those impacted by historic attacks. These include the Birmingham IRA pub bombings on November 1, 1974, which killed 21 and injured 182. Fourteen years later in 1988, 243 passengers, 16 crew members and 11 residents were killed when terrorists detonated a bomb on board Pan Am Flight 103 as it flew over the Scottish town of Lockerbie. In July 1990, Conservative MP Ian Gow was assassinated by the IRA when a booby trap bomb exploded under his car outside his home in East Sussex. Three years later in 1993, IRA bombs were detonated in several locations across Warrington, Cheshire, killing a three-year-old boy and 55 others. In April 1999, terrorist David Copeland set off three nail bombs in London targeting the black, Bangladeshi and gay communities, killing three people, including a pregnant woman, and injuring 129. And in May 2013, British soldier Lee Rigby was murdered in Woolwich, southeast London, by Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale, two Islamist extremists armed with a handgun, knives and a cleaver. The government was approached for comment.
