UK to mark first day of remembrance for terror victims

The UK is to mark the inaugural National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism.

It was confirmed last year, after public consultation, that a national day would be held to remember victims and survivors, taking place in a different place in the UK each year to recognise the widespread impact of terrorism around the country.

The date coincides with the United Nations International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism.

The day is expected to focus on recognising those affected by terror acts, encouraging survivors to access specialist support, spotlighting their stories and educating the public.

A ceremony in central London later on Friday is expected to bring together hundreds of victims, survivors, bereaved families, emergency responders and Government representatives, who will observe a two-minute silence.

Andy Burnham said the day was a “moment to remember the loved ones lost and anyone who has survived the very worst of humanity” while security minister Dan Jarvis said “we will never allow terrorism to divide us”.

Travis Frain, who was aged 19 when he was injured in the Westminster Bridge attack in 2017, had campaigned for a national day.

Mr Frain, now aged 28 and from Darwen in Lancashire, was hit by a car driven by Khalid Masood in the heart of London that day, having been on a university trip to the capital.

The attack led to four pedestrians being killed and a police officer being stabbed to death outside Parliament.

Mr Frain went on to launch the Resilience in Unity organisation to give a voice to victims as well as educate the wider public, changing course from his earlier life plan to be a history teacher.

“I’m pleased to see this National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism come to fruition, after many hard years of campaigning.

“This should be a date when we come together as a country to remember those affected by terrorism and set our sights to the future, to understand how we can all play our part in preventing further radicalisation and defeating the spread of violent extremism.

“It is my hope that this event will be one that we can build on in the years to come, demonstrating clearly that the UK stands firm in the face of terrorism.”

People are being encouraged by Government to mark the day how they wish, from lighting candles in remembrance, to visiting local memorials, donating to a charity that supports victims, survivors and bereaved families affected by terrorism or planting a tree or flower “as a symbol of hope and resilience”.

Victoria Cummock, whose husband John Cummock was killed in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, said the day would enable people across the country to “gather in solidarity and fraternity to give voice to the hundreds killed, remember their loved ones, and recognise the survivors and responders whose lives were forever changed” each year.

“We are profoundly grateful to the Government for establishing this National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism, recognising the experiences of those affected by terror attacks both recent and historic,” she said.

“We take comfort knowing the support hub will provide community-wide trauma-informed care, empowering us on our road to healing and recovery.

“Together we can turn trauma into positive purpose and leave a legacy that teaches the world a lesson in humanity.”

Burnham said: “I am proud that we now have a national day to honour victims and survivors of terrorism.

“There is something remarkable about how we come together as a country in those darkest moments. As time passes, most people go back to their lives, but for those who lived through the trauma, there is no return to normality.

“Today matters because it says you are not alone. You have not been forgotten. This is a moment to remember the loved ones lost and anyone who has survived the very worst of humanity.”

Security minister Dan Jarvis said: “I am proud to stand with victims and survivors of terrorism as we mark our first ever national day.

“I know how much this day will mean to people across the country. I encourage everyone to join us by taking some time to reflect on the experiences of victims, survivors and all those whose lives have been changed forever by terrorism.

“We will never allow terrorism to divide us.”

Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing Laurence Taylor said survivors were “remarkable people” who deserved to be recognised for their “resilience and bravery shown in the face of unimaginable horror”.

“Whenever I speak to survivors and victims of terrorism, I am reminded why our work is so important. It is their experiences, their trauma, that drives all of us at Counter Terrorism Policing in our mission to keep people safe,” he said.

“It is absolutely right that we now have a formal moment of reflection in the national calendar, but we must never forget that many survivors live with the impact of terrorism every day.”