Victims and survivors of terrorism will receive strengthened
support under new plans outlined by the government today.
As part of the Plan for Change, the government will set up a new
dedicated support hub for victims and survivors, supporting their
needs in the immediate and long-term aftermath of a terrorist
attack.
Proposals for a new national day for victims and survivors of
terrorism will also be consulted on, helping the country to
remember and honour those who have been tragically killed or
impacted by terrorist attacks.
Security Minister, , 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.
The first duty of government is to keep our country safe, which
is the foundation of our Plan for Change.
Victims and survivors of terrorism have long campaigned for
better recognition. Victims, survivors, their loved ones and the
general public are all encouraged to offer their views to shape
key aspects of the proposed national day including naming the
day, date, and suggesting ways the day could be commemorated.
Travis Frain OBE, survivor of the Westminster Bridge attack:
Recognition and remembrance are key to building societal
resilience against violent extremism, and I welcome today's
announcement that the government will be launching a consultation
on the establishment of a ‘National Day of Remembrance for
Victims of Terrorism'.
This is something that I, and several other survivors, have been
campaigning on for many years, and 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.
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.
Other recommendations from the review will also be progressed
including:
- enhanced communications to victims to bolster awareness of
the support package available to them
- improving the support available for children and young
people, to ensure they do not fall through the gaps
Dr Cath Hill, survivor of the Manchester Arena attack:
I wholeheartedly welcome this news. Sadly, we know as a society
we are not immune from future terror attacks; therefore, it is
essential that future survivors get the help and support they
need.
If we are to combat the devastation that terrorism can cause, as
a society we must care for those who bear the brunt of these acts
of terror. Developing a dedicated hub for support is a
significant step forward and welcome by those of us who have
campaigned for change.
Cheryl Stollery (wife of the late John Stollery - Sousse,
Tunisia) said:
Today's announcement is an important first step towards putting
in place improved outcomes for all those impacted by terrorism,
whether here in the UK or for UK citizens harmed in terrorism
attacks overseas.
As the survivor of a terrorist attack where my husband was
killed, I know how important remembrance is so that our loved
ones are not forgotten and we can come together and reflect on
the importance of unity and gain strength in the face of
adversity and terror.
I am particularly keen to champion a Support Hub because I
believe it will be a cornerstone for the future in being able to
empower survivors to regain hope, strength, and resilience, not
just in the weeks after the incident but also for the long term
as needed.
The reforms have been designed in response to direct engagement
with victims and survivors, open-source literature reviews and
learning from other countries' approaches.
The Home Office Victims of Terrorism Unit will now work to
deliver the findings of the review and will continue to engage
with key stakeholders on progress.
This comes as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, also
known as Martyn's Law, approaches its final stages in Parliament,
delivering on the government's manifesto commitment to strengthen
the security of public events and venues.
