UK marks first National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism

The UK observed its first National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism with a London ceremony and silence. The annual August 21 observance formalises remembrance and highlights round-the-clock support for those affected.Stock photo used for illustrationThe UK marked its first National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism on Friday, with an annual observance on August 21 aimed at recognising and supporting people affected by terrorist attacks.A ceremony in London brought together hundreds of victims, survivors, bereaved families, emergency responders and government representatives. The day follows campaigning by victims and survivors for better recognition and greater awareness of the impact of terrorism, and coincides with the United Nations International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, which began in 2017.A two-minute silence was observed to honour those lost to terrorism, those affected by it and those whose lives have been changed forever by a terror strike. Andy Burnham said, 'I am proud that we now have a national day to honour victims and survivors of terrorism. There is something remarkable about how we come together as a country in those darkest moments. As time passes, most people go back to their lives, but for those who lived through the trauma, there is no return to normality. Today matters because it says you are not alone. You have not been forgotten. This is a moment to remember the loved ones lost and anyone who has survived the very worst of humanity.'UK Security Minister Dan Jarvis said, 'I know how much this day will mean to people across the country. I encourage everyone to join us by taking some time to reflect on the experiences of victims, survivors and all those whose lives have been changed forever by terrorism. We will never allow terrorism to divide us.' The commemorations come after two terrorist attacks in the past 12 months in the UK, at Heaton Park Synagogue and Golders Green in London, and ahead of the 10th anniversaries of five terrorist attacks in the UK in 2017. The Home Office said the National Day builds on the government's commitment to support those affected by terrorism after the launch of a new 24/7 Support Hub for victims and survivors of terrorism in June. It said the hub offers specialist, trauma-informed support for anyone affected by a terrorist incident, ensuring victims can get help at any stage of their recovery. Laurence Taylor, the UK's Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, said, 'Whenever I speak to survivors and victims of terrorism, I am reminded why our work is so important. It is their experiences, their trauma, that drives all of us at Counter Terrorism Policing in our mission to keep people safe. It is absolutely right that we now have a formal moment of reflection in the national calendar, but we must never forget that many survivors live with the impact of terrorism every day. They are remarkable people who deserve to be recognised for their resilience and bravery shown in the face of unimaginable horror.'The new National Day will now be observed every year on August 21, with the UK government presenting it as a formal moment to remember those killed, support survivors and recognise the lasting impact of terrorism on victims, families and responders. With PTI Inputs- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Aug 21, 2026 17:42 IST