Counter Terror Business - Victims & Survivors

Bereaved Manchester Arena families call for MI5 to be included in Hillsborough Law

Polly Jones — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 11:49:00 +0000

Families bereaved by the Manchester Arena attack have called for MI5 to be included in the upcoming Hillsborough Law.

Currently making its way through Parliament, after campaigning by families affected by the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, the law will force public officials to tell the truth during investigations, including those into major disasters.

The new law will have three pillars: a duty of candour on all public officials, so they will be required to tell the truth proactively in their working life; an ancillary duty of candour that applies to official investigations, including inquiries and inquests; and a third set to re-balance funding for legal representation for state bodies and victims during inquiries.

The law has been criticised because of a provision which would effectively disapply the ancillary duty of candour to individual security and intelligence officers, as the duty will only fall on the organisation.

If it were to fall on the individual officers as well, they would risk criminal liability and sanction if they do nothing should a corporate body lie to an inquiry.

A public inquiry found that MI5 had not given "accurate picture" of the key intelligence it had on the Manchester Arena attacker.

Families of five people killed in the attack have written to the Prime Minister asking him to ensure that the law will apply to MI5 in the same way it applies to others.

Manchester Arena survivors to share £20 million

Polly Jones — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 11:30:27 +0000

16 children who were injured in the Manchester Arena attack have been awarded nearly £20 million.

Damanges will be paid by venue manager SMG Europe Holdings, Showsec International Ltd, who provided crowd management, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and British Transport Police (BTP) and payments will range from £2,770 to £11.4m.

Judge Nigel Bird approved the claims at a Manchester Civil Courts of Justice hearing for 16 people who were under the age of 16 at the time of the attack.

The 16 people cannot be identified due to a court order.

National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism announced

Polly Jones — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 11:44:14 +0000

The government has announced a new national day for victims and survivors of terrorism.

The first event will take place on 21 August 2026. The date aligns with the UN International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism.

On this day, the nation will come together to honour and remember victims and survivors 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.

The announcement follows campaigning from victims and survivors for better recognition and to raise awareness of the impacts of terrorism.

The government will work with victims and survivors to shape the format of the day, finalise its name and design a dedicated symbol.

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 – honouring all those impacted by terrorism and the horrific experiences they have endured.

"I am 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."

Travis Frain OBE, survivor of the Westminster Bridge attack, said: "Britain has a long history with terrorism and counterterrorism and it is important that as a society we commemorate and remember those affected - for the impacts are often lifelong. 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.

"Having fought tirelessly over the past few years for the UK to adopt and observe a national day of this kind, I am immensely grateful and privileged to see the government moving forward with this proposal today, and 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 said: "We welcome the announcement of a national day. It is 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."

Independent Public Advocate to be used for the first time

Polly Jones — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0000

The prime minister has stood up the Independent Public Advocate for the first time in the wake of the Manchester synagogue attack.

The Deputy Prime Minister declared the attack as a major incident under the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024.

The Independent Public Advocate will ensure victims and close friends and family members affected by this major incident understand their rights and can access vital emotional and practical support. This may include helping victims to navigate the investigations which may follow.

Victims can register for support and the Independent Public Advocate will direct them to support services, help them to understand and take part in processes following the attack and amplify their voice to public authorities.

Deputy Prime Minister and Lord Chancellor David Lammy said: "We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community after the vile terrorist attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester. Antisemitism has no place in Britain.

"We’re standing up support for victims through the Independent Public Advocate for the first time. This will ensure they receive the care, information and advocacy they deserve.

"Our immediate focus is on the victims and safety of our communities. But make no mistake, all those responsible for this atrocity will be held to account."

New Victims Commissioner appointed

Polly Jones — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 08:17:43 +0000

Claire Waxman OBE has been appointed the next Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales.

Waxman currently serves as London’s first Independent Victims’ Commissioner, where she chaired the Victims Board to put survivors’ voices at the centre of the Mayor of London’s Police and Crime Plan, worked with the Metropolitan Police to improve their services for victims and campaigned for greater support for everyone affected by stalking.

Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said: "The Victims’ Commissioner is an invaluable role that promotes victims’ interests in the justice system.

"Claire’s accomplishments as London’s Independent Victims’ Commissioner more than qualify her for this role. I have every faith she will be a dedicated and steadfast voice for victims and witnesses.

Claire Waxman OBE said: "It is a true honour to be appointed as the next Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales.

"Over the years, I have worked tirelessly to champion the voices of victims, survivors, and bereaved families - ensuring they are heard, better protected and supported, and that their experiences help to shape meaningful change across the justice system.

"At this critical time, as we seek to deliver swifter justice and more accessible support, I look forward to continuing my work on a national scale to advocate for all victims and drive forward the much-needed progress that victims deserve."

Support Hub launched for victims and survivors of terrorism

Polly Jones — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 09:44:26 +0000

The government has announced a new dedicated support hub for victims and survivors of terrorism, aimed at supporting their needs in the immediate and long-term aftermath of a terrorist attack.

The 24/7 support hun will provide specialist, trauma-informed care to victims and survivors of terrorism.

A tender opened on 3 July, supported by Pool Re, a strategic partner in the government’s CONTEST strategy and the Counter Terrorism Alliance.

Security minister Dan Jarvis said: "The repercussions of a terrorist attack are catastrophic. Victims and survivors require dedicated care to help rebuild their lives.

"This new hub will give victims the comprehensive support they need, and I thank Pool Re for being a crucial partner in delivering this."

Tom Clementi, Director and CEO of Pool Re, said: "Pool Re is proud to support victims and survivors of terrorism. As the UK’s largest terrorism reinsurer, we recognise that while the economic impact of terrorism is often in the spotlight, the human cost is just as significant.

"This dedicated support hub will help ensure that those affected receive the long-term care they deserve. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the �鶹�� Office through the Counter Terrorism Alliance, to increase the UK’s resilience to the impact of terrorism attacks."

The support hub will form part of wider reforms that have been designed following direct engagement with victims and survivors.

A consultation that was launched in March on a National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism closed on 11 June. It sought views on proposals to help the country to remember and honour those who have been killed or impacted by terrorist attacks.

UK marks 20th anniversary of 7/7

Polly Jones — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 11:44:36 +0000

Memorials are set to be held throughout the day on the 20th anniversary of the July 7th bombings in 2005.

52 people were killed and hundreds injured in the attacks on 7 July 2005. Three devices were detonated on Underground trains at Aldgate, Edgware Road and Russell Square, while a fourth exploded on a double-decker bus in Tavistock Square.

Memorial services are taking place throughout the day with the prime minister, Mayor of London and Duchess of Edinburgh attending a memorial at St Paul's Cathedral.

A minute's silence was held at 8:49 at three London Underground stations marking the moment the tube attacks took place. A minute's silence was also held at Tavistock Square an hour later, attended by Keir Starmer.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan also attended a wreath laying ceremony at Hyde Park.

Starmer said: "Today the whole country will unite to remember the lives lost in the 7/7 attacks, and all those whose lives were changed forever.

"We honour the courage shown that day—the bravery of the emergency services, the strength of survivors, and the unity of Londoners in the face of terror.

"Those who tried to divide us failed. We stood together then, and we stand together now—against hate and for the values that define us of freedom, democracy and the rule of law."

�鶹�� Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said: "Twenty years have passed since 7/7 but the passage of time makes what happened that day no less shocking. It was an appalling attack on our capital city and on democracy itself.

"As we come together to mark this anniversary, my thoughts remain with the victims, survivors and all who loved them. Amid the horror of that day, we saw the best of people, our emergency services, first responders and ordinary Londoners who bravely acted to help one another. Their courage continues to inspire us.

"We will always confront the threats facing this country to keep the public safe and preserve our way of life."

