Arena bombing survivors voice growing frustration over Government inaction

Survivors and bereaved families of the Manchester Arena bombing in May 2017 have today (Thursday) expressed growing frustration over the slow pace of action to make venues safer.

Their warning comes ahead of the latest inquiry report published later today.

That report is widely expected to highlight failures in authorities planning and preparation that led to the attack causing even more devastation.

Figen Murray, mother of Martyn Hett who was killed by the arena bomb, has spearheaded a campaign for a law - Martyn’s Law - that would require public venues to take simple measures to safeguard their customers from potential attack.

The government announced its support for the ‘Duty to Protect’ in 2019, has conducted an extensive consultation and legislation was promised in the last Queen’s speech.

But no legislation has yet been tabled and there are now rumours that the legislation could be watered down and apply only to the largest venues.

Ms Murray said: “I keep getting told we have the support of the government yet legislation is being consistently delayed.

"Martyn’s Law would save lives and every day it’s not in place is another day we are putting the public at risk. 

“I have now met five different security ministers, all of whom have said how important it is and how imminent the legislation is.

"Yet over five years on from the attack we are yet to see it.

"We are now hearing rumours that some in government are trying to water it down to such an extent that it would pass in name only. 

“I know that politics has been in turmoil in recent months, but there is no excuse for delaying or weakening legislation that could save thousands of lives.”

Cath Hill, who was at the Arena with her son on the night of the attack and has since set up the Manchester Survivor’s choir, said: “We have all been through so much pain in the last five years.

"One of the few hopes we cling onto is that what happened to us will mean we learn the lessons and protect others.

"But for that to happen the government needs to change their warm words into concrete legislation.” 

Nick Aldworth, former Detective Chief Superintendent and UK Counter Terrorism national coordinator, said: “I’m frustrated by how long it is taking for the government to fulfil what was a manifesto promise. 

"When you consider that myself and other senior Police officers were calling for this legislation within days of the Manchester Arena Attack, it’s time for that experienced view to be listened to, and survivors and victims to be respected. 

"During the government’s own consultation, seven out of 10 respondents were supportive of the law.

Martyn’s Law is a simple, low cost, and effective way of making our country safer.

With the shift in terrorists’ strategy to target smaller venues, using crude weapons it’s even more important that all public venues are covered by the law.

Focussing on just large venues would fail to recognise where the greatest vulnerabilities often exist.

Brendan Cox, co-founder of Survivor’s Against Terror, which is supporting Figen’s campaign, said: “Survivors are understandably getting frustrated with government foot dragging.

"This is a law that has all party support and would make our country safer. 

"If there were another attack where failure to prepare made the attack more deadly, the government would not be able to say it wasn’t warned.” 

The 2017 Manchester Arena attack was the last time a large venue was targeted in the UK.  

Volume one of Sir John Saunders’ inquiry into the Arena Attack recognised the value of Martyn’s Law. 

Since the Manchester Arena attack we have seen a succession of attacks against individuals at smaller venues including:

Manchester, May 2017 – A lone suicide bomber detonated an IED as spectators left a music concert at the Manchester Arena.  The blast resulted in the death of 22 people.

London Bridge, June 2017 – Attackers drove a hire van into pedestrians on London Bridge, before attacking people with knives in Borough Market. 

London, September 2017 – Male left an IED on the District Line train which partially detonated.

Reading, June 2020 – 3 murdered in stabbing attack in Forbury Gardens Park

Leigh-On-Sea, October 2021 – Murder of Sir David Amess MP by stabbing

Liverpool, November 2021 – Detonation of IED at Liverpool Women’s hospital

Martyn’s Law

Martyn’s Law is a piece of legislation that creates a coherent and proportionate approach to protective security.

It should apply to any place or space to which the public have access.

For small venues this may simply require an addition to their already mandated fire plan, for bigger more complex venues it will require a more holistic approach.

It consists of five requirements:

That spaces and places to which the public have access: 

engage with freely available counterterrorism advice and training; 

conduct vulnerability assessments of their operating places and spaces; 

mitigate the risks created by the vulnerabilities; 

put in place a counter-terrorism plan; 

and a requirement for local authorities to plan for the threat of terrorism.

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