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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
Daily Mirror
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
'I survived Manchester Arena attack - we need a memorial to recognise our loss'
Nearly 4,000 have lost their lives in terror atrocities in the UK since 1970, but there is no universal memorial to honour their agony - and families are demanding change in a new campaign backed by the Mirror Terror attack survivors and grieving families today demand a monument to remember victims in a new campaign backed by the Mirror. Nearly 4,000 have lost their lives in terror atrocities in the UK since 1970, but there is no universal memorial to honour their agony. As tomorrow marks eight years since the Manchester Arena bombing left 22 dead and more than a 1,000 injured and traumatised, victims are calling on the government to erect a physical tribute to ensure nobody is forgotten. Last night Brendan Cox, whose Labour MP wife Jo Cox was murdered by a terrorist in 2016, backed our fight and said: 'What we remember as a society matters - and the lack of a monument to honour victims of terror attacks has made many survivors feel like they don't count.' In March, security minister Dan Jarvis launched a landmark consultation for a National Remembrance Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism, which is due to close next month, but this does not include plans for a physical shrine. Survivors say a memorial should be erected as part of the day to act as a focal point for remembrance events, not dissimilar to the Cenotaph war memorial in central London. Manchester survivor Abi Quinn, who was just 12 when she narrowly missed terrorist Salman Abedi's explosion and is still in therapy for the trauma, said: 'As someone directly impacted by terrorism, and knowing how long the effects can last, we need a memorial to recognise the pain and the loss we're still dealing with. It's so important to keep the memory and our voices alive. Key terror attacks in the UK 21 November 1974: Birmingham pub bombings - IRA bombs exploded in two pubs in Birmingham, killing 21 people and injuring 182. 21 December 1988: Lockerbie disaster - Pan Am Flight 103 was blown up while in flight over Lockerbie, Scotland, killing all 259 passengers and crew and 11 Lockerbie residents. 20 March 1993: Warrington bomb attacks - two bombs exploded in litter bins in a shopping precinct in Warrington, Cheshire, killing a three-year-old boy and injuring 55 people. July 7 2005 - 7/7 London bombings – conducted by four separate Islamist extremist suicide bombers. 52 killed and around 700 more were injured. 22 May 2013: British soldier Lee Rigby murdered in Woolwich, southeast London, by Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale, two Islamist extremists. 16 June 2016: Labour MP Jo Cox murdered by white nationalist Thomas Mair outside her constituency surgery in Birstall, West Yorks. 22 March 2017: Westminster attack – Islamist extremist Khalid Masood drove a car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge in London, killing three and injuring almost fifty, one of whom died two weeks later. 22 May 2017: Manchester Arena attack – suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated a homemade explosive device as people were leaving an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 and injuring 1,017. 3 June 2017: London Bridge attack – three Islamist extremists drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge before stabbing people in and around pubs in nearby Borough Market. Eight people were killed and at least 48 wounded. 29 November 2019: Fishmongers' Hall attack (London Bridge) – Islamist extremist Usman Khan fatally stabbed two people and injured two more at an event for reformed prisoners. 14 May 2010: MP Stephen Timms stabbed during a constituency surgery by Roshonara Choudhry, a British Islamic extremist. 15 October 2021: Conservative MP David Amess was fatally stabbed by terrorist Ali Harbi Ali at his constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. "It's not just about remembering who we've lost, but it's about knowing we're not forgotten and we've not been cast aside and brushed under the carpet.' Abi, a criminology student at the University of Liverpool, said organising a memorial and commemorative events should not be the responsibility of survivors and grieving families. She continued: 'It's hard enough for us to just come to terms with what we've been through; we shouldn't also be burdened with the pressure of figuring out a way to remember. It makes our pain that bit more difficult.' Statues honouring those who lost their lives in specific terror attacks already exist, including the 7/7 memorial in London's Hyde Park, the Glade of Light in Manchester and the national memorial for British victims of overseas terrorism in Lichfield, Staffs. But survivors and the bereaved say a physical tribute to every UK terror victim is vital in representing the sheer scale of suffering. Paul Price, who lost his partner Elaine in the Manchester Arena attack and sustained life-changing injuries, said: 'Terror attacks not only affect the bereaved, victims and survivors, it's an attack on everyone, it's an attack on the state - so having a physical memorial would be very healing to the country as a whole. 'When an attack like Manchester happens, it's front page news for weeks and then quickly becomes yesterday's news - but for the bereaved and survivors, the pain is ongoing forever.' Paul, who will remember Elaine today (THURS) by enjoying a meal with her friends, added that a physical memorial would also act as a reminder of the ongoing threat of terrorism. Although it's something we don't like to think about, there have been terrorist attacks in the UK for decades, and sadly, there will be more.' Michelle Jones, whose daughter Saskia, 23, was murdered in the Fishmongers' Hall attack on London Bridge in November 2019, agrees. She added: 'It [a physical memorial] would serve as a visual reminder to the general public of the impact of terrorism and its consequences. It has taken too many years for a memorial and we are still waiting. 