Terror victims launch campaign for "Martyn's Law"
It's being backed by Tory leadership candidates including Boris Johnson.
Last updated 19th Jun 2019
Survivors of terrorism launched a campaign for "Martyn's Law'' on Wednesday to better protect the public from terror attacks.
Named after Martyn Hett, 29, one of the 22 murdered in the Manchester Arena suicide bombing two years ago, the proposals would oblige all venues and public spaces to have basic security plans and procedures in place to protect the public from future terror attacks.
Martyn's mother, Figen Murray, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and retired chief superintendent Nick Aldworth - a former senior counter terrorism officer, will launch the campaign for the new proposed law in Manchester on Wednesday morning.
Figen Murray said: "We're launching this campaign today because we don't want any other family to go through what we have when so many of these attacks could be prevented or their impact reduced.
"It cannot be right that venues are held legally responsible for how many toilets they have, but not for basic security measures that could prevent a terror attack.
"I named this campaign Martyn's Law, but passing it would be a tribute to all those who died in Manchester and beyond.''
The proposed new law would make it a legal requirement that spaces and places to which the public have access conduct vulnerability assessments, mitigate risks, have in place a counter-terrorism plan and require local authorities to plan for the threat of terrorism.
Mr Aldworth, who served with the Metropolitan Police, said: "For 36 years I worked in the military and the police to keep our country safe and I can tell you that unless we get better at sharing that responsibility more people may be murdered or harmed by terrorists.
"In other areas of policy we already do this. For example when it comes to preventing fire we know it's not just a job for firefighters - we expect the law to play its part from planning legislation to mandatory fire escapes and drills. It's time we take the same approach to terrorism.
"Ministers mustn't delay action on this any further.''
Andrea Bradbury, a retired counter terrorism police inspector who was herself injured in the Manchester attack, said: Not every terrorist attack can be prevented but the public do expect that basic security procedures are in place to keep us all safer.
"It will come as a shock to many that this legislation doesn't already exist. We urgently need new legislation to put in place proportionate but effective security measures.''
The campaign for Martyn's Law will be launched at a press conference at The Lowry hotel in Manchester on Wednesday.
Security Minister Ben Wallace said: "Going to concerts, exhibitions, shopping centres, watching sport and other events, are part of the fabric of life. Things that should be enjoyed without fear.
"Just as we share enjoyment of these communal places and spaces so we need to share concern and responsibility for keeping them as safe as possible. That means owners, operators and public authorities stepping up and making full use of the wide range of information and advice available to support them.
"Government is also considering whether and how further legislation could support, or indeed compel, effective and proportionate protective security. We would very much welcome input from Figen Murray and others campaigning for Martyn's Law in this work and I look forward to discussing it with her soon.'