NOVEMBER | FEATURE
Taking ‘ Martyn ’ s Law ’ to the next level
With an independent inquiry into the Manchester Arena terrorist attack ongoing , Access talks to the mother of bombing victim Martyn Hett about her hopes for the inquiry and the government-backed proposed legislation that has become known as ‘ Martyn ’ s Law ’. We also hear from Nick Aldworth , a former counter terrorism national coordinator , about the long process involved in helping to bring Martyn ’ s Law to the brink of it becoming legislation .
Words : Christopher Barrett
Since her son Martyn was murdered in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack on 22 May 2017 , Figen Murray has staged a long , determined and impressive campaign for improved security at venues . Along the way she has won many supporters , not least the government .
Murray explains that ‘ Martyn ’ s Law ’ was created with the aim of achieving a coherent and proportionate approach to security at venues of all sizes , one that should not be cost prohibitive . For small venues it could just mean an addition to the fire plan , for bigger more complex venues it would require a more holistic approach .
She says , “ I wouldn ’ t ask a small cafe or theatre to have airport-style security but I would expect theatres to have bag searches , and a cafe to at least have a risk assessment to make sure that if somebody comes through the front door to attack customers that staff know how to get people out quickly and safely .”
Murray has been told that due to the weight of the evidence involved , the Manchester Arena Inquiry could run until May . It started on 7 September . She is hoping the inquiry will result in the recommendation that ‘ Martyn ’ s Law ’ is passed into legislation .
“ It would be devastating for me and the other victims ’ families if the inquiry process was forced to come to a halt due to Covid-19 ,” she says .
Just as the virus is threatening to temporarily derail the inquiry , the Covid-19 lockdown measures introduced in March saw the start of a planned ‘ Martyn ’ s Law ’ government consultation process – the first step toward it becoming law – postponed .
“ The consultation is meant to start again soon but I have a feeling Covid-19 is going to get in the way and delay it yet again ,” says Murray .
Having spoken at numerous conferences , Murray has found the security industry and events organisers to be very supportive of ‘ Martyn ’ s Law ’: “ How can you not be ? It is complete common sense , it is not expensive , and it will help to save lives . Even if it results in slightly higher ticket prices , as a mother I would happily pay an extra £ 2 or £ 3 as a security levy .”
Below : Figen Murray Right : Manchester Arena
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