Long-awaited legislation aimed at preventing a repeat of the Manchester Arena bombing has finally been put forward.
Martyn’s Law, named in memory of Martyn Hett – who was among the 22 innocent victims – will require venues with a capacity of over 200 to have plans to prevent terror attacks. Martyn’s mum Figen Murray welcomed the Bill after Keir Starmer said it was a top priority.
Ms Murray, who has campaigned tirelessly for change since the 2017 atrocity said: “Today means we are one step closer to making public spaces safer for everyone. It is also hugely important for my family that Martyn’s Law will be on the statute book ahead of the next anniversary of Martyn’s death.” It follows years of broken promises by the former Tory Government.
Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said: “Martyn’s Law has been a long time coming. I want to pay tribute to Figen Murray and her campaign team who have tirelessly worked to make this happen.
“This legislation will strengthen public safety, help protect staff and the public from terrorism and ensure we learn the lessons from the terrible Manchester Arena attack and the inquiry that followed. It is important we now take this forward through Parliament in Martyn’s memory and to help keep people safe.”
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MEN MEDIA)
In May, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak promised to bring in the law – hours before calling a General Election meaning it was delayed for months.
Nick Aldworth, former national counter-terrorism co-ordinator, said: “After five years’ of campaigning, today marks a significant step for Martyn’s Law, and I welcome the speed at which the new Government has acted to introduce the Bill to parliament. It is important that as the law comes into force we continue to listen to security experts and ensure the threshold is set to protect as many people and public venues as possible.”
Martyn died after suicide bomber Salman Abedi targeted crowds outside an Ariana Grande concert on May 22, 2017. More than 1,000 people were injured in the blast.
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The Home Office said the level of restrictions venues are required to take will depend on their capacity. Those that can accomodate over 800 will have to put in place measures such as CCTV or hiring more security staff.
Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Matt Jukes, said: “Through Martyn’s Law we can ensure that the public have additional protection from terrorist attacks while at events and public venues. Counter Terrorism Policing welcomes today’s Bill and we look forward to seeing it progress through Parliament.
“We’re all inspired by and motivated by the experience of victims and survivors. Figen Murray has campaigned tirelessly for Martyn’s Law and it’s thanks to her unwavering determination that we are one step closer to ensuring the public has additional protection in the form of this legislation. We will continue to work with the public, with businesses, and with the government to ensure that when a terrorist attack takes place we have the right mitigations in place that will prevent other families from experiencing those tragedies.”
Brendan Cox, co-founder of Survivors Against Terror said: “Survivors of terror attacks aren’t looking for sympathy – they are looking for change that makes it less likely that others will endure what they have. Today is a major breakthrough following years of campaigning led by Martyn’s fearless mum Figen and backed by hundreds of other survivors of terror attacks. Almost eight years after the Manchester attack, it will finally close the security loopholes that put us all at risk.”