Mum of Manchester Arena bombing victim in 200- mile walk to Downing Street
THE mother of Manchester Arena bombing victim Martyn Hett started a 200- mile walk from the venue to Downing Street yesterday to demand the introduction of stronger protections against terrorism in public places.
Martyn’s Law, named in tribute to the 29- year- old who was one of 22 people killed at the end of an Ariana Grande concert in May 2017, would require venues and local authorities in the UK to have training requirements and preventative plans against terror attacks.
Figen Murray, Mr Hett’s mother, has long campaigned for the introduction of the law, which has yet to get beyond draft stage.
She was set to be joined by family and friends, politicians, security industry experts, and members of the public over 16 days as she walks from the spot where her son was killed to Downing Street. She will arrive on May 22, the seventh anniversary of his death.
Ms Murray said her “life changed overnight” when her son was killed in the attack.
“Martyn’s death could have been avoided if there were basic security measures in place that night and that is why I have been tirelessly campaigning to ensure no parent experiences the pain and loss that I endure daily,” she said.
Yesterday morning, Ms Murray was joined by Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and former counterterrorism police chief Nick Aldworth, as well as Mr Hett’s friends Russell Hayward and Mikey Keating at the AO Arena in central Manchester.
Ms Murray has written to Rishi Sunak and asked him to meet her when she arrives at Downing Street and to name a date when the Government’s draft law will come to the House of Commons.
Since her son’s death, she has obtained a masters degree in counter- terrorism and received an OBE.
A Home Office spokesperson said: “As set out in the King’s Speech, we are committed to bringing in Martyn’s Law – legislation that will better protect the public from terror attacks, and we are grateful to Figen Murray for her tireless support of this issue.”