Former defence minister Tobias Ellwood has called for greater long-term support for families affected by terrorism, warning that victims and survivors can lose support once an attack disappears from the headlines.

Mr Ellwood, whose brother was killed in the 2002 Bali bombing, said losing a loved one through terrorism brings an additional level of “shock and trauma”.

“Losing somebody through terrorism adds another level of shock and trauma,” he told GB News.

“I believe that an individual, a friend, a loved one has gone before their time, they’re in the wrong place, should be alive today.”

His comments come as the UK marks its first National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism on Friday, with the annual event intended to recognise those killed, injured or otherwise affected by terrorist attacks.

Mr Ellwood said the families of victims often receive significant attention immediately after an attack, but argued that this can fade as the incident leaves the news cycle.

Asked whether victims and survivors were being better supported than in the past, he said: “The simple answer to your question is no, they don’t gain the same attention.

“They are in the headlines momentarily, but then the families, victims and those who are injured, the surroundings and so forth, it then gets lost.”

Mr Ellwood drew on his own experience after his brother was killed in the Bali bombing, saying the immediate support provided by police had been good but that he believed wider support was lacking.

“The support by the police was good short term, but there was no compensation, no insurance,” he said.

He argued that terrorism is treated differently from other forms of murder and said more needed to be done to address the consequences for victims and their families.

Mr Ellwood highlighted insurance as one area where he believed victims could be left without adequate support.

“From an insurance perspective, if you go away on holiday, terrorism was never covered,” he said.

“So when you are affected by terrorism, as opposed to some terrible event that might be separate, you don’t receive the same insurance support.”

He also argued that legislation and mental health support had taken time to catch up with the changing nature of terrorism, particularly as attackers have become increasingly willing to die for their cause.

Mr Ellwood pointed to the September 11 attacks as an example of the changing nature of terrorism, alongside attacks including the 7/7 bombings, the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby and the attacks on Westminster Bridge and London Bridge.

The former defence minister said the consequences of terrorism extend beyond those directly injured or killed, with bereaved families continuing to deal with the effects long after an attack.

“Bereavement is always challenging, no matter how anybody dies,” he said.

“But losing somebody through terrorism adds another level of shock and trauma.”

Mr Ellwood welcomed the establishment of the National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism, which the Government says will focus on remembrance, recognition and access to specialist support for those affected.

The first National Day is being held on 21 August 2026 and will take place annually on the same date. The Government has also launched a dedicated Support Hub providing specialist, trauma-informed mental health, practical and peer support for people affected by terrorism.