Victims of terrorism overseas compensation scheme published
11 July 2012
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 Field Fisher Waterhouse, 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:
Paula Nugent, PR
Executive, Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP on 020 7861 4526
Louise Eckersley, PR Manager,
Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP on 020 7861 4120