The UK is marking its first ever National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism today, establishing an annual moment of reflection on 21 August for those affected by attacks.

A dedicated ceremony is taking place in Central London later today to commemorate the occasion. The event brings together hundreds of victims, survivors, bereaved families, emergency responders and government representatives.

A two-minute silence will be observed at the London ceremony to remember those who were killed and everyone whose life has been permanently altered by terrorism. Organisers say the day is focused on three main goals: remembering those impacted, ensuring survivors can access the help they need to rebuild their lives, and amplifying their personal stories.

The establishment of the national day comes after years of campaigning by victims and survivors who pushed for official recognition and greater public awareness of the long-term impact of terror attacks.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the new annual date provides essential recognition for those who continue to live with trauma long after the headlines fade. "There is something remarkable about how we come together as a country in those darkest moments," Burnham said. "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."

Security Minister Dan Jarvis echoed that message, encouraging people nationwide to take time to reflect on the experiences of those affected. Jarvis said: "I am proud to stand with victims and survivors of terrorism as we mark our first ever National Day... We will never allow terrorism to divide us."

From a policing perspective, Laurence Taylor, the Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, pointed out that the trauma of survivors remains the core driving force behind the work of counter-terror officers. He noted that while a formal date in the national calendar is entirely right, the public must not forget that survivors deal with these impacts every single day.

Those who lived through attacks have also welcomed the move. Travis Frain OBE, a survivor of the Westminster Bridge attack, said he was pleased to see the day come to fruition after "many hard years of campaigning." He stressed that the date should be used both to remember those affected and to focus on preventing further radicalisation and violent extremism in the future.

For families who lost loved ones in historic attacks, the event represents long-awaited recognition. M. Victoria Cummock, whose husband John B. Cummock was killed in the bombing of Pan Am 103 over Lockerbie, expressed gratitude for the initiative covering both recent and past atrocities. She also highlighted the comfort of knowing the Support Hub will offer trauma-informed care to help people on their road to recovery.

The government has confirmed that 21 August will now remain a permanent fixture in the UK calendar each year. I'll be following how this support framework and annual commemoration develop — check back for updates.