Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has personally contacted the mother of a Manchester Arena bomb victim who is also crafting legislation designed to improve security at public venues.
Figen Murray, whose son Martyn Hett died in the 2017 terror attack, received a phone call from the PM before Christmas to thank her for her “tireless” working in drafting Protect Duty, also known as “Martyn’s Law”.
Mrs Murray got the call from Mr Sunak after she had appealed to him personally via a social media post to get in touch.
Martyn’s Law in its draft legislation stage is due to be considered by Parliament this year, possibly as early as March.
Mrs Murray had stepped up the pressure on politicians as she was concerned the law may be watered down or left open to interpretation, rendering it ineffective.
Martyn’s Law would make requirements of venues to implement security, safety and training measures and face hefty fines for breaches.
Mrs Murray wants the law to have the same standing as Health and Safety legislation or the recently introduced GDPR.
The campaign has picked up pace in recent months since security expert and SJUK columnist Philip Ingram MBE brokered a meeting between the recently-appointed security minister Tom Tugendhat at the International Security Expo (ISE) last September.
Mrs Murray felt confident Mr Tugendhat and his boss, Home Secretary Suella Braverman, were taking the legislation seriously.
The PM said: “I spoke to Figen Murray…to thank her for her tireless work to make venues safer through Martyn’s Law.
“She is an inspiration and I am committed to delivering this vital legislation in tribute to Martyn’s memory.”
Mr Hett, 29, was one of 22 people killed when s alone bomber set off his device as concert-goers left an Ariana Grande gig in May 2017.
Mrs Murray said: “Common-sense security in public venues – big or small – could mean fewer suffer what myself and the families of Manchester have had to endure.
“Now we need urgent action to get this into place. I hope that this law will now be introduced in the current session of parliament so we can get this done as soon as possible.”
She Tweeted: “We will continue to work with the government to make this legislation a reality and embed it. Thanks also to the amazing Home Office team who work so hard.”
Mrs Murray is pictured here with Mrs Braverman and her minister Mr Tugendhat.