Minister’s vow on Martyn’s Law
THE government is ‘100 per cent’ committed to making ‘Martyn’s Law’ a reality across the whole of the UK, a minister has said.
Martyn Hett’s mother, Figen Murray, has fought tirelessly alongside campaigners for tougher security checks in public venues after the Manchester Arena terrorism atrocity in May, 2017.
Her son Martyn, 29 – a much-loved PR manager from Stockport – was one of the 22 people who died in the attack.
Earlier this week, Manchester council was the first to announce ‘Martyn’s Law’ would be enshrined in future licensing regulations across the region.
The council said it was developing a ‘scheme of best practice’ among licensed venues, and exploring ways to implement Martyn’s Law.
Now, in a breakthrough for Figen and campaigners, Security Minister Brandon Lewis has said the government is ‘100 per cent’ committed to making ‘Martyn’s Law’ a reality across the UK.
This means that tougher ‘airportstyle’ security checks could be introduced at public venues.
Writing in the Mail on Sunday, Mr Lewis said: “We are working quickly to come up with a solution that will honour Martyn’s memory and all of those affected by terrorism.
“I am pleased that last week Manchester City Council announced new licensing rules, but we are committed to going further and making Martyn’s Law a reality for all public venues across the UK.”
No timetable has set by the Government yet.
Martyn’s Law – championed by the Manchester Evening News – has five requirements:
■ A requirement that spaces and places to which the public have access engage with freely available counter-terrorism advice and training.
■ A requirement for those places to conduct vulnerability assessments of their operating places and spaces.
■ To mitigate the risks created by the vulnerabilities.
■ To have a counter-terrorism plan.
■ A requirement for local authorities to plan for the threat of terrorism.
Councillor Nigel Murphy, deputy town hall leader, said: “The tireless work carried out by Figen is a fitting tribute to not just the memory of her son Martyn, but to all of the other victims of the Manchester terror attack.”
Ms Murray said: “It feels like a recognition and deep respect for the bereaved families and the hundreds of injured people. I am certain that Martyn’s Law will save lives through the council applying simple common sense.”