Prime Minister Andy Burnham has joined victims, survivors and bereaved families to mark the first National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism.
The Prime Minister attended the event alongside Labour MP Dan Jarvis, who paid tribute to the courage of those affected by terrorist attacks and said Britain would “always stand firm against the evil of terrorism”.
The inaugural national day, marked on 21 August, provides an opportunity to remember those who have lost their lives, recognise the experiences of survivors and families, and ensure their voices remain at the heart of the country’s response to terrorism.
Jarvis, the Labour MP for Barnsley North, shared photographs from the event showing Burnham meeting survivors and families.
Writing on X, Jarvis said:
“The PM and I joined victims, survivors & families to mark the first National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism.
“It was an honour to hear their stories. I was deeply moved by their courage — this day is for them.
“We will always stand firm against the evil of terrorism.”
The event brought together people whose lives have been changed by terrorism, offering an opportunity for survivors and bereaved families to share their experiences directly with the Prime Minister.
Burnham’s participation also underlined the Government’s commitment to ensuring that the experiences and needs of victims remain part of the national conversation about terrorism and its lasting consequences.
For many survivors and bereaved families, the impact of an attack can continue for years, including through physical injuries, trauma, bereavement and the challenges of navigating financial and public support.
The establishment of a dedicated national day gives formal recognition to those experiences while providing a permanent annual moment for the country to remember victims and stand alongside survivors.
Jarvis, a former Army officer who served in Afghanistan, described hearing directly from those attending as an “honour” and said he had been deeply moved by their courage.
The first National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism sends a clear message that those affected by attacks will be remembered and that survivors and bereaved families should continue to be heard and supported.
