Theresa May pledges annual Stephen Lawrence memorial day
2 min read
Theresa May has announced plans for an annual commemoration in honour of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence.
The announcement came on the 25th anniversary of the death of the 18-year-old, who was stabbed in a racially motivated attack in south London.
Stephen Lawrence Day will be marked on 22 April every year.
The Prime Minister addressed a memorial service in London yesterday, where Mr Lawrence’s family and public figures such as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were in attendance.
Mrs May paid tribute to his parents, Doreen and Neville, who she said “have fought heroically to ensure that their son's life and death will never be forgotten”.
"Their dignity, their courage and their sheer determination are an inspiration to us all,” she added.
She said ministers would work with the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust, adding: “We will use this day to encourage and support young people in achieving their dreams, and to reflect on Stephen's life, death and the positive change he has inspired.”
Doreen Lawrence, now a peer sitting in the Lords, said: “I feel honoured [the Prime Minister] has recognised the changes that have been made in Stephen's name and the changes that are still needed.
"Stephen was denied his voice but the Stephen Lawrence Day will be an opportunity for young people to use their voices and should be embedded in our education and wider system regardless of the government of the day.”
Stephen’s father, Neville, said: "We have got some justice and now this is like a mark of what we have been trying to do for years - our son's memory is going to be enshrined in history."
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