Mother on march to No 10 over terror law
THE mother of Manchester Arena bombing victim Martyn Hett has started a 200-mile walk from the spot where her son died as part of a campaign for stronger protections against terrorism.
Figen Murray set off from the arena at 11am yesterday and will spend the next 16 days walking to Downing Street, where she hopes to look Prime Minister Rishi Sunak “in the eye” and call for the implementation of Martyn’s Law.
The 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.
Ms Murray said she had waited 18 months since Mr Sunak told her in a phone call that he was supportive of the legislation, which has yet to get beyond draft stage.
She said: “In that conversation he told me he’s absolutely supportive of the legislation and he said he will sort it out as quickly as possible.
“That was 18 months ago and I feel I’ve been patient and I think 18 months is enough time.”
She said she had written to Mr Sunak to ask for a meeting when she arrives on May 22 – the anniversary of the terror attack.
“I’d be very disappointed if he says no,” she said. “I’m hoping I can sit in front of him, look him in the eye and say ‘make this happen, you promised me 18 months ago’.”
She has also asked the Prime Minister to name a date when the Government’s draft law will come to the House of Commons.
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.
“We are now in the final stages of drafting this legislation.”