Travis Frain, who was severely injured in the 2017 Westminster Bridge terrorist attack, has been a leading advocate for the United Kingdom's inaugural National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism, set to take place on Friday.

Frain, then a 19-year-old undergraduate, was on a university trip to London when Khalid Masood drove a car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge before fatally stabbing a police officer outside Parliament. The attack claimed four lives and left numerous others injured, including Frain, who sustained a fractured leg that required two years to heal.

Now 28, Frain shared his experience as the nation prepares to observe the new commemorative day, which aims to acknowledge the profound impact of terrorism on victims, their families, witnesses, and emergency services. The day will feature a central event in London with a two-minute silence and readings by those affected by terrorism, with plans for similar events to be held across the UK in subsequent years.

Frain has campaigned for nearly five years, arguing that recognition and memorials for terrorism victims have often been overlooked. He stated that it is "right and morally correct" for society to remember those lost to terrorism, emphasizing that victims are frequently targeted not as individuals but as symbols of national values. He also highlighted the day's importance in encouraging vigilance and collective responsibility in preventing future attacks.

The establishment of the national day follows a Home Office review that identified a significant need for increased support for terrorism victims and survivors. However, many campaigners, including Frain, believe that more action is required. A recent report by Survivors Against Terror (SAT) noted that while psychological support services have improved, the state compensation scheme for terror victims has seen no progress.

Brendan Cox, co-founder of SAT and husband of the late MP Jo Cox, who was murdered in 2016, welcomed the national day but stressed that survivors are also seeking improvements to compensation and ongoing support mechanisms. The SAT report specifically called for advancements in the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.

This national day comes at a time when the UK's terror threat level was raised to "severe" in May, indicating that an attack is considered highly likely. Official figures revealed that nearly 10,000 individuals were referred to the government's anti-terrorism scheme, Prevent, in the year leading up to September 2025, underscoring the ongoing challenges in counter-terrorism efforts.

Frain himself received a visit from Charles, then Prince of Wales, while recovering in hospital, a gesture that underscored the national attention on the victims of the attack. The ongoing advocacy for survivors like Frain highlights the long-term consequences of terrorist acts and the persistent need for comprehensive support systems.