The creation of a national day to honour the victims and survivors of terrorist acts in the UK has been welcomed by Figen Murray, the spearhead behind Martyn's Law.

Starting from today, the National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism will be held each year on 21st August as a way to remember and recognise those impacted by terrorism and support victims and survivors by amplifying their stories.

A ceremony will be held later today in Central London, bringing together hundreds of victims, survivors, bereaved families, emergency responders and government representatives. A 2-minute silence will be observed at the ceremony.

The move follows a 12-week public consultation which launched in March and showed overwhelming support for the plans, according to the Home Office.

Figen Murray and Martyn's Law

Figen Murray's son Martyn Hett was tragically lost in the Manchester Arena bombing in May 2017 - the deadliest attack on UK soil since the 2005 London bombings. Figen has campaigned tirelessly for a change in legislation and successfully secured Royal Assent for Martyn's Law, which will require venues to introduce more secure measures to boost prepardedness for potential attacks.

Figen and Martyn's stepfather, Stuart Murray, 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."

Government Comments

The Government has also launched a new Support Hub to help victimes in both the immediate and long-term aftermath of terrorist attacks. 

The new Support Hub operates 24/7, assigning each victim and survivor a single point of contact for tailored, trauma-informed support. Victims and survivors can access the Support Hub via the website or by phone, ensuring support is available quickly and simply when it is needed.

Prime Minister Andy 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 added: "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."