'Saskia died as a victim of an attack on the State. A physical memorial predominantly ensures our loved ones are not forgotten and it would act as a central point for us all to come together and find support in the healing process, as well as representing our strength and resilience. 'Although this consultation for a day of remembrance is a good start, it is my hope that a physical memorial will be actioned by the Government as a matter of urgency. They owe it to those we have lost as well as the people who continue to struggle on a daily basis.' Calls for a physical monument for terror victims were first made in 2018 as part of a Survivors' Charter by Survivors Against Terror, a network of people impacted by terror attacks. In a report by the organisation, an IPSOS survey revealed 78% of respondents would support a monument. The Charter's other demands include a day of remembrance, which is currently under government consultation, and an addition to the UK honours system, which would recognise the sacrifice of those injured or bereaved by terrorism. Survivors Against Terror last night backed our campaign and said: 'Victims of terror attacks aren't picked for who they are - but as innocent representatives of our country. That means the government has a particular responsibility to honour their memory and a permanent memorial is a good place to start.' On May 22, 2017, terrorist Salman Abedi detonated a makeshift explosive device as more than 14,000 people left the Manchester Arena venue after an Ariana Grande concert. The blast left 22 innocent people dead – including eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos. A memorial would also bring solace to those impacted by historic attacks. These include the Birmingham IRA pub bombings on November 1, 1974, which killed 21 and injured 182. Fourteen years later in 1988, 243 passengers, 16 crew members and 11 residents were killed when terrorists detonated a bomb on board Pan Am Flight 103 as it flew over the Scottish town of Lockerbie. In July 1990, Conservative MP Ian Gow was assassinated by the IRA when a booby trap bomb exploded under his car outside his home in East Sussex. Three years later in 1993, IRA bombs were detonated in several locations across Warrington, Cheshire, killing a three-year-old boy and 55 others. In April 1999, terrorist David Copeland set off three nail bombs in London targeting the black, Bangladeshi and gay communities, killing three people, including a pregnant woman, and injuring 129. And in May 2013, British soldier Lee Rigby was murdered in Woolwich, southeast London, by Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale, two Islamist extremists armed with a handgun, knives and a cleaver. The government was approached for comment.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Film venue latest to axe Kneecap screening
A Cheshire venue has cancelled a screening of a film about hip-hop trio Kneecap after a clip on social media appeared to show one of the band members calling for the death of British MPs. Storyhouse in Chester was due to show Kneecap, a comedy drama about the rise of the band from Belfast, as part of its Moonlight Flicks in the Park series at Grosvenor Park on 13 July. Counter-terror police are also investigating footage which appeared to show a band member shouting "up Hamas, up Hezbollah". The band said it has never supported either of those groups and would not incite violence against any individual. Storyhouse said it was "committed to free expression... but also to the safety, dignity, and respect of all communities". Several of Kneecap's gigs have been cancelled by venues around the world. The Belfast-based group previously apologised to the families of murdered MPs Sir David Amess and Jo Cox, but claimed the footage had been "taken out of all context and weaponised" Kneecap said they rejected "any suggestion that we would seek to incite violence against any MP or individual. Ever". Councillor Adrian Waddelove, Conservative group leader at Cheshire West and Chester Council, had written to the Storyhouse, which is subsidised by the local authority, urging the film to be pulled, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. In his letter, he wrote: "I believe many local council taxpayers would be shocked to understand that their money is being used to give Kneecap a platform in Chester." Confirming the decision to cancel the screening, a Storyhouse representative said: "This decision follows comments made by a member of the group that have recently come to light which allude to violence against MPs. "We are committed to free expression and critical debate but also to the safety, dignity, and respect of all communities." Read more stories from Cheshire on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC North West on X. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Kneecap: Rap group are no strangers to controversy, but is this time different? Rap group Kneecap's Eden Sessions show cancelled Kneecap should give 'real apology', husband of murdered MP says UK government condemns 'unacceptable' Kneecap comments Kneecap apologises to families of two murdered MPs Storyhouse Cheshire West and Chester Council
Telegraph
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Kneecap to headline festival despite counter-terror probe over ‘kill your MP' video
