The campaigning mother of Manchester Arena terror attack victim Martyn Hett has welcomed a huge government announcement to push ahead with new a counter terror law in his name.
Figen Murray revealed she received a personal phone call from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to reveal the news that his government would table draft legislation for 'Martyn's Law' in the spring - it will require public venues with a capacity of more than 100 people to introduce training and measures to combat terrorism or face sanctions.
The announcement represents a major victory for Figen who has campaigned for the so-called 'protect duty' since her son was killed, aged 29, alongside 21 others in the Manchester Arena terror attack in May 2017.
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Figen told the M.E.N. she received the surprise phone call from the PM on Thursday morning on what would have been her son's 35th birthday.
She said: "He said 'I believe it's Martyn's birthday today and it must be a difficult day'. It was really nice he acknowledged his birthday which I think somebody in his position didn't have to do. I said that's the best birthday present for Martyn. It was very kind and I was very touched by it."
Figen added: "I did say I would love it if this happened for the 6th anniversary. He said 'I totally get it but I can't make any promises'."
This May will mark the sixth anniversary of the arena attack. The government committed to the legislation in its 2019 manifesto but it has been hit by delays mainly due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The law will place venues under a legal duty to draw up specific security plans for any terror attack. Today (Monday) the government revealed it was proposing a two-tiered plan, one for smaller venues with a capacity of more than 100 people which will require them to 'undertake low-cost, simple yet effective activities to improve preparedness'.
The second tier covers bigger venues with a capacity more than 800 which will be required to carry out a risk assessment as part of a 'thorough security plan'.
The government has promised to provide training and an inspection and enforcement regime to ensure venues abide by the law and sanctions for 'serious breaches'.
Prime Minister Sunak said in a statement: "The way the city of Manchester came together as a community in the wake of the cowardly Manchester Arena attack, and the amazing work of campaigners like Figen Murray who have dedicated their lives to making us safer and promoting kindness and tolerance, is an inspiration to us all.
"I am committed to working with Figen to improve security measures at public venues and spaces and to delivering this vital legislation to honour Martyn’s memory and all of those affected by terrorism."
Figen Murray, who was made an OBE in June for her work on counter terrorism, has previously spoken about her frustration at the slow progress of the legislation and her fear that it would be 'watered down'. But today she welcomed the announcement that smaller venues are to be included.
In a statement released by the Home Office, she said: "Martyn’s Law isn’t going to stop terrorism, but common-sense security, and making sure venues are doing all they can to keep people safe, could mean fewer suffer what myself and the families of Manchester have had to endure.
"I welcome the Government’s commitment to including smaller venues and working quickly on this legislation. It is vital we now take the necessary steps to protect ourselves and others wherever possible and I hope other countries learn from this ground-breaking legislation."
Figen told the M.E.N: "What we are really pushing for is to have this legislation by the sixth anniversary (of the attack in May). They should be able to do it. Emergency laws can be passed very quickly. We've just been waiting so long, not just me but all the Manchester families. It would be amazing if this was a reality by the sixth anniversary."
She said she was happy with the proposal to impose the duty on venues with capacity for more than hundred people, and stressed that smaller venues like some banks, restaurants and bars in Manchester were already voluntarily taking advantage of the free counter terror training already being offered.
Figen also had a face-to-face meeting with Home Secretary Suella Braverman last week.
The home secretary said: "Protecting the public from danger is a key responsibility of any government. The terrorist threat we face is diverse and continually evolving, which is why this legislation is so important.
"I would like to thank Figen Murray and the Martyn’s Law campaign for their support in the development of this vital reform. Their tireless efforts have helped inform our approach and the heart-breaking stories from survivors and their families are a constant reminder as to why we must deliver on this commitment to work together to improve public security."
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