The nation will come together to honour and remember victims and
survivors of terrorism as part of a new national day, with
planning underway for an inaugural event on 21 August 2026.
This follows campaigning from victims and survivors for better
recognition and to raise awareness of the impacts of
terrorism.
The national day will take place on 21 August and will be held at
a different location each year in recognition of the widespread
impact of terrorism across the United Kingdom. The date selected
aligns with the UN International Day of Remembrance and Tribute
to the Victims of Terrorism.
The day will focus on remembering and recognising those impacted
by terrorism, encouraging victims and survivors to access
specialist support, educating the public, and amplifying victims'
and survivors' stories.
Security Minister said:
Terrorism will never weaken our resolve as a country. The victims
and survivors of terrorism must be honoured and remembered. They
have our unwavering support and recognition.
We will stand together as a nation – honouring all those impacted
by terrorism and the horrific experiences they have endured.
I am deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to this
consultation. Victims and survivors will always guide how we
observe this important day, and I look forward to marking it
together.
The government will continue to work with victims and survivors
ahead of an intimate inaugural event in 2026, to shape the format
of the national day for future years, as well as finalising the
day's name and, over time, designing a dedicated symbol.
This forms part of the government's broader commitment to
ensuring victims and survivors are appropriately recognised,
remembered and supported. National security is the foundation of
the Plan for Change.
Travis Frain OBE, survivor of the Westminster Bridge attack,
said:
Britain has a long history with terrorism and counterterrorism
and it is important that as a society we commemorate and remember
those affected - for the impacts are often lifelong. A national
day of recognition in dedication to those affected by terrorism
would provide an opportunity to remember those we have lost, to
pay tribute to the bravery and resilience of those who have
survived these heinous acts, and for us to look forward to the
future to educate the next generation.
Having fought tirelessly over the past few years for the UK to
adopt and observe a national day of this kind, I am immensely
grateful and privileged to see the government moving forward with
this proposal today, and I extend my sincere thanks to the
Security Minister and his team for their continued support on
this matter. Together, we can, and will, make a positive
difference towards ensuring that victims of terrorism are
afforded greater support going forward.
Figen and Stuart Murray, parents of Martyn Hett who was killed in
the Manchester arena attack, said:
We welcome the announcement of a national day. It is an important
step that formally recognises the profound and enduring loss
experienced by victims. This day will honour the lives lost and
ensure their memory will never fade but it also acknowledges the
immense courage of survivors. Their resilience remains a source
of national unity.
Jo Berry CBE, daughter of Sir Anthony Berry, who was killed in
the IRA Brighton hotel bombing, said:
What we remember as a nation matters. It sends a signal about
what we value. For too long survivors of terror attacks and those
who have been killed in them have been a footnote of history.
Survivors have felt ignored and forgotten. That's why Survivors
Against Terror launched a campaign for a new national day of
memorial 3 years ago. We're delighted that the government
has responded positively and look forward to marking the day. A
day dedicated to bringing us together will help ensure that our
voices are heard, that none of us has to stand alone, and that
every survivor knows they matter.
As part of wider reforms to support victims and survivors of
terrorism, the government is committed to establishing a new
dedicated support hub, supporting their needs in the immediate
and long-term aftermath of a terrorist attack. It is expected
that the hub will be operational by next summer.
