The mother of a Manchester Arena bombing victim will end her 200-mile walk to Downing Street today (May 22), demanding that the UK introduces stronger protections against terrorism in public places.
Figen Murray is making the push for the change in UK law following the death of her son Martyn Hett in 2017. He was one of 22 people who tragically lost their lives after an explosion happened at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester.
Fans were leaving the show when a bomb was detonated by a suicide bomber in a public foyer. The lone attacker died in the explosion from what is said to be a homemade bomb. The bomber has since been named and ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack.
She has walked for more than two weeks to reach Downing Street today, and set off from the AO Arena – where the attack took place – on May 7.
Her campaign is for Martyn’s Law, and would require venues and local authorities across the country to have training requirements and preventative plans against terror attacks.
“Martyn’s death could have been avoided if there were basic security measures in place that night and that is why I have been tirelessly campaigning to ensure no parent experiences the pain and loss that I endure daily,” she said (via BBC News).
“I want to people to be aware that they are not safe, so it is not just the walk to London to see Rishi Sunak the Prime Minister, it is an awareness campaign,” she added.
The push became a commitment that the Conservative Party made in 2019, but has been criticised last summer for the impact that it could have on small businesses.
“I want to sit in front of the Prime Minister, look him in the eye and say you need to keep your promise that you gave to me in 2022, that was 18 months ago,” Murray added. “He did say at the time I can’t get the legislation through for the 6th anniversary but I’ll do it as soon as we can and we are now nearing the 7th anniversary that’s long enough and it is time to activate this legislation.”
Today (May 22) marks exactly seven years since the tragic incident took place, and two separate minutes of silence are taking place in Manchester to pay tribute to those who were killed in the attack.
A huge Manchester drone display had also been scheduled for tonight, but has now been called off due to weather issues.
In response to the comments and push for legislative change from Figen Murray, a spokesperson for the Home Office said that the government is still looking to make a change in law.
“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,” they said (via BBC).
“It is important that our new law stands the test of time and is a fitting tribute to those who have campaigned for it. That is why we have consulted on how we can protect the public without putting unnecessary burdens on smaller businesses.
“We are now in the final stages of drafting this legislation, and it will be brought in as soon as possible.”
The comments made by Murray align with similar sentiments shared by Paul Hett, father of Martyn Hett victim back in 2021.
“This inquiry has rightly found that we were failed by them on every level… This atrocity should and could have been prevented, and 22 people would not have lost their lives,” he said following a public inquiry into the attacks.
In the report, it was said that there were missed opportunities to minimise the “devastating impact” of the attack.
To remember the victims, Nickelback teamed up with The Lottery Winners earlier this month for a live cover of Oasis’ ‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’ in the city.
The Canadian rockers kicked off the UK leg of their ‘Get Rollin’ world tour last week (May 16) with The Lottery Winners serving as opening support. On Monday (May 20), the two bands performed a rendition of Oasis’ 1996 hit track in Manchester’s AO Arena for the victims.
“I just want to dedicate this to the 22 Manchester bees. Forever buzzing,” Thom Rylance told the crowd before jumping into the song.
