Arena atrocity changed my life forever
MOTHER OF ARENA BOMB VICTIM MARTYN HETT RECEIVES HER OBE
THE MOTHER of Manchester Arena bombing victim Martyn Hett spoke of her determination ‘to make our young people more understanding and resilient to extremist influences’ as she accepted an OBE at Buckingham Palace.
Figen Murray – who has successfully campaigned for greater security at venues since the atrocity – said the investiture ceremony was a ‘special day’ for her family after the terror attack in May, 2017 ‘changed my life forever.’ She received her OBE for her work and services in the realm of counter-terrorism.
Since Martyn’s death, mum-offive Figen achieved a Master’s degree in counter-terrorism and has successfully lobbied the government to make public spaces and venues safer through Martyn’s Law.
The government’s ‘Protect Duty’ was announced during the Queen’s Speech earlier this month.
The draft Protect Duty Bill was one of 38 Bills announced in the package, following long delays to a period of public consultation due to the coronavirus pandemic. Under the proposals, venues would have a legal duty to devise and provide specific security plans for a terror attack.
Private and public owners of venues and sites currently have no obligation to act on free advice given to them from specialist counter-terrorism advisers about threats of a terrorist attack and how to mitigate the risk. The announcement said, in the wake of the Arena bombing, the legislation would introduce new requirements for certain public locations and venues to draw up plans to respond to terrorism.
The proposed Bill has still got to go through various stages in the House of Commons - a first reading and a second reading - as well as pass through the House of Lords before it becomes law. But the announcement is being heralded as a huge step forward for the Martyn’s Law campaign.
After accepting her OBE from Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, Figen, 60, from Poynton, said there was ‘still work to be done’ over public safety. She said: “Today is a special day for my family and I am incredibly humbled and honoured to have been awarded an OBE. The Manchester Arena attack changed my life forever and I know my son Martyn would be touched by all of the work I am doing in memory of him.
“Whilst the bomber sought to spread hatred and division that night, I am determined to share the values that Martyn held so close to his heart – love, kindness and tolerance – to make our young people more understanding and resilient to extremist influences.
“But there is also work to be done around safety at public places and venues. We should all be able to enjoy attending these venues in the knowledge that we are protected against potential terrorist attacks.
“I am grateful that the government announced plans to introduce
Martyn’s Law into legislation earlier this year and I want to use this opportunity to thank the government for all the work that goes into creating this important piece of legislation.
“We have an opportunity before us to set the world leading standards and legislation that will provide organisations, businesses and their employees the training and tools to prevent future terror attacks and keep the public safe. I look forward to working closely with the government to ensure this happens.”
Much-loved PR manager Martyn, 29, was from Stockport – one of 22 killed in the terror attack after an Ariana Grande concert.
Salman Abedi, 22, detonated a device in a rucksack as crowds left the Arena. Sixty three people were also seriously injured, with 111 taken to hospital. Hashem Abedi, 24, the bomber’s brother, was jailed for life for the 22 murders.