Stephen Lawrence Day to commemorate tragic teen
THE anniversary of Stephen Lawrence’s murder is to be marked with an annual national commemoration, Theresa May announced yesterday.
Mrs May was among a number of national figures, including Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick, who joined Stephen’s parents Doreen and Neville at St Martin-in-the-Fields church in central London.
She announced the move at the service to mark the 25th anniversary of the killing.
Stephen Lawrence Day, on April 22, will be an opportunity to “encourage and support young people in achieving their dreams”, as well as a time to reflect on the tragic youngster’s life, death and political change he inspired, the Prime Minister said.
The 18-year-old student was fatally stabbed by a racist gang in Eltham, south-east London. The murder triggered an inquiry that concluded the Metropolitan Police had made a series of blunders in the case and was guilty of “institutional racism”.
Harry and Ms Markle met Stephen’s mother, now a Labour peer, and brother Stuart before the service. The Prince brought a message of support from Prince Charles, who in 2000 gave the annual Stephen Lawrence Memorial Lecture.
Mrs May gave a scripture reading and Mr Corbyn read an extract from Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk To Freedom.
The Prime Minister said: “For the past 25 years, Doreen and Neville have fought heroically to ensure that their son’s life and death will never be forgotten.”
Reacting to the announcement of the annual commemoration last night, the murdered teenager’s 76-year-old father Neville said: “That is one of the best things I have heard for years.
“I think I will sleep peacefully in my bed tonight.”