The government is offering support for victims and survivors of terrorism, which can be found here: gov.uk/victimsofterrorism

Scope of public inquiry into Nottingham attacks set out

Polly Jones — Tue, 27 May 2025 10:19:03 +0000

The Lord Chancellor has published the full Terms of Reference for the public inquiry into the Nottingham attacks in June 2023.

Barnaby Webber, Grace O’Malley-Kumar and Ian Coates were killed by Valdo Calocane, while Wayne Birkett, Sharon Miller and Marcin Gawronski were seriously injured.

The inquiry will look at the management of Valdo Calocane’s risk to others in the lead up to the attacks; the events on the day of the attacks - including the response of the emergency services; and incidents of unauthorised accessing of information by public servants.

The Lord Chancellor has consulted on the Terms of Reference with the Inquiry Chair, Her Honour Deborah Taylor, who in turn has engaged with the survivors and bereaved families to ensure their views have been taken into account.

The statutory inquiry will undertake a thorough, independent assessment of the events and provide recommendations to prevent similar incidents.

It will have the power to examine all the agencies involved, including the Nottinghamshire Police and the Crown Prosecution Service; compel witnesses, and establish the facts.

Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood said: "The bereaved families and survivors of the Nottingham Attacks, who have suffered so much, deserve to know how these horrific incidents were able to happen.

"I am pleased this Inquiry is now underway and I know Her Honour Deborah Taylor will undertake a fearless and thorough examination of the facts to prevent tragedies like this happening again."

Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), Alex Davies-Jones, said: "My thoughts remain with the bereaved families and survivors of this terrible incident, who in the face of such tragedy, have consistently called for answers. .

"It is an important step for the bereaved families and survivors that this Inquiry is now underway, and I know the Inquiry Chair will ensure it reports without undue delay."

Greater support for victims and survivors of terrorism

Polly Jones — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 09:52:01 +0000

A new support hub is to be set up to meet the needs of those affected by terrorism.

Under new plans announced by the government, victims and survivors of terrorism will receive strengthened support.

The hub will support their needs in the immediate and long-term aftermath of a terrorist attack.

Meanwhile, proposals for a new national day for victims and survivors of terrorism will also be consulted on, to help the country to remember and honour those who have been tragically killed or impacted by terrorist attacks.

Security minister, Dan Jarvis, said: "The impact of a terrorist attack is long-lasting and evolving. Victims and survivors of terrorism need the highest levels of support to recover and rebuild their lives. These reforms will significantly enhance the support available to those affected.

"I would like to pay tribute to the bravery and courage of all those who helped to shape these reforms and pledge my commitment to ensuring victims and survivors of terrorism receive the support and recognition they deserve.

"The first duty of government is to keep our country safe, which is the foundation of our Plan for Change."

Travis Frain OBE, survivor of the Westminster Bridge attack: "Recognition and remembrance are key to building societal resilience against violent extremism, and I welcome today’s announcement that the government will be launching a consultation on the establishment of a ‘National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism’.

"This is something that I, and several other survivors, have been campaigning on for many years, and I’m pleased to see that this government recognises the importance of these issues and the role that they can play in facilitating the recovery of those impacted by horrific acts of terrorism."

There will also be enhanced communications to victims to bolster awareness of the support package available to them and improved support available for children and young people, to ensure they do not fall through the gaps.

Brendan Cox, co-founder of Survivors Against Terror said: "Survivors of terror attacks have been crying out for change for years. Today’s double announcement is a major step forward in giving survivors and victims the recognition they deserve and the support that they need.

"Terrorists aim to divide and weaken our society - our best response is to hold together - and stage one of that is looking after those who have suffered the most."

Dr Cath Hill, survivor of the Manchester Arena attack: "I wholeheartedly welcome this news. Sadly, we know as a society we are not immune from future terror attacks; therefore, it is essential that future survivors get the help and support they need.

"If we are to combat the devastation that terrorism can cause, as a society we must care for those who bear the brunt of these acts of terror. Developing a dedicated hub for support is a significant step forward and welcome by those of us who have campaigned for change."