Latest news with #FigenMurray
Scotsman
26-05-2025
- Scotsman
Prepare to make your premises safer from terror attacks
If you don't improve venue security you may soon be prosecuted Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Last month, the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (also known as Martyn's Law) received royal assent, starting the clock on the two-year implementation period before the main provisions come into force. The legislation was prompted by the 2017 Manchester Arena attack and is named after Martyn Hett, one of the victims, following a campaign by his mother, Figen Murray. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad For the first time, it requires those responsible for certain premises and events at which large gatherings occur – such as sports and entertainment venues, hotels, student accommodation, and shopping centres – to consider terrorist threats and take forward proportionate mitigations. Get ready for Martyn's Law, advises Lynne Gray The UK's National Risk Register highlights terrorist attacks as one of the top risks facing the country. However, despite several inquiries and inquests reflecting the risk in findings, there was found to be a lack of consistent security outcomes across UK public locations. The legislation aims to address this, requiring those responsible for qualifying premises and events to take appropriate action (so far as reasonably practicable) to reduce the risk of harm to staff and the public, or risk enforcement which includes criminal offences for serious non-compliance. The regulations take a tiered approach around different uses of premises and the number of individuals reasonably expected to be present. Organisations need to understand if their premises or event qualifies and then consider which tier they fall within to inform duties and any required response. The legislation details publicly accessible premises within its scope, including sports grounds, entertainment venues, shopping centres and healthcare facilities. Where the public has access to premises or part of the premises, with an expected capacity of 200-799 persons, this falls within the standard tier. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad An expected capacity of 800 or more takes the premises into the enhanced tier, with different duties applying. The standard duty requires appropriate public protection measures, so far as reasonably practicable. That means procedures which should be followed by people working at the premises if an act of terrorism were to occur there or nearby and which may reduce the risk of physical harm to individuals. That could be locking down premises, evacuating or moving people to safe places. Many organisations in the standard tier will already have policies and mitigations in place under other regulatory requirements, such as health and safety and fire safety. These are meant to be low-cost mitigations and there is no requirement to have physical measures in place, in contrast to enhanced duty premises. The enhanced duty requires a more proactive approach, considering counter-terrorism measures to reduce, so far as reasonably practicable, both the vulnerability of premises or an event to an act of terrorism occurring, as well as the risk of physical harm to individuals if an attack was to occur there or nearby. That could include CCTV monitoring or installing barriers, safety glass, and bag or vehicle checks. Any procedures must be documented and submitted to the regulator, the Security Industry Authority (SIA). The SIA needs new regulatory capability to enforce the legislation, which is expected to take 24 months to establish, hence the lead-in time before the new provisions kick in. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad For many businesses operating qualifying premises and events across Scotland, this may be the first time they have been required to address the risk from terrorism and represents significant additional responsibilities that need to be considered as part of their activities. They should be using the next two years to understand and prepare for the legislation coming into force fully.
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The 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
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. 7 7 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.' She adds: 'People will not know their lives have been saved. 'Martyn's Law will be a silent saviour.' 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 7 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 7 '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'.' 7
The Independent
03-04-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Mother of Manchester Arena victim welcomes royal assent for Martyn's Law
The mother of a man who was killed in the Manchester Arena attack, who campaigned for tougher anti-terror legislation, said knowing people's lives will be saved is a 'big thing' after it became law. Martyn's Law, officially the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, requires UK venues hosting 200 or more people to prepare for a terror attack, after receiving royal assent on Thursday. Larger venues expecting 800 or more must also take steps such as using CCTV, bag checks or vehicle inspections. Figen Murray, who campaigned for the law change in memory of her 29-year-old son Martyn Hett, met Sir Keir Starmer at Downing Street and said she is 'absolutely over the moon'. Ms Murray told the BBC's North West Tonight: 'Somebody earlier was saying, 'is it eight years? It feels like yesterday'. 'And to me, it always feels like yesterday. I remember everything so vividly, of course, and it will stay with me forever. 'But having the campaign come to this kind of end is really massive.' She later said: 'We lost our child and I can't bring Martyn back, but to know that people's lives will be saved is a big thing.' Mr Hett and 21 other people were killed in the bombing at the end of an Ariana Grande concert in May 2017. Ms Murray completed a 200-mile walk from Manchester Arena to Downing Street and delivered a letter to then-prime minister Rishi Sunak in May last year as part of her campaign. The Bill was laid before Parliament in September. Sir Keir told the BBC: 'I would like to think I had the wherewithal to do what Figen has done. 'I'm not sure in my heart of hearts I would be able to pick myself up as she has done after the most awful of circumstances, to then campaign and to bring that change on behalf of other people, to make sure they never go through what she has been through and what her family has been through. 