Latest news with #'sLaw
Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
My son Martyn was murdered in Manchester bombing… eight years on we'll celebrate as new law means he didn't die in vain
Devastated mum Figen says the pain of losing Martyn has never lessened - but reveals how she manages her grief MARTYN'S LAW My son Martyn was murdered in Manchester bombing… eight years on we'll celebrate as new law means he didn't die in vain Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A YEAR ago today, Figen Murray hobbled in agony along Downing Street, having marched 200 miles to demand tougher terror laws in memory of her murdered son. The grieving mum, 64 — whose lad Martyn Hett was among 22 killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing — bravely pushed through the pain to reach her destination and meet with then-Opposition leader Keir Starmer. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Martyn Hett was among 22 killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing Credit: PA 7 Now, on the eighth anniversary of the May 22 Manchester attack, Martyn's mum Figen Murray has the strength to smile over her triumphant campaign for change Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia At a key summit, the Labour chief vowed new legislation to combat atrocities like the one committed by Islamist terrorist Salman Abedi at an Ariana Grande gig in 2017. And he delivered on his promise, with Martyn's Law given Royal Assent last month. Now, on the eighth anniversary of the May 22 Manchester attack, Figen has the strength to smile over her triumphant campaign for change. The new legislation is officially called the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill and will require all venues with a capacity of more than 200 to have a plan in place in the event of an attack. Figen — who was supported on her crusade by murdered MP Jo Cox's husband, Brendan — will host a party at her home in the city this weekend for Martyn's pals to celebrate victory. She says: 'Martyn loved being with his friends and having a party. 'He died while doing that eight years ago. 'This Saturday, we will all gather and have a party for Martyn at our house, next to a tree we have planted for him — we'll have drinks, talk about him and rejoice in the fact that Martyn did not die in vain. 'I feel really guilty' 'This victory will save lives, I'm sure of it. 'This law will make everyone safer, whether at a large festival or a small recital.' Paul Hett, father of Martyn Hett, 29, who died in the Manchester Arena bombing says victims were 'failed on every level' She adds: 'People will not know their lives have been saved. 'Martyn's Law will be a silent saviour.' My self-care now is another way of honouring Martyn. I knew I couldn't address my grief until his law was passed Figen In an inspiring exclusive interview with The Sun, Figen reveals how she has now started having therapy, after putting her grief 'on hold' to campaign for new laws. She says: 'My self-care now is another way of honouring Martyn. 'I knew I couldn't address my grief until his law was passed.' Martyn's Law will see some of the country's biggest venues use pioneering 'mass screening technology' to scan crowds and identify potential threats who will be fully searched. Figen — who says big London sports stadia, as well as Manchester venues Bridgewater Hall and the Warehouse Project, are trialling the new system — adds: 'Mass screening technology is revolutionary for anti-terror security. 'Cameras trained on customers attending a venue can screen 1,000 to 2,000 people in one hour. 'It is a piece of equipment on either side of the entrance. 'You walk over a part that has a sensor underneath, and anybody with something suspicious lights up on a computer screen being looked at by a member of security. 'They then alert staff to search that person. 'They may have identified an umbrella, but it could equally have been a knife. 'I think this technology is brilliant. 'I think it will be widely available at all big venues in the years to come and will change everything.' Coronation Street superfan Martyn, 29, was on his farewell night out in the UK before he went travelling in America when tragedy struck. Evil Abedi, 22, detonated a bomb made of explosives, nuts and bolts that killed 22 Ariana Grande concert-goers, including Martyn, and maimed 1,000. Brave Figen made it her life's goal to change venues' anti-terror laws in the wake of the horror. Last month, after a gruelling six-and-a-half-year wait, the legislation was read out in the House of Commons before being rubber-stamped in the House of Lords. Martyn's Law will enforce anti-terror training for staff and tighter event security at venues, which includes more vigorous bag checks and body searches. 