Northern Ireland group SEFF welcomes UK Government announcement for new National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism - 21 August
A Northern Ireland victims group has welcomed a UK government decision to hold a national day to "to honour and remember" victims and survivors of terrorism in the UK.
The event will take place on 21 August in a different location across the country each year, with the first held in 2026, the Home Office has said.
It comes after a campaign by families and survivors, including those affected by IRA bombings, the Westminster Bridge and Manchester arena attacks.
According to reference work Lost Lives terrorist groups claimed 3,257 lives in Northern Ireland during the Troubles.
Ministers will work with victims and survivors to shape how the day will look, including a final name and symbol.
Kenny Donaldson, director of victims group SEFF, paid tribute to the organisation ‘Survivors Against Terrorism’ in securing the decision.
He noted that SEFF had already marked the date this summer - the same day as the United Nations International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism.
"In the Troubles well over 3,000 innocents were murdered as a consequence of terrorism and tens of thousands injured, as events are developed to mark this day, it is so very important that the experiences of NI Troubles victims/survivors are front and centre of future planning and official events, alongside the more recent instances of terror inflicted across the Nation."
He added: "We will continue to push the UK Government to adopt a UK-wide definition of victim/survivor of terrorism which would have a transformative effect on the way in which such issues are progressed here."
Survivor of the Westminster Bridge attack in 2017, Travis Frain, who has campaigned for a national day, said: “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.
The UK day will focus on recognising those affected by terror acts, encouraging survivors to access specialist support, spotlighting their stories and educating the public.
Jo Berry, daughter of Sir Anthony Berry, who was killed in the IRA Brighton hotel bombing in 1984, said: “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 three years ago. We’re delighted that the Government has responded positively and look forward to marking the day.”
Figen and Stuart Murray, the parents of Martyn Hett, who was killed in the Manchester arena attack in 2017, described the move as an important step that recognises the “profound and enduring loss experienced by victims”.
They said: “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.”
The Government also announced plans to set up a new support hub to help victims.
Security minister Dan Jarvis 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.”