British Prime Minister Andy Burnham Pledges Greater Support at UK's First National Terror Victims Day

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to discuss plans for a permanent memorial dedicated to the victims and survivors of terrorism, marking the UK's first national day established for this purpose. The National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism honors those who lost their lives and recognizes individuals permanently affected by attacks both on British soil and abroad.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony in London at Lancaster House, Mr Burnham expressed his deep admiration for the survivors and victims' families, acknowledging that the government must do more to support them. He noted that people have too often lacked the support they deserve, drawing on his own experience dealing with victims of the Manchester Arena attack in 2017 and the Heaton Park Synagogue attack last year during his time as mayor of the city.

Mr Burnham announced that the UK government will review the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority and improve access to legal assistance for victims. Highlighting the country's unity in dark moments, he emphasized that while society eventually returns to normality, trauma remains for those who lived through it. "Today matters because it says you are not alone. You have not been forgotten," he stated.

The ceremony follows the June launch of a support hub offering specialist trauma-informed care and a free helpline for those affected by terrorist incidents. Survivors and family members, including 7/7 bomb attack survivor Thelma Stober, Sousse terror attack widow Cheryl Stollery, and Manchester Arena bombing survivor Paul Price, shared moving testimonies regarding their enduring grief, physical recovery, and the lasting impact of terrorism.