7 Islamist terrorist Salman Abedi at Victoria Station making his way to the Manchester Arena, on May 22, 2017, where he detonated his bomb Credit: PA 7 Figen and her husband Stuart, right, held talks with Keir Starmer last year Credit: Getty Premises that can accommodate more than 800 people will have to put in place measures such as CCTV or hire more security staff. Public premises where 200 to 799 people may gather — including nightclubs, churches and concert halls — must have plans to keep guests safe in the event of a terror attack happening at or near their location. Venues now have two years to get up to speed with the changes, which Figen insists will 'save lives'. I knew I had to do something to make sure other young people didn't suffer the same fate as my Martyn. After his death I went to one venue and was shocked at the lack of security. I thought: 'I need to do something – this isn't right Figen The determined mum retrained and achieved a degree in counterterrorism at the University of Central Lancashire before embarking on trips around the world to speak to others affected by terror attacks. She says: 'I knew I had to do something to make sure other young people didn't suffer the same fate as my Martyn. 'In the years after Martyn's death, I remember going to one venue in Manchester and being shocked about the lack of security there. 'I came away thinking, 'I need to do something, this isn't right'. 'In 2019, I started campaigning for Martyn's Law. 'I only intended it to be a six-month campaign.' The battle — aided by Survivors Against Terror founder Brendan Cox and former Met Police detective chief superintendent Nick Aldworth — took its toll on Figen mentally and physically, particularly her trek from Manchester Arena to Downing Street. She says: 'It was that walk that changed everything. 'It showed we meant business and that we were not going away. I sleep a lot better. However, I still struggle going to sleep before 11pm, because I just feel really, really guilty and ashamed that I was fast asleep and he was on the floor dying slowly, and I wasn't there to help him as a mum Figen 'I was promised that the law would be passed by Mr Starmer, and he kept his promise. 'However, I was in agony after that walk. 'I needed a hip replacement because of it.' Figen revealed that she has started sleeping better now as she is no longer troubled by concerns about whether Martyn's Law will be passed. But she still finds it hard to nod off before 11pm — which was roughly the time Martyn died — due to her lingering 'guilt'. She says: 'I sleep a lot better. 'However, I still struggle going to sleep before 11pm, because I just feel really, really guilty and ashamed that I was fast asleep and he was on the floor dying slowly, and I wasn't there to help him as a mum. 'I'm not sure that will ever change.' Figen has also started seeing a grief specialist, which she had avoided so she could channel all her energy into Martyn's Law. 'Raise a glass' She says: 'My self-care has to start now. 'I feel the counselling is also in memory of Martyn. 'I feel, after our victory, it's time to now slow down, grieve and help myself come to terms with what happened.' In the last couple of years, Figen has visited venues across the country to see how they intended to implement her son's law. She says: 'I get emails and messages from people saying, 'Oh, I am a teacher at a small school and we're talking about Martyn's Law in our staff meeting now'. 7 Figen at Downing Street last year after her 200-mile trek 7 Mourners united in grief for victims Credit: Rex 'Or people will say, 'We've just been to our small local venue, and they were talking about implementing Martyn's Law.' That's amazing. 'Bigger venues have got their act in order. 'It's not rocket science, is it? 'Get your CCTV sorted in big venues, and get your access control improved and more secure, and train yourself and your staff.' Figen said she was impressed by security at Manchester's new super-arena, the Co-Op Live. She also revealed the venue she had major concerns over — that inspired her crusade but which she is not naming — has 'cleared up its act'. Everybody felt their city was attacked. They have responded to Martyn's Law incredibly Figen Now, Figen wants the whole of the UK to follow Manchester's lead in already implementing steps to tighten security. She says: 'I think, when the attack happened, the Mancunians felt it as a personal attack on them. 'Everybody felt their city was attacked. 'They have responded to Martyn's Law incredibly. 