Manchester Arena bombing victim’s mother feels ‘misled’ by Rishi Sunak over law change

The mother of a man who died in the Manchester Arena bomb attack said she felt “misled” by Rishi Sunak over proposed plans to bring stronger protection against terror attacks in public places.

Figen Murray has consistently advocated for change in UK law since the death of her son Martyn Hett in 2017. He was one of 22 people who lost their lives when a suicide bomber detonated a device as fans were leaving an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester.

Martyn’s Law, which Murray championed, would require venues and local authorities to have adequate prevention plans and training requirements against terrorist attacks.

Ms Murray met Sunak on Wednesday (May 22) just hours before calling a general election for July 4. She completed a 200-mile walk to Downing Street in her son’s memory to coincide with the anniversary of the attack.

After meeting with Sunak, she said she assured him she would introduce Martyn’s Law to Parliament before the summer recess, but that she could not guarantee the legislation would be passed before the next election.

While both the Conservatives and Labor are working to determine what laws can be passed before the end of Parliament today (May 24), it appears unlikely that the law will be passed.

Talking to Good morning Great BritainMs Murray said: “During the meeting we shook hands, he actually agreed, he promised to bring it to Parliament before the summer recess but he couldn’t guarantee it would be done by the next election general.

“We shook hands and he looked me straight in the eye, so I don’t feel like I was lied to because at that point he knew what he was going to do later that day, but he must have been in a very difficult position . However, they could have done it slightly differently. I feel a little more misled than lied to.”

She added: “He’s certainly behind the legislation and I had a phone conversation 18 months ago where he said he absolutely fully supports the legislation, it’s a great idea and he’s going to support it.”

Backing the plan, Labor leader Keir Starmer previously said: “If time is allocated after the next recess, we will work constructively with the government to ensure this bill is passed quickly. You will remember the promise you made to Figen Murray in December 2022 to implement this legislation. I urge you to work with us to fulfill this promise without delay. The victims and their families deserve nothing less.”