Manchester Arena bombing victim Martyn Hett has inspired a proposed law to protect entertainment venues from terrorists.
The tough new rules are set to be recommended in a government report after a campaign by his mum Figen Murray, who said it would be "a victory for his legacy" and that action is needed "now before it is too late".
The news comes days after the concert massacre in Moscow which left 137 dead. The Home Office document is expected to lay out measures such as venue staff needing counter-terror training, bosses carrying out stringent risk analysis inside and outside premises and, in some cases, beefing up electronic security such as metal detectors. The proposals are set to form the basis of Martyn’s Law, named after Figen’s son, one of the 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017.
Figen Murray, the mother of Arena bomb victim Martyn Hett, says action is needed now (Manchester Evening News.)Figen, 62, is backing the expected measures in the report. She said: “ISIS has shown in Moscow they’re still a huge threat. We have to move quickly to shore up our defences against terror.
“We are living in one of the most dangerous times for terror. It has not been this bad since 2017 and the wave of awful attacks we saw that year. Any day now we will get a response from the long consultation on Martyn’s Law, which needs to be implemented immediately to safeguard this country against the wave of terror which I fear is sweeping Europe.
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“The attack in Moscow knocked me sideways. It devastated me, brought everything back. There were so many similarities to the one that killed Martyn.” She added: “We need this law now. To know other that people’s children are safer because of what we have done would bring me great solace. We have fought so hard and for so long.
Bomber Salman Abedi at Victoria Station making his way to Manchester Arena before the 2017 attack (PA)“When the bill is passed it will be one hell of a party. I think if Martyn could come down for one day it would be for that day, to celebrate with us.” She added: “Martyn was a force of nature. He was the life and soul of a party and would want everyone to be safe at a party.
“Martyn’s Law will be the ultimate victory for his legacy, as it will save lives. I feel like this victory is getting closer. I urge the Government to honour him and do what this country needs and enshrine Martyn’s Law as fast as they can to protect us all.”
The final stage of the Government consultation into the new laws finished last week. It looked at areas such as security on entering venues and the relationship between venues and councils.
The Moscow terror attack left 137 people dead (Anadolu via Getty Images)All stages of the consultation will be compiled and the recommendations will be fully debated by MPs with the expectation that the changes could become law in the near future. Martyn, 29, was at the Ariana Grande concert when Islamist suicide bomber Salman Abedi committed the atrocity.
Figen said: “Martyn was the light in every room, the funniest, most loving man you’ll meet. I can still hear his raucous laugh. When he died, part of me did too.
Figen said her son Martyn was the 'funniest, most loving man you’ll meet' (PA)“In that situation, you fall away or you fight – you try to react to make a positive change with your loved one in mind and that’s what I did. Martyn died on May 22 and I urge MPs to make it a priority to get the law passed before that date this year.”
Figen wrote to Rishi Sunak this week urging a fast-tracking of the law after the Moscow massacre last week. But she says she is yet to have any response from Mr Sunak, adding: “It is frustrating it’s taken so long while we are watching terrorists prey on venues. Why has it taken five years to implement this law?”
Figen has spread her message. She has visited those affected by terror attacks in nations such as New Zealand and the US. Other countries may adopt versions of Martyn’s Law. Figen, a former counsellor who now is a full time anti-terror campaigner, said: “I’ve been told the White House is watching what we are doing with interest. I’ve been bestowed titles… I have a doctorate and an OBE but my job title is simple – Martyn’s mum. I also know it’s really important to speak to young kids in schools about the dangers of radicalisation.
“It drives me knowing that each time I meet a class I may be preventing another Salman Abedi. Next year I will have met 30,000 children in person.”
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After Moscow, Figen says she worries there could be a 'wave of terror' across Europe (Getty Images)Last week in Moscow members of ISIS-K planted bombs and gunned down concert goers before torching the venue. Figen, who like her son is from Manchester, said: “What scares me is that terrorists influence other terrorist cells.
“Just look at 2017, the Westminster Bridge attack happened in March that year and a series of other attacks followed weeks after. It worries me that we could see a wave of terror across Europe this year.”
An issue with tougher security at venues is the question of who will pay for it. Figen has suggested big music venues could add a 50p tax to tickets to help them fund the changes. Visit figenmurray.co.uk to support her.
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