More Support For Victims Of Terrorism
036/06
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Tessa Jowell, has welcomed the announcements in today's budget of a £1 million Government donation.
The donation goes to a charitable fund to help the British victims of terrorism, along with confirmation that the Government will provide up to £1 million to support the creation of a permanent memorial to the victims of last year's London bombings.
The fund will provide rapid relief to meet the immediate financial needs of those caught up in a terrorist attack – whether in the UK or overseas.
Ms Jowell said:
"We have seen too many people caught up in the horror of terrorist attacks, at home and overseas, in recent years.
"As well as terrible injuries and psychological trauma, terror victims can suffer real financial challenges as they rebuild their lives. This new fund will provide crucial support during this difficult period."
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) will now finalise, in consultation with the voluntary sector, partners in Government and victims' groups, the details of how the fund will work.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer also confirmed today that the Government will contribute up to £1 million towards the cost of a permanent memorial to the victims of the 7 July 2005 terrorist attacks on London. DCMS is currently consulting with the bereaved families on the form and location of that memorial.
Ms Jowell said:
"Fifty two people were murdered on 7 July, in the worst terrorist atrocity London has ever seen. It is right and fitting that they are properly remembered with a permanent memorial, and I am extremely pleased that the Government is supporting that with significant funding."
Notes to Editors
1. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has been closely involved in supporting victims of major disasters since Tessa Jowell was asked to take on a long-term support role after the events of 9 September 2001.
2. The Chancellor announced that the Government will support, with an initial endowment of £1 million, the creation of a new charitable fund to provide rapid relief to victims of terrorism at home and abroad. More work is now being done to determine exactly how the fund should work - a further announcement will follow later this year.
3. The Government intends to create a permanent memorial to those who lost their lives on the 7 July 2005 attacks on London. DCMS is consulting, including with the bereaved families, on its form. The consultation is also considering whether this memorial could have a wider national significance. The Chancellor confirmed today that the Government will make available up to £1 million to meet the costs of a memorial. The total Government contribution will depend on the level of other donations that may be given in support.
4. 56 people died in the London Bombings of 7 July 2005 - 52 victims plus four suicide bombers.
Press Enquiries: 020 7211 6052/6277
Out of hours telephone pager no: 07699 751153
Public Enquiries: 020 7211 6200
Back to main
Back to top