'I find that incredible.' The Prime Minister labelled Martyn's Law a 'landmark moment' in improving safety at public events across the UK. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: 'Martyn's Law will significantly strengthen public safety across our country. I'd like to thank Figen Murray for her tireless work to make this law a reality. 'This Government is securing Britain's future through the plan for change and, as the eighth anniversary of the attack approaches, this new law delivers upon the lessons from the Manchester Arena Inquiry to keep people safe.' The Security Industry Authority (SIA) will take on the role of regulator for the legislation, the Home Office said. The Act will not come into force for at least two years to allow the SIA's new function to be established and give those responsible sufficient time to understand their new obligations and plan ahead.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Woman whose son Martyn Hett died in Manchester Arena terror attack welcomes new law in his name
There is a certain steel about a mother who has lost a child. It's hard to put your finger on, but perhaps after going through hell you re-emerge made of a different material to the rest of us. Figen Murray has been utterly relentless after her son Martyn Hett was killed in the Manchester Arena terror attack at an Ariana Grande concert in May 2017. When she worried that politicians' support was wavering last year, she walked 200 miles from the place died to Downing Street - and needed a hip replacement after. And on Thursday, - rules to better train staff and safeguard venues against terrorists - was passed by royal assent, finally becoming law. I sat down with Figen just before she went into Number 10 Downing Street to meet the prime minister, and she told me after six years of campaigning, the moment "feels surreal". She continued: "The was a wake up call. But it also made question, who are these people who do these things? Why are they doing it? What are governments doing about it? And I realised the only way I could get the answers was to educate myself - so I did a masters in counter-terrorism. "I've recognised that people were radicalised. When you were a newborn baby, you were innocent but somebody poisoned your mind. "There are people who try to groom young people into their ideology, and I want them to recognise where these people operate, the tricks they use, the things they say and how they can recognise themselves or others in the process of being radicalised and how to get out." She also supports the initiative to : "I think it's absolutely important that young people see that programme and they learn more about it. It's a good thing and I'm hoping they're taking it further." There will be a debate - certainly - about the financial impact the legislation will have on venues, but the legislation has been welcomed by safety campaigners. Emma Kay, co-founder of personal safety app WalkSafe which geo-fences events and stadiums, said: "The passing of Martyn's Law is hugely progressive move that will keep young people safe on nights out. "Our research has shown that 63% of women prefer to visit venues with safety initiatives in place. People want safer experiences and to know their friends and loved ones arrive home safely." Read more: When I sat down with Figen, I asked her how Martyn would feel today. "Knowing Martyn, the party animal he was, he'd throw the biggest party ever," she said. "He was full of life and lived life not just at 100 miles an hour, but 200 miles an hour. "You would definitely know when he came through the door, and he had an incredible ability to make everyone feel that they are the most important person in that moment in his life. And I really miss that." You can watch Sophy Ridge's full interview with Figen Murray on the Politics Hub at 1900 on Sky News.
The Independent
03-04-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Martyn's Law given royal assent to officially become statute
Legislation providing greater protection to help prevent and reduce the harm of terror attacks at event venues has officially become law. The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, known as Martyn's Law, will compel all UK venues expecting 200 or more people to be on site to prepare for the event of a terror attack after it received royal assent on Thursday, the Home Office said. Larger premises expected to host 800 people or more would also have to take steps to reduce their vulnerability to an assault, such as CCTV, bag searches or vehicle checks. Figen Murray, who campaigned for the law change in memory of her 29-year-old son Martyn Hett, met with Sir Keir Starmer at Downing Street to mark the occasion as the Prime Minister expressed a 'debt of gratitude' for her work, the Home Office said. Mr Hett and 21 other people were killed in the Manchester Arena bombing at the end of an Ariana Grande concert in May 2017. Ms Murray completed a 200-mile walk from Manchester Arena to Downing Street and delivered a letter to then-prime minister Rishi Sunak in May last year as part of her campaign. The Bill was eventually laid before Parliament in September. The Prime Minister said: 'Today is a landmark moment for our security as my Government delivers on its promise to introduce Martyn's Law and better protect the public from terrorism. 'Figen's courage and determination in the face of such unimaginable loss is truly humbling, and it is thanks to her campaigning that Martyn's Law means her son's legacy will live on forever. 'Security is the foundation of our plan for change and the first duty of any Government. Martyn's Law will ensure everyone can enjoy public events more safely and ensure venues across the country have clear, practical measures in place to protect people.' Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: 'Martyn's Law will significantly strengthen public safety across our country, I'd like to thank Figen Murray for her tireless work to make this law a reality. 'This Government is securing Britain's future through the plan for change and, as the eighth anniversary of the attack approaches, this new law delivers upon the lessons from the Manchester Arena Inquiry to keep people safe.' The Security Industry Authority (SIA) will take on the role as regulator for the legislation, the Home Office said. The Act will not come into force for at least two years to allow the SIA's new function to be established and give those responsible sufficient time to understand their new obligations and plan ahead.
