Martyn’s Law Walk from Manchester to Downing Street

07 May 2024

The mother of Martyn Hett, who was killed in the Manchester Arena terror attack in 2017, is leading a 300-mile walk from Manchester Arena to Downing Street to campaign for Martyn’s Law to be introduced to parliament.

Martyn’s Law, also known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, is the result of an inquiry into the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing in which 22 people were killed. The bill proposes tighter security measures for venues to mitigate the risk to the public following a terrorist attack. These proposed measures include mandatory terrorism protection training, risk assessment and mitigation, and maintaining security plans. The requirements will be classified according to the capacity of the venue: sites with a capacity of between 100-799 people will be subject to the standard requirements and those with a capacity of more than 800 will be placed in the enhanced tier.

Figen Murray OBE has written to the Prime Minister asking him to meet her when she arrives in Downing Street and to set a date for the Bill to come to the House of Commons. Martyn’s Law has yet to be introduced in parliament, despite assurances from several prime ministers and secretaries of state over the past five years.

“Martyn’s death could have been avoided if basic safety measures had been in place that night and that is why I have campaigned tirelessly to ensure that no parent faces the pain and loss that I endure every day.”

– Figen Murray OBE

Martyn’s Law campaigner and mother of Martyn Hett

May 22 – Seven years since the Manchester Arena terror attack

Figen will be joined by family and friends, as well as politicians, security industry professionals and members of the public. The 16-day walk, which starts on May 7, means the group will arrive at 10 Downing Street on May 22, the seventh anniversary of the Manchester Arena terror attack. She will start the walk at the site where Martyn was killed and make a statement alongside Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and former Counter-Terrorism Chief Superintendent Nick Aldworth, as well as contributions from Martyn’s friends Russell Hayward and Mikey Keating.

During the walk, Figen will visit the sites of terrorist attacks, including The Glad of Light in Manchester, the 7/7 Memorial in London and Westminster Bridge.

Figen said: “My life changed overnight when my son Martyn was killed in the Manchester Arena terror attack. Martyn’s death could have been avoided if basic safety measures had been in place that night and that is why I have campaigned tirelessly to ensure that no parent experiences the pain and loss that I endure every day.

“I am walking from 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.

“The campaign for Martyns 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”

Former Counter Terrorism Chief Superintendent Nick Aldworth, added: “As a former senior police officer I am not a natural campaigner and I never thought I would join a protest march from Manchester to London. But if you knew as much about the terrorist threat as I do, you’d do whatever it takes to put Martyn’s Law over the line.

Image: A photograph of 10 Downing Street. Image credit: Shutterstock

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published May 7, 2024

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