Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to look at building a national memorial for all British victims of terrorism, speaking at the first official National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism in central London.
The event, attended by families affected by atrocities including Lockerbie, 7/7, Manchester Arena, Bali, and Tunisia, brought together people touched by 20 separate terrorist incidents. It was also described as a day of “hope and resilience” to praise the good work carried out by first responders.
Commitment to a permanent memorial
Mr Burnham promised to look at a new “permanent and national memorial and I will make that commitment today.” He said: “Your voices must be at the heart of every decision about how we remember and recognise those affected by terrorism.”
The prime minister said the government will look at reforming the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority as well as access to legal assistance for victims. He told the event that the country standing together says much about who we are, and that victims and survivors of attacks are all part of “our national story.”
Personal words to victims
He said: “As the days pass and live goes on - you can’t. This day does matter. We see you, we hear you and we stand with you.” Acknowledging that there is “no closure,” that nothing is the same again and every day brings pain, grief, life-changing injuries and trauma, Mr Burnham shared how he has got to know some of those in the room following the Manchester Arena bombings and Heaton Park synagogue terror attack.
The prime minister said the event shows survivors and victims that they are seen and heard by the whole country. He added: “Truly it is a privilege to be with you all. I was determined to be with you all today to show my support. I express my deep personal admiration for you.”
Years of campaigning
The event took place following years of campaigning for better recognition for victims and their loved ones. The Mirror has campaigned for more help for those affected, and an annual commemoration to ensure vital lessons are learned and tragedies are not forgotten.
Westminster Bridge survivor Travis Frain said it was a “truly national day” and urged people “not to yield to terrorism or not to yield to hate.” Pat Goulbourne, assistant commissioner for the London Fire Brigade, who served during the Westminster Bridge attack in 2017 and several other terror attacks, said it is a privilege and honour to speak on behalf of first responders and pays respect to those who lost their lives to terrorism.
Security Minister's tribute
Security Minister Dan Jarvis said: “It is a deeply personal occasion. Many of you have endured experiences that are unimaginable.” He said terrorism “seeks to create fear and division” but that it does not have to “define what comes next.” He thanked all of those involved in the day, saying that victims, survivors and the bereaved will “always have a place in the national memory.”
Mr Jarvis paid tribute to the victims: “Today and always we honour them, we remember them, and we affirm our commitment to never forget them.” While today’s event was held in the capital it will take place in different cities around the UK in coming years. Today's ceremony was also broadcast live at a church in Lockerbie – the site of the deadliest terror attack on UK soil. On 21 December 1988, Pan Am Flight 103 was destroyed by a bomb over Dumfries and Galloway, killing all 259 passengers and crew.
