Survivors of an attack in which members of the public tackled a terrorist on London Bridge have called for stronger support from the UK government.
Jack Merritt, 25, and Saskia Jones, 23, were killed and three others injured by Usman Khan during a prisoner rehabilitation event at Fishmongers' Hall in 2019.
Kahn was chased by members of the public on to London Bridge, where he was shot dead by police.
Darryn Frost, who grabbed a narwhal tusk from the wall of Fishmongers' Hall and chased the terrorist out of the building, said those who survived the attack were "now victims of government failings and delays”.
"The promises made three years ago have still not been fulfilled and what that means is survivors struggling to get mental health support, bereaved families left unsupported and public venues no safer than before,” he told ITV News.
"We keep hearing excuses but it's simply not good enough."
The attack happened during the 2019 general election, when both the Conservative and Labour parties said they would consult on a Survivors' Charter and introduce Martyn's Law to improve security at public venues. Neither have been introduced to date.
A Survivors' Charter would provide guarantees to those affected by terrorist attacks, with guaranteed mental health support, financial and legal assistance.
Brendan Cox, widower of the murdered MP Jo Cox and co-founder of the group Survivors Against Terror, has called for something similar.
He told The Guardian previously: “Whenever a terror attacks happens, ministers get up and talk about how we will look after the survivors but in reality that isn’t happening.”
'Feels like I'm being treated like a criminal'
Martyn’s Law was named after Martyn Hett, who died in an attack at Manchester Arena. Survivors of the attack have also called for better support.
Paul Price, who lost his partner Elaine in the suicide bomb blast which killed 22 people, said: "I was grieving because I lost my beloved partner that night. I then spent eight months in hospital and when I came out I had to move back in with my elderly parents to start to recover.
"Five years on — despite the severity of my injuries — I have yet to receive a penny from the government's compensation scheme. All I get are constant requests for more and more medical evidence. Instead of being supported, I feel like I'm being treated like a criminal."
Mohammed Kozbar, chairman of Finsbury Park Mosque, where a terrorist attack occurred in June 2017, killing one and injuring 11, said he also felt let down by the lack of support.
"We have been so disappointed by the lack of meaningful support given to survivors and their families,” he told ITV.
"As a community we have been there for them as best as we can but the government has let us down.
"Five years on and the survivors are really struggling with poor mental health, some are still living in housing unsuitable for their needs following life-changing injuries and they are struggling to get the financial assistance and guidance they deserve."
Day 5, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance
Moment of the day When Dilruwan Perera dismissed Yasir Shah to end Pakistan’s limp resistance, the Sri Lankans charged around the field with the fevered delirium of a side not used to winning. Trouble was, they had not. The delivery was deemed a no ball. Sri Lanka had a nervy wait, but it was merely a stay of execution for the beleaguered hosts.
Stat of the day – 5 Pakistan have lost all 10 wickets on the fifth day of a Test five times since the start of 2016. It is an alarming departure for a side who had apparently erased regular collapses from their resume. “The only thing I can say, it’s not a mitigating excuse at all, but that’s a young batting line up, obviously trying to find their way,” said Mickey Arthur, Pakistan’s coach.
The verdict Test matches in the UAE are known for speeding up on the last two days, but this was extreme. The first two innings of this Test took 11 sessions to complete. The remaining two were done in less than four. The nature of Pakistan’s capitulation at the end showed just how difficult the transition is going to be in the post Misbah-ul-Haq era.
Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
The specs: 2018 Nissan Patrol Nismo
Price: base / as tested: Dh382,000
Engine: 5.6-litre V8
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 428hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 560Nm @ 3,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.7L / 100km
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
