Mother of Manchester Arena bombing victim sets off on 200-mile walk to Downing Street to demand new law

7 May 2024, 01:16 | Updated: 7 May 2024, 14:50

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

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.

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 Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham joined family and friends, at the AO Arena in central Manchester, to see Ms Murray off at 11am.

During the 186-mile walk to Downing Street, she will be visiting memorials to victims of terror attacks 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.

(c) Sky News 2024: Mother of Manchester Arena bombing victim sets off on 200-mile walk to Downing Street to demand new law