Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to look at building a national memorial for all British victims of terrorism. He made the commitment on the UK's first official day to commemorate those killed by terrorists.
The event in central London was attended by families affected by atrocities including Lockerbie, 7/7, the Manchester Arena, Bali, and Tunisia. People touched by 20 separate terrorist incidents were present at the ceremony.
A day of hope and resilience
The day was also described as one of "hope and resilience" to praise the work carried out by first responders. 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 also said the government will look at reforming the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority and access to legal assistance for victims.
National story and personal pain
Burnham said how the country stands together says much about who we are, and that victims and survivors of attacks are all part of "our national story". 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."
He acknowledged there is "no closure", that nothing is the same again and every day brings pain, grief, life-changing injuries and trauma. Burnham said he has got to know some of those in the room following the Manchester Arena bombings and the Heaton Park synagogue terror attack.
Broadcast to Lockerbie
The ceremony was 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.
The event followed years of campaigning for better recognition for victims and their loved ones. Westminster Bridge survivor Travis Frain called it a "truly national day" and urged people "not to yield to terrorism or not to yield to hate".
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 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.
