British Red Cross Relief Fund for UK Victims of Terrorism Abroad

Culture Media and Sport written statement – made at on 17 May 2007.

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Photo of Tessa Jowell Tessa Jowell The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport

The Chancellor announced in his 2006 Budget the creation of a new charitable fund to support British citizens injured in or affected by terrorist attacks abroad. The British Red Cross Relief Fund for UK Victims of Terrorism Abroad is formally launched today.

The £1 million contribution to the fund announced by the Chancellor will be used by the Red Cross to administer two separate schemes. £900,000 will establish an ongoing fund that will offer immediate small scale payments to UK victims bereaved or injured in terrorist attacks overseas. Payments will be made in two phases using a simple application process. Phase 1 payments of £3,000 will be paid immediately. Phase 2 payments of £12,000 will be available on application, to those severely injured or bereaved. Twenty-one interim payments of £3,000 have already been made since March 2006; all those who have received interim payments will also be eligible to apply for second phase payments of £12,000. The Red Cross hopes to be able to raise more money for the fund on the back of this initial Government donation.

The other £100,000 will be made available to the small number of households affected by terrorist attacks abroad prior to the fund's announcement last March, who are still suffering severe financial hardship as a result of what has happened to them.

The Government have worked closely with victims groups and the voluntary sector in drawing up the details of this fund, to ensure that all those who are tragically affected by overseas terrorist attacks will receive assistance which is sensitive and appropriate to their needs.