The mother of one of the victims of the Manchester Arena bombing will begin a 200-mile walk from the site where her son was killed to Downing Street to demand stronger protections against terrorism.
Martyn’s Law, named after 29-year-old Martyn Hett, who was one of 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 preventive plans against terrorist attacks.
Figen Murray, Mr Hett’s mother, who 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.
She will arrive at Downing Street on May 22, the seventh anniversary of her son’s death.
Ms Murray said her “life changed overnight” when her son was killed.
“Martyn’s death could have been prevented if there had been basic safety measures in place that night and that is why I have campaigned tirelessly to ensure no parent experiences the pain and loss I endure on a daily basis,” she said.
This morning she will be joined 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.
She will then begin the 300-kilometre walk to Downing Street, visiting memorials to victims of terrorist attacks along the way to pay her respects.
“I am walking from the place where my son died to 10 Downing Street to remind the Prime Minister of his commitment to introducing legislation that improves safety and security in public places,” Murray said.
“The campaign for Martyn’s Law has already been a long journey, I hope this journey is the final stage. All I ask is that the Prime Minister keeps his promise.”
See more information:
Injured survivors of Manchester Arena bombing sue MI5
Could MI5 have prevented the Manchester bombing?
Security failures at Manchester Arena
Murray wrote to Rishi Sunak to ask him to meet her when she arrived at Downing Street.
She also asked him to name a date by which Martyn’s Law, which was a commitment in the Conservative manifesto in 2019 but has not yet passed draft stage, will reach the House of Commons.
This story originally appeared on News.sky.com read the full story
