‘Airport’ style security at gigs to beat terror
A GRIEVING mother’s mission to protect the public from terror attacks will see airport-style security set up at concert halls, sports stadiums and other entertainment venues.
Figen Murray’s campaign for Martyn’s Law, in memory of the son she lost in the Manchester Arena bombing three years ago, has convinced the UK Government to announce new regulations at the end of this month, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.
They will require venues and councils to ramp up measures to prevent terrorist atrocities.
The new powers are named after Martyn Hett, 29, one of the 22 victims of suicide bomber Salman Abedi at an Ariana Grande concert in May 2017.
The PR manager’s death prompted Mrs Murray, 58, from Stockport, to campaign for greater public protection. Now Martyn’s Law has backing from Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Home Secretary Priti Patel and Security Minister Brandon Lewis. The Home Office will hire hundreds more counter-terrorism experts to advise large-venue operators on what measures to take.
Last week, Manchester City Council became the first local authority to voluntarily introduce Martyn’s Law, a move welcomed by Mrs Murray. ‘I know for a fact it will save lives and families will be saved the heartache we have gone through,’ she said.
Among the 22 people killed in the Manchester bombing was 14-year-old Eilidh MacLeod, from Barra. The teenager was attending the concert with friend Laura MacIntyre, who was badly injured.