Figen Murray, Martyn’s mum, has campaigned to get the bill in her son’s memory passed into law for several years
Momentous anti-terror legislation to protect entertainment venues and the public from mass attacks like the Manchester Arena bombing officially became law today.
After six-and-a-half-years of tireless campaigning, Martyn’s Law – rules to better train staff and safeguard venues against terrorists – was passed by royal assent just after 12pm by the King.
Campaigner Figen Murray – who has driven the law in her son Martyn Hett’s name since he was one of 22 killed in the attack on Ariana Grande fans in May 2017 – hailed the victory as a triumph that would “secure Martyn’s legacy” forever.
Figen told the Mirror : “Whilst nothing can bring Martyn back, this much needed law will secure his legacy and help to prevent more families enduring the pain and loss that mine, alongside 21 others, have experienced since the Manchester Arena terror attack.”
“Collaboration is at the core of Martyn’s Law. As we enter the two-year implementation period (of the law) it is essential that everyone plays their part to ensure that businesses and venues across the country can implement the requirements to better protect the public from terrorism.”
Today, after a gruelling six-and-a-half-year wait, the legislation was read out in the House of Commons before being rubber stamped in the House of Lords.
Martyn’s Law – officially the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill – will require venues with a capacity of over 200 to have plans to prevent terror attacks.
It will enforce mandatory anti-terror training for staff and tighter event security at venues, which includes more vigorous bag checks and body searches.
Those that can accommodate over 800 will have to put in place measures such as CCTV or hiring more security staff. Public venues where 200 to 799 people may gather will have to implement plans to keep people safe in the event of a terror attack happening at or near their location.
Venues now have two years to get up to speed with the changes that Figen insists will “save lives”.
Figen, who came down to Westminster from Manchester to watch the momentous moment and later met Prime Minister Keir Starmer, praised the PM for sticking to his vow to pass the law.
She said: “I’m grateful to the Prime Minister for keeping his promise and for the work the Home Office team has delivered to help us get to this point, but my work is not finished.” She has vowed to make sure the new rules are rolled out efficiently.
Brave Figen, aided by campaigner Brendan Cox – husband of the late MP Jo Cox – and former Met Chief Superintendent Nick Aldworth, made it her life’s goal to change venue’s anti-terror laws after Salman Abedi detonated a bomb at an Ariana Grande concert in 2017, which her son attended. It killed him, 21 others and left more than 1,000 injured.
Brendan, co-founder of Survivors Against Terror, said: “You should never doubt what the courage, bravery and passion of a mother can achieve. This was never a quest for sympathy, it was a desire for change to make us all safer. Today Figen has achieved that, and we all owe her a debt of thanks.”
Nick Aldworth added: “I’m delighted that this legislation now exists, it has been the missing piece of the jigsaw that was needed to complete the UK Counter-Terrorism strategy. I pay tribute to my co-campaigner, Figen Murray whose resilience and determination, while dealing with her own grief and the needs of her family, has made this all possible.”
The passing of the landmark law was also welcomed by leading safety groups.
Emma Kay, co-founder of personal safety app WalkSafe, said: “The passing of Martyn’s Law is a hugely progressive move that will keep young people safe on nights out. At WalkSafe we know how safety on a night out is of paramount importance for all. Our research has shown that 63 per cent of women prefer to visit venues with safety initiatives in place.
“Sadly, today, safety is an issue for the whole community, we all worry whether out in the daytime or enjoying the night time economy in towns and cities. People want safer experiences and to know their friends and loved ones arrive home safely. We want to congratulate Figen Murray and her team on their tireless campaigning.”