PM pledges national memorial for terrorism survivors

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has committed to consulting with victims and survivors of terrorism regarding the creation of a permanent national memorial. The pledge was made during the inaugural National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism, held in central London.

The event brought together individuals affected by terrorism, including survivors, bereaved families, emergency responders, and government representatives. A two-minute silence was observed as part of the ceremony.

Support Reforms Underway

Security minister Dan Jarvis and survivors Cheryl Stollery and Paul Price addressed the attendees. Ms Stollery lost her husband in the Sousse attack in Tunisia in 2015, while Mr Price was hospitalised for months following the Manchester Arena attack, where his partner died.

In his closing remarks, the Prime Minister stated the day was an occasion to "commit to be better, to do better." He announced that the government would examine reforms to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) and the provision of legal assistance for survivors.

Victims minister Alex Davies-Jones has been appointed to lead this initiative, which will also involve studying support models in countries such as Spain and France. Mr Burnham acknowledged past shortcomings in supporting survivors of traumatic events, citing his experience with survivors in Manchester.

He added, "Your voices must be at the heart of every decision about how we remember and recognise those affected by terrorism." The Prime Minister also thanked those who had campaigned for the establishment of a dedicated day for terrorism survivors.