‘Venue security’ crusade
MUM OF BOMB VICTIM WANTS CHECKS BEEFED UP AT PUBLIC BUILDINGS
THE mother of Martyn Hett, who lost his life in the Manchester Arena bombing, has launched an impassioned campaign for increased security procedures at all large-scale public venues.
Figen Murray has submitted an online petition to the Government which is currently in the process of being verified before going live.
The campaign, which Figen said was partly the result of her own experiences at busy venues since the concert bombing, hopes to attract 100,000 signatories to force a debate on the issue in Parliament.
She claimed her bag and tickets were not checked at a recent concert at The Lowry at Salford Quays. Lowry bosses responded by saying their building is public, with many areas not ‘ticketed,’ adding that ‘security officers are on duty in the foyer at all times.’
The campaign comes after a report into the Arena attack by Parliamentary watchdog the Intelligence and Security Committee suggested counter-terrorism training could be provided to qualified stewards at venues like the Arena.
The report even hinted at possible new legislation to force government to engage more with the owners of often crowded public venues over security.
Figen said she wanted ‘Martyn’s Law’ - the mandatory use of metal detectors and bag searches at public venues - to safeguard the public from future attacks.
“The aim of the campaign is standardisation,” she told the M.E.N. “It should be a legal requirement - standardisation across the board of metal detectors and full bag searches.
“People make assumptions that venues always check tickets, bags and offer full security checks, but I think the learning from Manchester has not been done. Lessons, in some cases, have not been learned.
“It has to be more than venues like the Arena - theatres and multi-screen cinemas should be involved. Our right as customers is to be kept safe.
“The more people who know about this campaign and sign the petition the better. We are determined to have this discussion in Parliament. It is so, so important to everyone.,” said Figen.
“Nonetheless, we support Government’s efforts to ensure that those working at major venues are trained to spot suspicious activity.”