Andy Burnham has said the idea of "closure" does not apply to victims of terrorism, speaking at a ceremony marking the UK's first national day for people affected by terrorist attacks. Survivors at the event described how their lives changed permanently after the violence, according to BBC reports.
The day was created following a campaign that included a student survivor who helped shape the national memorial day, the BBC reported. Burnham, whose role in the event was not specified in the reporting, also pledged to consult on building a national memorial dedicated to terrorism survivors, according to The Independent.
Families of those killed in The Troubles welcomed the new day of recognition, the BBC said in a separate report. The anniversary comes amid broader criticism of how survivors have been treated in the years since attacks.
ITV News described the mistreatment and neglect of terror attack survivors as a "national scandal," pointing to ongoing failures in support systems. The ceremony itself focused on the long-term reality for victims, with attendees sharing personal accounts of navigating life after trauma rather than finding neat resolution.
Burnham's comments push back against the common assumption that public remembrance brings emotional closure for those directly affected. Instead, the day appears intended to acknowledge that survivors carry their experiences indefinitely.
What to watch next: whether the promised consultation on a national memorial leads to concrete government action and funding.
