London is hosting the United Kingdom's inaugural national day dedicated to victims and survivors of terrorism. The event recognizes individuals impacted by acts of terror, their families, witnesses, and emergency responders, while also highlighting the availability of specialist support.
For many in Northern Ireland, the day serves as a remembrance of the atrocities of the Troubles, a conflict spanning 30 years that resulted in over 3,500 fatalities. In other parts of the UK, the day acknowledges incidents such as the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, the 7/7 bombings, and the London Bridge terror attack.
The government established the national day following advocacy from victims and survivors who sought greater acknowledgment of their experiences. Claire Hayes, whose brother Alan Radford was killed in the 1998 Omagh bombing, is part of a delegation from the South East Fermanagh Foundation attending the commemorations. The Omagh bombing, carried out by the Real IRA, claimed the lives of 29 people, including a pregnant woman carrying twins.