Figen Murray completes walk to Downing Street on anniversary of Manchester Arena attack
She's been walking for two weeks, and will meet the Prime Minister later
Last updated 22nd May 2024
The mother of a Manchester Arena bombing victim has arrived at Downing Street, concluding a 200-mile walk from the Arena, as part of a campaign for new terror legislation.
Figen Murray, the mother of Martyn Hett, set off from the arena at 11am on May 7 with the intent to look Prime Minister Rishi Sunak "in the eye" and call for the implementation of Martyn's Law.
The law, named in tribute to the 29-year-old who was one of 22 people killed at the end of an Ariana Grande concert in May 2017, would require venues and local authorities in the UK to have training requirements and preventative plans against terror attacks.
Ms Murray is expected to meet with Mr Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer later, with the end of her 16-day journey marking the seventh anniversary of her son's death.
Ms Murray said she had waited 18 months since Mr Sunak told her in a phone call that he was supportive of the legislation, which has yet to get beyond draft stage.
She has been joined by numerous supporters throughout her walk, including murdered MP Jo Cox's husband Brendan and Charlotte Dixon Sutcliffe, whose husband David was killed in the Brussels Metro bombing in 2016.
Our reporter Harry Booth joined her for the final leg of the walk:
A Home Office spokesperson previously said: "As set out in the King's Speech, we are committed to bringing in Martyn's Law - legislation that will better protect the public from terror attacks, and we are grateful to Figen Murray for her tireless support of this issue.
"It is important that our new law stands the test of time and is a fitting tribute to those who have campaigned for it. That is why we have consulted on how we can protect the public without putting unnecessary burdens on smaller businesses.
"We are now in the final stages of drafting this legislation, and it will be brought in as soon as possible."