'I urge venues to not wait for the whole two-year implementation period. 'Terrorists could strike at any time. 'Our terrorism threat level is substantial, which means an attack is highly likely — so let's not forget that. 'And the general public obviously don't understand. 'They're not bothered about threat levels, because it's not on their mind. 'It wasn't on mine before Martyn died.' She adds: 'My message is, 'Don't let terrorists pick your venue to attack because you haven't done what is needed'.' Figen said the pain of losing Martyn has never lessened. She reveals: 'I remember it as if it was last night. 'It was like slow motion. 'It doesn't feel like eight years ago, and the pain has not eased off. 'I've just not had time to indulge it or feel the emotions, because I didn't allow myself to until we had Martyn's Law. But I am now. 'There's a Martin-shaped hole in my heart now — deep, deep in my soul. 'It's like the abyss of grief. 'It never goes away.' Last weekend, Figen and her family gathered to watch the Eurovision Song Contest, a show which Martyn loved. But today's anniversary will be spent reflecting quietly at home. Then, on Saturday, friends and loved ones will gather in Figen's garden for a party in Martyn's honour. The proud mum said: 'I'll do a buffet, we'll sit next to the tree that we planted in his memory and we'll raise a glass to Martyn. 'And we'll say, 'This is the year we achieved something big in your name'.'
ITV News
21-05-2025
- Politics
- ITV News
Sir Keir Starmer commits to passing Olivia's Law 'as quickly as we can' after meeting Cheryl Korbel
Olivia's mother Cheryl Korbel met with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer The mother of Olivia Pratt-Korbel has met with the prime minister, after campaigning for criminals to be compelled to appear in the dock for sentencing. Cheryl Korbel spoke with Sir Keir Starmer, alongside Olivia's aunt Antonia Elverson, after attending PMQs in Westminster. The prime minister praised the pair for campaigning for Olivia's Law, renewing his commitment to seeing it through. He said: "You've changed the lives of other families who sadly will go through the awful trauma you've been through, but now have the opportunity to see the perpetrator sentenced and to put that victim impact statement, or whatever it may be, to him or her." Sir Keir Starmer promised to carry on the pledge to change the law, first made by his predecessor Rishi Sunak, when he met with Ms Korbel in January this year. He concluded by saying: "We'll get it through as quickly as we can now, and it will go through intact". Yesterday, the words of Olivia Pratt-Korbel's mother were spoken in parliament by an MP, as measures to compel criminals to appear in the dock for sentencing were brought to the Commons. In an emotional contribution, Anneliese Midgley read out Cheryl Korbel's victim's statement, which her nine-year-old daughter's killer "refused to hear" in court. Thomas Cashman, the gunman who killed Olivia as he chased a drug dealer who had tried to run into her home in Knotty Ash, Liverpool, did not appear to hear his life sentence in April 2023. As Ms Korbel watched tearfully from the gallery, the Labour MP for Knowsley praised her for her campaigning on Olivia's law. Under the legislation, judges will be given the power to sentence offenders for up to two more years in prison for avoiding sentencing hearings. For offenders who already face lengthy imprisonment or whole life orders, judges could also impose a range of prison punishments such as confinement to their cells and being stripped of privileges such as extra gym time. The measures are part of the Victims and Courts Bill, which had its second reading in the Commons on Tuesday. In her victim statement, Ms Korbel described Olivia as "the light of our lives, our beautiful, sassy, chatty girl who never ran out of energy". Ms Korbel had also said: "My worst nightmare was being separated from Liv and not being with her when she needed me the most, I was the first person to hold my baby girl, and as her mum, I should have been the last. "I cannot get my head around how Cashman continued to shoot after hearing the terrifying screams, the utter devastation he has caused, he doesn't care, how could he? "His actions have left the biggest hole in our lives that can never be filled. "That man set out to do a job and he didn't care about anyone else or who got in the way. He certainly couldn't own it either." Concluding her speech, Ms Midgley said: "Let Cheryl's words be heard. Let them be honoured. Let Olivia's law pass, and make sure that no victim's voice is ever shut out of justice again."
