'Those murdered must be remembered with dignity and honour': Ulster terror survivors and grieving relatives at first UK victims' day
Grieving relatives of Ulster people killed in terror atrocities and survivors of attacks made their way to London today, to take part in the first UK-wide event marking their struggles.
The inaugural National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism was held in City of Westminster mansion Lancaster House, during which the Prime Minister pledged to consult victims and survivors about creating a permanent national memorial.
Andy Burnham told them: “Your voices must be at the heart of every decision about how we remember and recognise those affected by terrorism.”
Admitting the the state has not always fulfilled its responsibility to them “to the highest level”, the added: “With your help, we will change the way this country recognises and supports you, but most importantly, from here, obviously, those in some ways, coming after you because that’s what this country should should do.”
Around 20 of 300 delegates to the event came from Northern Ireland victims group SEFF, while the Northern Ireland Executive was represented by the DUP’s Joanne Bunting.
The East Belfast MLA said it was a privilege to represent the province, as “few places understand more clearly the lasting impact terrorism has on victims, bereaved families, witnesses, first responders and entire communities”.
Said Ms Bunting: “This new annual national day must ensure that those murdered are remembered with dignity and honour. The survivors’ experiences must also never be overlooked; for many, they live the scenes before them every day.
“Terrorism can never be justified or romanticised. We will always stand against those who seek to rewrite history. We must tell the truth about terrorism’s human cost and ensure innocent victims remain at the heart of remembrance.
“I attended this act of remembrance carrying the thoughts of innocent victims and survivors across Northern Ireland, and standing in solidarity with everyone whose life has been changed by terrorism.”
Speaking in the run-up to the event, SEFF director Kenny Donaldson hoped to see the day marked every year by all four of the UK’s regions, and planned to call on assemblies and councils to organise initiatives spotlighting the issues and needs of terrorism victims and survivors.
Mr Donaldson said he’d also like to see illuminations of civic buildings extended to include the August 21 victims’ day.
“The same recognition must be afforded to innocent victims and survivors of terrorism here as there will be across the United Kingdom, and across other nations of the world,” he said. “This designated day must represent a genuine call to action.”
Ahead of today’s event, Northern Ireland Secretary of State Chris Bryant said “few places have borne more pain” than the province, where “the prolonged and painful legacy of the Troubles and subsequent acts of paramilitary terrorism has inflicted deep wounds across generations”.
Addressing the 300 delegates, Mr Burnham said the Government would look at reforming compensation and legal assistance for survivors of terrorism.
“There are lots of specific proposals for how we should do it,” he stated, from reforming the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority to “looking at what we can learn from other countries like France and Spain”.
The event also heard from survivors of the 7/7 bombings in London and the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, as well as a senior member of the emergency services who deals with crisis incidents.