The United Kingdom is set to introduce a new annual national day to honour and remember victims and survivors of terrorism, with the inaugural event scheduled for August 21, 2026. This significant move comes after years of campaigning by survivors, families, and advocates, and represents a commitment to ensure those affected by acts of terror are never forgotten or sidelined.
According to the Home Office, the commemoration will take place every year on August 21, with the location rotating across different parts of the UK. This decision, as reported by Sky News and BBC, is meant to recognize the widespread impact of terrorism throughout the nation, acknowledging that no community is immune to its effects.
The date was deliberately chosen to coincide with the United Nations International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, which began in 2017. This alignment is intended to place the UK’s efforts within a broader global context, amplifying the voices of survivors and reaffirming the country’s solidarity with international victims of terror.
The announcement follows a 12-week public consultation, which revealed overwhelming support for the initiative: 91% of respondents were in favor of the national day, and 84% strongly supported the proposal. The government has promised that the final name and symbol of the day will be developed collaboratively with survivors, ensuring that those most affected by terrorism have a central role in shaping the event.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis emphasized the importance of national unity and remembrance in the face of terrorism. He stated, "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." (BBC)
One of the driving forces behind the campaign has been Survivors Against Terror, a group founded three years ago to advocate for better recognition and support for those affected by terror attacks. Jo Berry CBE, whose father Sir Anthony Berry was killed in the 1984 IRA Brighton hotel bombing, reflected on the significance of the new day: "What we remember as a nation matters. It sends a signal about what we value. For too long, survivors of terror attacks, and those who have been killed in them, have been a footnote of history. Survivors have felt ignored and forgotten. That’s why Survivors Against Terror launched a campaign for a new national day of memorial three years ago." (The Mirror)
Travis Frain OBE, a survivor of the 2017 Westminster Bridge attack, has also been a tireless advocate for the cause. He explained, "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." (BBC)
The parents of Martyn Hett, Figen and Stuart Murray, whose son was one of 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017, welcomed the government’s announcement. They stated, "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." (The Mirror)
The new national day is not only about remembrance—it’s also about action. The Home Office has indicated that the event will spotlight survivors’ stories, encourage access to specialist support, and promote public education about the long-term effects of terrorism. Ministers have faced criticism in the past for inadequate support for victims. In 2023, a report by Survivors Against Terror described the official compensation scheme as "broken," prompting the government to pledge broader reforms.
One such reform is the creation of a new support hub for victims and survivors, expected to be operational by summer 2026. This hub will offer specialist trauma care and guidance in the aftermath of terror attacks, addressing both immediate and long-term needs. The government says this is part of a wider commitment to ensure victims and survivors are appropriately recognized, remembered, and supported.
The decision to rotate the location of the annual event is seen as a way to reflect the reality that terrorism’s impact is not confined to one city or region. The 2017 Westminster Bridge attack in London, where four people died and many others were injured, and the Manchester Arena bombing, which claimed 22 lives and injured 116, are among the most devastating incidents in recent memory. More recently, in October 2025, two people were killed in an antisemitic terror attack at a Manchester synagogue on Yom Kippur, underscoring the ongoing threat and the need for national solidarity.
While the national day will not be designated as a bank holiday, its significance is expected to resonate deeply. The government has stressed that the format of the day, including its name and symbol, will continue to evolve with input from survivors and families. As Dan Jarvis put it, "Victims and survivors will always guide how we observe this important day, and I look forward to marking it together."
Advocates have also called for a permanent monument to be erected in honor of all those affected by terrorism in the UK. This would provide a dedicated space for reflection and remembrance, complementing the annual day and ensuring that the sacrifices and resilience of victims and survivors are visibly acknowledged year-round.
As the UK prepares for the first national day in August 2026, the hope is that this new tradition will foster greater awareness, healing, and unity. By listening to survivors, supporting their needs, and keeping their stories alive, the nation aims to ensure that the legacy of those affected by terrorism is one of remembrance, strength, and collective resolve.
For many, this new national day is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a promise that the pain and courage of victims and survivors will never again be relegated to the footnotes of history.