Axios
07-04-2025
- Sport
- Axios
Braves return home looking for first win of 2025
Yikes. The start to the Atlanta Braves season has been anything but fun or promising. State of play: After being swept by the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers, the Braves are the MLB's only winless team at 0-7. In 2024, they didn't record their seventh loss until their 25th game (21st in 2023). Yes, but: Including the Braves' quiet exit from the postseason last year, that's now nine consecutive losses. Between the lines: It didn't help that Atlanta's first two series of the year were on the road against the team that eliminated them in the Wild Card round before taking on the defending World Series champions. It also doesn't help that the Braves are without some key players due to injury, like former MVP Ronald Acuña Jr., ace pitcher Spencer Strider and starting catcher Sean Murphy. And to add insult to injury, just consult Murphy's Law (not Sean) as prized offseason acquisition Jurickson Profar has been suspended for 80 games for performance-enhancing drug violations. He played in just four games. (Profar said he would never knowingly cheat.) The silver lining: It can only go up from here. Atlanta finally gets to play in front of its home fans at Truist Park on Friday where they went 46-35 last season. And the baseball season is long enough that the saying "it doesn't matter how you start, it's how you finish" actually has merit. Case in point: In 2023, the Tampa Bay Rays started 13-0 and eventually 20-3, but they didn't even win their division and lost 2-0 in the Wild Card round. What we're watching: The Braves are in Cobb County for back-to-back homestands against the Florida Marlins and Philadelphia Phillies. First pitch against the Marlins is 7:15pm Friday before continuing through the weekend.
Telegraph
11-03-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
The Rupert Lowe fracas shows Reform won't survive
Rupert Lowe joins a long line of high-profile Faragean fallings-out; Farage vs Alan Sked, Farage vs Robert Kilroy-Silk, Farage vs Godfrey Bloom, Farage vs Suzanne Evans, Farage vs Douglas Carswell, Farage vs Ben Habib. Now it might just be that Nigel is unlucky: a figure cursed to walk through life only ever encountering the awkward and uncharitable and so being subjected to a litany of painful clashes. Or we could apply what I have come to call 'Markle's Law': if you spend your whole life falling out with people then the common problematic factor, on the balance of probability, is not going to be everybody you happen to meet, but you. Speaking to Dan Wootton on Monday evening, Lowe, the now-independent MP for Great Yarmouth, described the campaign against him as 'unfair and un-Christian'. Of course, it is possible that an investigation will find wrongdoing. While we cannot prejudge, details and timing of the allegations look sketchy. We are supposed to believe that the party reported Lowe to the police three months after the alleged crime took place; coincidentally one day after he publicly criticised Farage. Though allegations of office bullying were not directed at Lowe himself, the initial Reform statement appeared to give the impression that he had personally mistreated staff. Lowe's entire parliamentary team have since signed a heartfelt letter denying the allegations and describing their boss as a decent man. They also insist, oddly, that they have never been contacted as part of any parliamentary investigation. Here, Reform may be exhibiting behaviour it would normally condemn; cancellation without due process, even calling the coppers over some alleged hurty words. In a television interview, Richard Tice, Reform's deputy leader, implied that Lowe might not be welcome back in the party, even if his innocence were proved. Mr Farage insisted on TV that on the '29 February' Lowe was 'informed' about a 'parliamentary investigation' into allegations against him. Not only does Lowe deny this, but there wasn't actually a February 29 this year. So as hatchet jobs go, it's not the most convincing – and many party members remain unconvinced. The whole thing smacks of amateurism; more Fanny Cradock than Francis Urquhart. Lowe claims that Reform insiders have briefed journalists that he has early-onset dementia; which Farage may have alluded to in a Telegraph article, describing Lowe as a 'different person' from the one he knew in the Brexit Party days. As someone who spends prolonged periods of time caring for a parent with Alzheimer's, this greatly offended me. It's a serious, hideous condition, not something to be opportunistically chucked around for score-settling purposes. Since entering the Commons, Lowe has earned a reputation as a