Survivors and bereaved families of the Manchester Arena bombing have hit out at government inaction to make venues safer. Their warning comes ahead of the latest inquiry report published later today (Thursday), which is expected to highlight widespread emergency services failures in planning, preparation and response to the terror attack.
Twenty two people were killed and hundreds more injured when Salman Abedi detonated a suicide bomb in the foyer of the Arena following an Ariane Grande concert in May 2017. Figen Murray, whose son Martyn Hett who was killed in the attack, has spearheaded a campaign for a law - dubbed Martyn's Law - that would require public venues to take simple measures to safeguard their customers from potential attack.
In 2019 the government announced its support for the law. It has conducted an extensive consultation and legislation was promised in the last Queen’s speech.
But no law has yet been tabled and there are now rumours that the legislation could be watered down and apply only to the largest venues. Ms Murray said: "I keep getting told we have the support of the government yet legislation is being consistently delayed. Martyn's Law would save lives and every day it's not in place is another day we are putting the public at risk.
"I have now met five different security ministers, all of whom have said how important it is and how imminent the legislation is. Yet over five years on from the attack we are yet to see it.
"We are now hearing rumours that some in government are trying to water it down to such an extent that it would pass in name only. I know that politics has been in turmoil in recent months, but there is no excuse for delaying or weakening legislation that could save thousands of lives."
Martyn's Law would be 'primary legislation to impose a duty upon those who ought to be responsible for the safety of the public when they are in a publicly accessible location'. Under it a duty would be placed on the owners or operators of venues, or public places, to consider terror threats and methodologies, assess the impact attacks could have on them and put in place plans.
Cath Hill, who was at the Arena with her son on the night of the attack and has since set up the Manchester Survivor's choir, said: "We have all been through so much pain in the last five years. One of the few hopes we cling onto is that what happened to us will mean we learn the lessons and protect others.
"But for that to happen the government needs to change their warm words into concrete legislation."
Nick Aldworth, former Detective Chief Superintendent and UK Counter Terrorism national coordinator, said: "I'm frustrated by how long it is taking for the government to fulfil what was a manifesto promise. When you consider that myself and other senior police officers were calling for this legislation within days of the Manchester Arena Attack, it's time for that experienced view to be listened to, and survivors and victims to be respected."
Speaking last week, a Home Office spokesperson said: "Figen Murray has made it her mission to make sure others do not experience the tragedy that her family and many other families have had to endure. The Protect Duty – which she has campaigned tirelessly for – will ensure venues and public spaces put safety and security first.
"We are working hard to bring forward this important piece of legislation as soon as parliamentary time allows."
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