Latest news with #SurvivorsAgainstTerror
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Martyn's Law: Terrorism response bill named after Manchester Arena bombing victim becomes law
New legislation to make venues protect the public in the event of a terror attack, named in memory of a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, has become law in the UK today. Martyn's Law is named after , who was killed alongside 21 others in the attack at an Ariana Grande concert in May 2017. The law received Royal Assent today after a six-year campaign led by Martyn's mother, Figen Murray. She said: "Whilst nothing can bring Martyn back, this much-needed law will secure his legacy and help to prevent more families enduring the pain and loss that mine alongside 21 others have experienced since the Manchester Arena terror attack." The public inquiry into the bombing found "serious shortcomings" in the security provision from the venue, contractors and the British Transport Police on the night of the attack. Inquiry chair John Saunders blamed "failings and mistakes" for "missed opportunities" to lessen the death toll caused by bomber Salman Abedi. Martyn's Law, officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, requires public venues to be better prepared for any attack and help keep people safe. Under the law, venues with a capacity of between 200 and 799 will have to take measures such as training staff to lock doors or close shutters and identify a route to safety. Venues with a capacity of 800 or more will be required to make changes such as installing CCTV systems or hiring security staff. The campaign for Martyn's Law was started by Ms Murray in 2019 and saw her complete a 200-mile walk to Downing Street last year in a final push for the legislation. She was back at Downing Street today to meet Sir Kier Starmer, who had personally vowed to quickly put Martyn's Law on the statute books. She said: "I'm grateful to the Prime Minister for keeping his promise." Read more from Sky News: The campaign was also supported by Brendon Cox, the husband of the murdered MP Jo Cox and the co-founder of Survivors Against Terror. He said: "You should never doubt what the courage, bravery and passion of a mother can achieve. This was never a quest for sympathy, it was a desire for change to make us all safer. Today Figen has achieved that, and we all owe her a debt of thanks." The inquiry into the attack found that, despite the UK terror alert being "severe" at the time, those involved in securing the venue had failed to take the risk seriously. Ultimate responsibility lay with Abedi and his brother Hashem, who was jailed for life for his role in the attack. The government says businesses will be given time and support to implement the new requirements and allow for a new regulator to be established.
Sky News
03-04-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
Martyn's Law: Bill named after Manchester Arena bombing victim becomes law
Why you can trust Sky News New legislation to make venues protect the public in the event of a terror attack, named in memory of a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, has become law in the UK today. Martyn's Law is named after Martyn Hett, who was killed alongside 21 others in the attack at an Ariana Grande concert in May 2017. The law received Royal Assent today after a six-year campaign led by Martyn's mother, Figen Murray. She said: "Whilst nothing can bring Martyn back, this much-needed law will secure his legacy and help to prevent more families enduring the pain and loss that mine alongside 21 others have experienced since the Manchester Arena terror attack." The public inquiry into the bombing found "serious shortcomings" in the security provision from the venue, contractors and the British Transport Police on the night of the attack. Inquiry chair John Saunders blamed "failings and mistakes" for "missed opportunities" to lessen the death toll caused by bomber Salman Abedi. Martyn's Law, officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, requires public venues to be better prepared for any attack and help keep people safe. Under the law, venues with a capacity of between 200 and 799 will have to take measures such as training staff to lock doors or close shutters and identify a route to safety. Venues with a capacity of 800 or more will be required to make changes such as installing CCTV systems or hiring security staff. The campaign for Martyn's Law was started by Ms Murray in 2019 and saw her complete a 200-mile walk to Downing Street last year in a final push for the legislation. She was back at Downing Street today to meet Sir Kier Starmer, who had personally vowed to quickly put Martyn's Law on the statute books. She said: "I'm grateful to the Prime Minister for keeping his promise." The campaign was also supported by Brendon Cox, the husband of the murdered MP Jo Cox and the co-founder of Survivors Against Terror. He said: "You should never doubt what the courage, bravery and passion of a mother can achieve. This was never a quest for sympathy, it was a desire for change to make us all safer. Today Figen has achieved that, and we all owe her a debt of thanks." The inquiry into the attack found that, despite the UK terror alert being "severe" at the time, those involved in securing the venue had failed to take the risk seriously. Ultimate responsibility lay with Abedi and his brother Hashem, who was jailed for life for his role in the attack. The government says businesses will be given time and support to implement the new requirements and allow for a new regulator to be established.