committed MP. The reporter Christian Calgie points out that 'by removing the whip from Lowe, Reform UK's total parliamentary activity since the general election has fallen by 46 per cent'. Every party needs its thinkers, its details-men and women. A common complaint from Reform insiders is that under Farage and chairman Zia Yusuf, the party operates in a brittle, presidential style. Yet UK politics is not, and has never been, presidential. If Reform wishes to form a government, as it insists, they will also need 100 plus ministers to govern, without (so far) a single peer in the Lords. In short, the party cannot exist as a private fiefdom, or a talking-shop for airing grievances without solutions. Lowe's defenestration threatens the party's hopes of professionalisation in more ways than one. What serious person would want to join and run as a candidate, when their life could be so visibly detonated? Moreover, it is hard to convince those furious about the conduct of recent politics that you are different and worth voting for when you immediately resort to the sort of rats-in-a-sack scrapping, at which the Tories and Labour excel, as soon as you gain even a handful of MPs. A party that can only accommodate one strong personality will struggle to assemble a cabinet. Labour, for all its faults, is generally loyal and members will go out to bat for each other even when they're manifestly in the wrong. Angela Rayner quite possibly loathes the PM but manages to keep it as professional as she can. Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick may never quite be BFFs, but Badenoch wisely gave her leadership rival a prominent role, unleashing him as an attack-dog against the Government. On balance, it's better to have effective people onside than airing their grievances from afar. Now, more than ever, there is a need for the sort of accountability that Lowe provided in the House. The assault on British farming proceeds apace. Labour are still ducking scrutiny of the Chagos deal. Bridget Phillipson's loathsome schools bill will soon return to the Commons to continue its assault on educational standards. Migrant crossings and hotel-use are rising under this Government; a reminder of what Reform should be talking about. Yet it has chosen now to launch a botched internal coup. Over in No 10, Keir Starmer and chief of staff Morgan McSweeney and must be rubbing their hands with glee.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Jay Leno Champions Bill to Exempt California Classic Cars from Smog Checks
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector Jay Leno, the celebrated former host of "The Tonight Show" and a renowned car enthusiast, is throwing his support behind a new legislative effort in California aimed at easing restrictions for classic car owners. Dubbed 'Leno's Law,' Senate Bill 712, if passed, would exempt vehicles 35 years or older from the state's stringent biennial smog check requirements, provided they are insured as collector cars. This bill, sponsored by State Senator Shannon Grove, is designed to foster a more welcoming environment for automotive enthusiasts in California, where some collectors have felt compelled to relocate due to the current regulatory climate. Collector car insurance, which is a prerequisite for the exemption under the proposed law, typically restricts annual mileage, ensuring these vehicles are used only for leisure activities such as car shows, weekend drives, and other special events. Senator Grove emphasized the cultural and economic significance of these vintage vehicles, stating, "These rolling pieces of history are more than just vehicles—they have strong cultural ties in our communities and supply thousands of jobs in the aftermarket parts industry." The bill seeks not only to honor these cultural icons but also to support the industries that have grown around the restoration and maintenance of classic cars. The initiative spearheaded by Leno and Grove comes at a time when California's aggressive environmental policies, including moves towards banning the sale of new internal combustion engines, have sparked debate about the future of automotive hobbyism. Proponents of Leno's Law argue that classic cars play a minimal role in air pollution, as their use is infrequent and primarily for enjoyment rather than daily transportation. As discussions unfold, the fate of Senate Bill 712 remains uncertain, with potential opposition from environmental advocates who prioritize reducing emissions across all vehicle types. Nonetheless, Leno remains optimistic, expressing his eagerness to work with Senator Grove on preserving these historical treasures. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
