The government has published a consultation document detailing the new compensation scheme which for the first time will provide financial support for British victims of terrorism abroad.
The proposed scheme, which forms part of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, is expected to come into force in the Autumn after a six year campaign involving victims of terrorism, lawyers and MPs. The principle finally became law in 2010 as part of the Crime and Security Act.
Prior to this, British citizens caught up in terrorism abroad received little or no financial support upon their return to the UK. Jill Greenfield, a personal injury partner at law firm Fieldfisher, has been heavily involved in the campaign, seeking equal treatment to those caught up in bombings in the UK, such as the 7/7 bombing victims. She worked closely with a team that included Lord Brennan QC, victims families and the Pro Bono Unit at law firm Hogan Lovells.
Jill Greenfield comments:
“This has taken many years but we now expect financial support to finally be available to those injured abroad in terrorist atrocities in the Autumn. This is a massive achievement for the victims and all those involved and is the final step in a long campaign. Those involved in past atrocities have already begun to receive compensation and the new scheme will ensure that anyone involved in future incidents abroad will be compensated in the same way as those involved in UK based incidents."
Notes to editors:
Further details can be found at: https://consult.justice.gov.uk/digital-communications/victims-witnesses
For further information, please contact:
Louise Eckersley, PR Manager, Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP on 020 7861 4120