Stephen Lawrence Day to be held annually on anniversary of teen's murder

Stephen Lawrence Day is to be held on April 22 every year to remember the murdered teenager, Theresa May has announced.

The anniversary of the 18-year-old’s death will be a national commemoration of his life and legacy and was hailed by his family as an opportunity for young people to use their voices.

The prime minister was joined by public figures including Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle at a memorial service marking the 25th anniversary of Stephen's murder at St Martin-in-the-Fields church in central London.

Mrs May 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.

"Their dignity, their courage and their sheer determination are an inspiration to us all.”

She said the Government would work with the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust to establish the lasting legacy in his name, 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."

The Prince, who met Stephen's mother and brother Stuart before the service, delivered a personal message of support to the family from his father, the Prince of Wales, who in 2000 gave the annual Stephen Lawrence Memorial Lecture

He told the congregation: "'I remember vividly the profound shock that I felt at his senseless murder, a feeling shared by so many people across this country and beyond.

"'I remember, too, just how deeply moved I was by the determination of Stephen's family to build something positive from the tragedy they endured and to ensure that Stephen's story did not end with despair, but continued with hope.

"'A quarter of a century later, we can only imagine the man who Stephen would have become, and just how his extraordinary potential might have been fulfilled."'

The Prince said that the Lawrence family had honoured him with everything they had done in his name and the changes they had instigated.

Stephen's mother Doreen, now a peer sitting in the Lords, said: "I feel honoured she 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.”

Baroness Lawrence thanked those who had helped her achieve all she has and said that after 25 years "it is time to draw a line".

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."

The Macpherson report accused the Metropolitan Police of being "institutionally racist" following its flawed investigation into the murder.

After a lengthy campaign for justice by Stephen's parents, David Norris and Gary Dobson were found guilty of murder in 2012, but of the other suspects, three remain at large.