Stephen Lawrence memorial service held 20 years after black teenager's murder

Prime Minister David Cameron is just one of a string of high-profile members of the congregation expected to join Doreen Lawrence and her family at St Martin in the Fields Church.

The service will also reflect on the efforts to achieve justice in the years since the black teenager was murdered in a racist attack in Eltham in 1993.

The 18-year-old’s mother Doreen Lawrence, who spearheaded an inquiry which found significant failings in the police force, said: "Stephen was a caring person and did what he could to make others around him feel safe and secure.

“The positiveness of Stephen’s attitude to life and others around him was not replicated on the night of his murder. That is something that my family and I have to live with on a daily basis."

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, Leader of the Opposition Ed Miliband, Home Secretary Theresa May and London Mayor Boris Johnson, and Met Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe will also pay their respects.

Speaking before the ceremony, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said: "Twenty years ago the Lawrence family lost their loved son, Stephen.

"We let them down by not catching his murderers. Then last year we finally brought two of his killers to justice.

"The Met won't forget Stephen Lawrence. His family's experience has had a profound impact on us.

"We police a city of a growing and diverse mix of people and we must never stop looking at ourselves honestly and acknowledging where we need to improve, as we strive to be the best."

The Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust (SLCT), which was set up to campaign for justice and to support young people overcoming discrimination, says not enough has changed in the past two decades since Stephen’s death.

Chair of Trustees at SLCT Symon Sentain said: “While there has been progress in the 20 years since Stephen’s death, not enough has changed.

“Social justice remains the focus of the trust and we will continue to campaign, ensuring the lessons from Stephen’s murder are acted upon. Britain cannot afford to waste talent.

“We need to have an inclusive and diverse workforce and encourage young people to transform their lives, overcome disadvantage and begin ambitious careers as professionals.

“However, in order to do this, government and statutory bodies need to lead the way and ensure that all public policies are fair, inclusive and meet the needs of diverse communities.”

The trust has today revealed its five-point call to action which it believes needs to happen in Britain over the next 20 years.

SLCT's five-point call to action:

1. An awareness that greatness can come from anywhere – Young people, whatever their background, inspired to success because they see people like themselves in senior roles shaping society.

2. A realisation that Britain can’t afford to waste talent – World class businesses succeeding globally because they have an inclusive and diverse work force – recruiting, nurturing and retaining talent from all walks of life, all communities.

3. Government and statutory bodies to lead the way and publish transparent data on the demographics of workers and students to ensure that all public policies are fair, inclusive and meet the needs of diverse communities.

4. Schools, further and higher education to embed race equality into their practice, meeting the Stephen Lawrence Quality in Education standard, so all students have confidence in themselves, their society and their potential for the future.

5. An authoritative pledge should be developed and adopted to recognise the businesses that set the standard for creating a society of opportunity where young people from all communities can meet their full potential.

There will be a series of events to celebrate and mark Stephen’s life and legacy this year, including the SL20 Live Concert, a legacy ball and criminal justice lecture.

To donate to the SL20 events visit justgiving.com/slct/Donate or text 70070 with SLCT 20 followed by an amount - e.g. 'SLCT20 £10'.