Telegraph
19-03-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Terror attack victims to be honoured with National Day of Remembrance
Victims and survivors of terrorist atrocities will be honoured with a National Day of Remembrance, the Home Office has announced. Dan Jarvis, the security minister, said the Government would seek opinions on how the day should recognise the suffering of victims and survivors of all terror attacks involving Britons. A 12-week consultation will allow victims and the public to help decide tone, timing and scale. There is already a UN-backed international day of remembrance and tribute to the victims of terrorism, August 21. Some survivors of terrorist atrocities – including Travis Frain, who was injured in the Westminster Bridge attack in 2017 – called for a national day to recognise that they were the innocent victims of violence directed at the state. Mr Frain said: 'Recognition and remembrance are key to building societal resilience against violent extremism, and I welcome today's announcement… 'I'm pleased to see that this Government recognises the importance of these issues and the role that they can play in facilitating the recovery of those impacted by horrific acts of terrorism.' Victim support hub Mr Jarvis also announced that the Government would set up a dedicated support hub for victims and survivors, to ensure they had a single point of contact after a terror attack rather than having to seek help and present their case multiple times to different agencies. Mr Jarvis said: 'The impact of a terrorist attack is long-lasting and evolving. Victims and survivors of terrorism need the highest levels of support to recover and rebuild their lives. These reforms will significantly enhance the support available to those affected. 'I would like to pay tribute to the bravery and courage of all those who helped to shape these reforms and pledge my commitment to ensuring victims and survivors of terrorism receive the support and recognition they deserve.' Brendan Cox, co-founder of Survivors Against Terror, said: 'Survivors of terror attacks have been crying out for change for years. Today's double announcement is a major step forward in giving survivors and victims the recognition they deserve and the support that they need. 'Terrorists aim to divide and weaken our society. Our best response is to hold together, and stage one of that is looking after those who have suffered the most.' The Government also pledged to enhance communication with victims, ensuring they know what support is available, and to improve support for children and young survivors. The Ministry of Justice is currently reviewing the criminal injuries compensation scheme, through which victims of terror attacks seek financial help.
The Independent
27-01-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Calls for remembrance day and monument honouring terror attack victims
Survivors of terrorist attacks have called for a national remembrance day to be introduced and a monument erected in honour of victims, following a new report. A survey published by Survivors Against Terror (SAT) found 97% of British terror attack victims back a 'national day' being created in the UK and 78% would like a permanent memorial. Terror survivors are scheduled to discuss the proposals with security minister Dan Jarvis on Monday. The non-governmental organisation (NG) is demanding Government set up a 'proper strategy of memorialisation' that also includes an addition to the Royal Honours system. Honours could be awarded to those killed and 'eligible persons injured' in terror acts. An author of the report and co-founder of SAT, Travis Frain, who survived the 2017 Westminster Bridge attack, said: 'What we remember matters. It reflects on us as a country. 'Whether it is the wearing of the Poppy in solidarity with our servicemen and women in the days approaching Armistice Sunday, or the efforts of organisations like the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust to ensure that we do not forget the awful atrocities that have claimed the lives of millions. 'For people affected by terrorism, ensuring that their experience is not forgotten and that society does not only remember what happened to them and their families but also learns from the lessons of these past attacks, can often be at the heart of their recovery.' Proper commemoration would provide a 'collective expression of togetherness and resilience' for the public and encourage people to challenge radicalisation, hate and extremism, he said. SAT created a Survivors Charter following its 2018 survey of almost 300 survivors of overseas and domestic terrorism. During the 2019 general election both major parties promised to consult the recommendations in the charter, according to the NGO. However, SAT said it remains 'unpublished and unimplemented' despite the Government concluding a consultation on state-provided support to terror victims in February 2023. Co-author Lisa Ghiggini survived the Fishmonger's Hall attack, where convicted-terrorist Usman Khan killed two others and injured three more near London Bridge on November 29 2019. She said: 'These reforms enjoy widespread support amongst survivors and the wider public. The Government has already consulted on a Survivors Charter which includes these proposals, and the time for delay has long passed – now is the time to act.' What we remember matters. It reflects on us as a country Travis Frain, survivor of the Westminster Bridge attack A similar Royal Honours system to the one requested is in place in France and Spain, SAT said. It proposed an award comparable to Britain's Elizabeth Cross and Elizabeth Emblem, or 'even more closely' to the French National Medal of Recognition for Victims of Terrorism and Spanish Royal Order of Civil Recognition for Victims of Terrorism. The group added that the US and several European countries have a national day of remembrance and tribute to survivors of terrorism. Survivors' preferred day of remembrance day would be June 21, according to SAT's research. The NGO recommended that survivors and victims are consulted on the monument's creation. As well as guaranteed recognition and memorialisation, the Survivors Charter calls for guaranteed proactive personal support, access to rapid psychological triage and services and legal support. It demands guaranteed immediate financial assistance and a state compensation fund.