Kneecap will headline a music festival in London next week despite an ongoing counter-terror probe into footage from two of their concerts. The Metropolitan Police are investigating footage that allegedly showed members of the Irish rap group saying: 'Up Hamas, up Hezbollah' and 'kill your local MP'. The alleged remarks provoked condemnation from Downing Street and an outcry across the political spectrum, while Jewish groups have encouraged venues to cancel the band's gigs. But the Wide Awake festival, which will take place in Brixton on May 23, said that Kneecap would headline the event as planned 'after positive discussions'. The show marks the band's first live performance since the row over their alleged comments, which prompted calls for them to be removed from other festival line-ups, including Glastonbury. In an email to ticket holders, Wide Awake said: 'After positive discussions with key stakeholders, Wide Awake Festival can confirm that, as planned, Kneecap will be performing at this year's festival on Fri May 23 at Brockwell Park. 'Wide Awake Festival has a proud history of supporting the alternative music scene, and we look forward to staging another unforgettable event showcasing the very best emerging and established talent.' The alleged 'kill your local MP' comment led to a backlash from the families of Jo Cox and Sir David Amess, the Labour and Tory MPs murdered in 2016 and 2021, respectively. Katie Amess, Sir David's daughter, said she was 'gobsmacked at the stupidity' of the reported remarks, while Brendan Cox, Jo's widower, claimed it amounted to 'very clear incitement to violence'. This prompted Kneecap to issue a statement saying: 'To the Amess and Cox families, we send our heartfelt apologies, we never intended to cause you hurt.' In the same statement, the band rejected 'any suggestion that we would seek to incite violence against any MP or individual' and said the alleged comments were taken out of context. Kneecap formed in Belfast in the 2010s and the group are named after the notorious punishment used by paramilitaries during the Troubles. The band have played at previous editions of Glastonbury and a film about their formation won a Bafta. However, they have been been involved in a series of controversies. Band members were filmed leading chants of 'Brits out' at a gig in Belfast in 2019, while Kneecap used their Coachella set this year to project the slogan 'f— Israel, free Palestine'. Glastonbury is yet to confirm whether Kneecap will still appear at Britain's biggest music festival as planned next month. Dan Jarvis, the security minister, warned its organisers last month that they should 'think very carefully' about who performed there this summer amid calls for Kneecap to be removed. Mr Jarvis described Kneecap's alleged comments as 'dangerous and irresponsible' in response to an urgent question in the Commons. He went on to say he would not 'interfere with what is a live police investigation', but added: 'The safety and security of members of this House and all those who serve in elected office is an issue to which I attach the utmost seriousness. 'Elected representatives at all levels and across all parties must be able to perform their duties safely and without fear.' Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, recently announced plans to crack down on a music grants scheme that gave Kneecap thousands of pounds of taxpayer cash. The previous Tory government blocked Kneecap from applying for arts funding, but Labour chose not to fight a legal battle started by the Belfast band – enabling a £14,250 payment. Ms Nandy accused Kemi Badenoch, the then business secretary, of failing to take proper legal advice before blocking the payment. She added: 'We are so deeply concerned about all of the things that have made up this case that we're now reviewing the whole scheme.' Kneecap applied for cash from the music export growth scheme, intended to support UK acts in international markets, in 2023. They subsequently brought a legal case for discrimination, which the Labour Government chose not to contest, claiming there was 'no public interest' in doing so.
Telegraph
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Sex Pistol's John Lyndon condemns Kneecap over ‘kill your MP' video
Sex Pistols frontman John Lydon has condemned Kneecap after a video of a member appearing to shout ' kill your local MP ' resurfaced. The Irish rappers have become embroiled over their apparent on-stage shouts of ' up Hamas ' and 'kill your local MP', which are now being investigated by the Metropolitan Police. The band has previously been compared to the Sex Pistols, whose provocative acts during their heyday included singing God Save the Queen on a Thames barge during Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee. Frontman Lydon, once known by the stage name Johnny Rotten, has dismissed the comparison. Speaking on ITV's This Morning, he said: 'If you advocate the death of another human being, you have no case whatsoever. You are my enemy from here on in, for the rest of your mediocre existence. 'You shouldn't be talking like that, you shouldn't be making enemies about your fellow human beings.' Kneecap faced calls to be removed from the US after a set at the Coachella festival in California which they used to project a message stating 'f--- Israel'. In response, Sharon Osbourne all for the ' revocation of Kneecap's work visas ' in the US. Following the gig, footage emerged of a band member apparently shouting 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah' at a London show in 2024. Further footage surfaced from 2023 of a band member shouting: 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.' The shouts were condemned by the families of murdered MPs Jo Cox and Sir David Amess. Kneecap later apologised to the families, but denied wrongdoing. Their gigs are still being investigated by a Metropolitan Police anti-terror unit. There have been high-profile calls for Kneecap gigs, including a planned set at Glastonbury, to be cancelled in light of this investigation. Dan Jarvis, a Home Office minister, warned Glastonbury organisers to 'think very carefully' about who performs at the festival amid calls for Kneecap to be removed from the line-up. Responding to an urgent question on the issue, Mr Jarvis described the group's remarks as ' dangerous and irresponsible '. Amid the furore, Kneecap released a statement on their views, saying: 'Let us be unequivocal – we do not, and have never, supported Hamas or Hezbollah. We condemn all attacks on civilians, always. It is never okay. We know this more than anyone, given our nation's history. 'We also reject any suggestion that we would seek to incite violence against any MP or individual. Ever. An extract of footage, deliberately taken out of all context, is now being exploited and weaponised, as if it were a call to action.'
