Mother of Manchester Arena bombing victim to walk to Downing Street to demand new law

The mother of one of the Manchester Arena bombing victims will begin a 200-mile walk from the spot her son was killed to Downing Street to demand stronger protections against terrorism.

Martyn Hett, one of 22 people killed in the bombing

Martyn’s law, named after 29-year-old Martyn Hett, who was one of 22 people killed in the attack 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.

Mr Hett’s mother Figen Murray. Pic: PA

Figen Murray, Mr Hett’s mother, who has campaigned for the introduction of the law, will be joined by family and friends, politicians, security industry experts and members of the public over the 16-day walk.

She will arrive at Downing Street on 22 May, the seventh anniversary of her son’s death.

Ms Murray said her “life changed overnight” when her son was killed.

“Martyn’s death could have been avoided if there were basic security measures in place that night and that is why I have been tirelessly campaigning to ensure no parent experiences the pain and loss that I endure daily,” she said.

This morning she will be joined by Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and former counter-terrorism police chief Nick Aldworth, as well as Mr Hett’s friends, at the AO Arena in central Manchester.

She will then begin the 186-mile walk to Downing Street, visiting memorials to victims of terror attacks along the way to pay her respects.

“I am walking from the spot where my son died to 10 Downing Street to remind the prime minister of his commitment to introduce legislation that will improve security and protections at public venues,” Ms Murray said.

“The campaign for Martyn’s Law has already been a long journey, I hope this walk is the final leg. All I am asking is for the PM to keep his promise.”

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Ms Murray has written to Rishi Sunak to ask him to meet her when she arrives at Downing Street.

She also called on him to name a date when Martyn’s Law, which was a commitment on the Conservative manifesto in 2019 but has yet to get beyond the draft stage, will come to the House of Commons.