Mother of Manchester Arena attack victim will walk to Downing Street to demand a new law | UK News

Martyn’s Law, named after 29-year-old Martyn Hett, would require venues and local authorities in the UK to have training requirements and preventive plans against terrorist attacks.

The mother of one of the victims of the Manchester Arena attack will begin a 200-mile walk from where her son was killed to Downing Street to demand greater protections against terrorism.

Martyn’s Law, named after 29-year-old Martyn Hett, one of the 22 people killed in the attack 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 terrorist attacks.

Hett’s mother Figen Murray, who has campaigned for the introduction of the law, will be joined by family and friends, politicians, security industry experts and members of the public during the 16-day walk.

He will arrive at Downing Street on May 22, the seventh anniversary of his son’s death.

Murray said his “life changed overnight” when his son was killed.

“Martyn’s death could have been prevented if basic safety measures had been put in place that night and that is why I have been campaigning tirelessly to ensure that no parent experiences the pain and loss that I endure every day,” she said.

She will be joined this morning by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and former Counter Terrorism Police Chief Nick Aldworth, as well as Hett’s friends, at the AO Arena in central Manchester.

You will then begin the 186-mile walk to Downing Street, visiting memorials to victims of terrorist attacks along the way to pay your respects.

“I am walking from the spot where my son died to 10 Downing Street to remind the Prime Minister of his commitment to introduce legislation that will improve safety and security in public places,” Ms Murray said.

“The campaign for Martyn’s Law has already been a long journey, I hope this walk is the last leg. All I ask is that the Prime Minister keeps his promise.”

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Ms Murray has written to Rishi Sunak asking him to meet her when he arrives at Downing Street.

He also asked him to give a date when Martyn’s Bill, which was a commitment in the Conservative manifesto in 2019 but has not yet passed the draft stage, will reach the House of Commons.