Tories make 'Martyn's Law' a manifesto pledge after PM accused of breaking promise
11.06.2024 - 14:53
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
The Conservative Party manifesto has pledged to introduce 'Martyn's Law' after earlier promises to get the anti-terror legislation on the statute book were scuppered by the General Election. The new law would be named after Martyn Hett, the 29-year-old from Stockport who was one of 22 people murdered in a suicide bombing at the end of an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena in May 2017.
It would require venues and local authorities in the UK to have training requirements and preventative plans against terror attacks. Martyn's mother, Figen Murray, has been tirelessly campaigning for the Government to bring the law in and last month walked 200 miles from Manchester to Downing Street.
Ms Murray said she felt 'let down' and 'misled' after meeting Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who told her he would introduce the legislation before the parliamentary summer break. But later the same day he called a snap election, leading to Parliament being dissolved before Martyn's Law could be enacted.
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On Tuesday, the Conservative Party manifesto revisited the issue, stating: "We will urgently introduce Martyn's Law, in tribute to Martyn Hett, who was tragically killed alongside 21 others in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in 2017. This will ensure premises are better prepared for terrorist attacks by requiring them to take proportionate steps to mitigate risks."
The Tories say getting Martyn's Law enacted has taken longer than anticipated but, even though it might straddle a General Election, they are committed to making it law.
Mr Sunak said passing the law by the summer recess will still be possible, if he is re-elected, because Parliament will