Government announces national day for victims and survivors of terrorism

The national day will be held at a different location each year in recognition of the widespread impact of terrorism across the UK. The date selected aligns with the United Nations 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 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. We will stand together as a nation in honouring all those impacted by terrorism and the horrific experiences they have endured.”  

Jarvis added: “I’m 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.”

Working with victims and survivors

The Government will continue to work with victims and survivors ahead of an intimate inaugural event in 2026 in order 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 move forms part of the Government’s broader commitment to ensuring victims and survivors are appropriately recognised, remembered and supported. National security, of course, is the foundation of the Plan for Change.

Travis Frain OBE, survivor of the Westminster Bridge attack, stated: “Britain has a long history with terrorism and counter-terrorism and it’s important that, as a society, we commemorate and remember those affected for the impacts are often life-long. 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.”

Frain continued: “Having fought tirelessly over the past few years for the UK to adopt and observe a national day of this kind, I’m immensely grateful and privileged to see the Government moving forward with this proposal. 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, the parents of Martyn Hett who was killed in the Manchester Arena terror attack, said: “We welcome the announcement of a national day. It’s 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.”

Sending a signal

Jo Berry CBE, daughter of Sir Anthony Berry (who was killed when the IRA orchestrated the bomb at The Grand Hotel in Brighton in October 1984), 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’ve 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.”

Berry added: “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 to 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’s expected that the hub will be operational by next summer.