The attacks in Moscow knocked me sideways
ARENA BOMBING VICTIM’S MUM AND CAMPAIGNER SAYS ISIS REMAINS HUGE THREAT
THE MUM of Manchester Arena bombing victim Martyn Hett said a terror attack at a music venue in Moscow ‘knocked her sideways.’
Figen Murray – who has been campaigning for a new law to protect entertainment venues from terrorists since the 2017 atrocity – said the attack at the Crocus City Hall in Russia ‘brought everything back’ and shows that ISIS remain a ‘huge threat.’ She spoke as the final government consultation into Martyn’s Law finished last week.
All stages of the consultation will now be compiled and the recommendations will be fully debated by MPs, with the expectation that the changes could become law in the near future. Figen, 62, said that the law is ‘needed now before it’s too late.’
Figen said: “ISIS has shown in Moscow they’re still a huge threat. We have to move quickly to shore up our defences against terror. We are living in one of the most dangerous times for terror. It has not been this bad since 2017 and the wave of awful attacks we saw that year.
“Any day now we will get a response from the long consultation on Martyn’s Law, which needs to be implemented immediately to safeguard this country against the wave of terror which I fear is sweeping Europe.
“The attack in Moscow knocked me sideways. It devastated me, brought everything back.
“There were so many similarities to the one that killed Martyn.”
Figen added: “We need this law now. To know other that people’s children are safer because of what we have done would bring me great solace.
“We have fought so hard and for so long. When the bill is passed it will be one hell of a party. I think if Martyn could come down for one day it would be for that day, to celebrate with us.” She said: “Martyn was a force of nature. He was the life and soul of a party and would want everyone to be safe at a party.
“Martyn’s Law will be the ultimate victory for his legacy, as it will save lives. I feel like this victory is getting closer.
“I urge the government to honour him and do what this country needs and enshrine Martyn’s Law as fast as they can to protect us all.”
The terror attack in Moscow left 137 people dead and more than 180 injured. An affiliate of terror group, the so-called Islamic State, also known as Daesh and Isis, has claimed responsibility. Martyn was killed, aged 29, alongside 21 others by suicide bomber Salman Abedi in the Manchester Arena terror attack at an Ariana Grande concert in May 2017. Under Martyn’s Law, venues will be placed under a legal duty to draw up specific security plans for any terror attack.
This week, Figen wrote to Rishi Sunak urging a fast-tracking of the law after the Moscow massacre.
She said she is yet to receive a response from the Prime Minister. “It is frustrating it’s taken so long while we are watching terrorists prey on venues.”
We are living in one of the most dangerous times for terror Figen Murray