The announcement is in stark contrast to the support given to the British killed by recent terrorist attacks. The 'Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme' only supports those caught up in atrocities which take place within the UK.

Insurance companies also rule out any compensation if an incident is connected with terrorism. This is a loophole which means Britons killed or injured abroad receive no financial support whatsoever.

In the case of Bali bombings, MI5 was deemed to have failed to have acted appropriately in the lead up to the attack. According to the Intelligence and Security Committee report of December 2002 there was 'a serious misjudgement' in correctly assessing the threat level prior to the attacks which should have been raised from 'significant' to 'high'. Had this taken place, many Britons on official business to Bali would have altered their travel plans and be alive today.

Despite this failing the Government did not provide a penny towards supporting the injured (many of whom have had to use their own savings to pay for prosthetics) and the bereaved families.

There now seems little prospect of the Government helping the families already affected by terrorism abroad. With more attacks likely, the Government should remove this loophole and allow the 'Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme' to provide financial support to all Britons directly affected by a terrorist attack, whether in the UK or abroad.

The same organisation was responsible for 9/11, Bali, Madrid and now London. Our Government should support all Britons caught up in terrorism, wherever it takes place.

Ends.

Notes:
Tobias Ellwood's brother Jonathan Ellwood was killed in the Sari Club in Bali. He was a teacher at the Vietnam international School and was due to attend an International School's Conference being held on the island.