Safety law delay puts lives at risk says Arena blast victim’s mother
THE GRIEVING mother of a Manchester Arena bombing victim has warned the public are at risk from delays to new venue safety laws amid a merry-go-round of ministers.
Martyn Hett, 29, was one of 22 innocents killed when suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated a device at the end of an Ariana Grande concert in May 2017.
Devoted mother Figen Murray has campaigned for a Martyn’s Law, which would require public venues to take measures to safeguard customers from potential attacks.
This year, the Government announced plans for a “protect duty” for venues, the manifestation of Martyn’s Law, but no legislation has been tabled. Protect duty is anti-terrorism legislation designed to ensure the public is better shielded from a “diverse and continually evolving” terror threat.
But Ms Murray said: “I keep getting told we have the support of the Government, yet legislation is being consistently delayed.
“Martyn’s Law would save lives and every day it’s not in place is another day we are putting the public at risk. I have now met five different security ministers, all of whom have said how important it is and how imminent the legislation is.
“Yet over five years on from the attack, we are yet to see it. We are now hearing rumours that some in Government are trying to water it down so it would pass in name only.”
Nick Aldworth, former UK Counter Terrorism national co-ordinator, said: “Myself and other senior police officers were calling for this legislation within days of the Manchester Arena attack. It’s time for that experienced view to be listened to and survivors and victims to be respected.”
Security minister Tom Tugendhat said: “I am working hard with officials to bring forward this important legislation as soon as possible.”
Andrew Roussos, the father of the youngest victim, says his daughter was “badly let down by the emergency services”.
He said the emergency services should have “sleepless nights” over the way they reacted.
Saffie-Rose Roussos, aged eight, reached the hospital 52 minutes after the bomb was detonated.