FEATURE:
Better Off
IN THIS PHOTO: Martyn Hett (right) and his partner, Russell - Hett died alongside twenty-two others during a suicide bombing attack at The Manchester Arena on 22nd May, 2017 following an Ariana Grande concert/PHOTO CREDIT: martynhett/Twitter
Martyn’s Law: Making Music Venues Safer for Everyone
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IT has been almost three years…
IN THIS PHOTO: Ariana Grande
since the awful suicide bombing attack in Manchester that left twenty-three people dead. The bombing happened at an Ariana Grande concert on 22nd May, 2017, and rocked the world. I remember hearing the news and could not believe the images coming through. It was startling hearing about the destruction and carnage after what should have been such a peaceful concert. Although there has not been an attack at a U.K. venue as severe as this since, there is always a fear that we could see something like it again. The memories of the Manchester attack are still fresh, and we want to make sure everyone can attend a concert or gig without fear of attack. One of the people killed in the attack, Martyn Hett, has a law named after him. ‘Martyn’s Law’ ensures there are stronger anti-terrorist measures at venues:
“Airport-style security checks could be introduced across public venues after the government backed a campaign by the mother of a Manchester Arena attack victim.
Figen Murray, whose son Martyn Hett was one of the 22 people who died in the 2017 attack, has lobbied for stronger anti-terror security measures.
Brandon Lewis, the security minister, said Boris Johnson was “100%” behind the proposals for bag searches and metal detectors at big venues such as concert and sport arenas.
Manchester city council has pledged to adopt “Martyn’s law” early through new licensing rules.
IN THIS PHOTO: The Manchester Arena
Writing in the Mail on Sunday, Lewis said: “The prime minister, home secretary and I are all 100% behind Figen and are working to improve security measures at public venues and spaces.
“We are working quickly to come up with a solution that will honour Martyn’s memory and all of those affected by terrorism.
He added: “I am pleased that last week Manchester city council announced new licensing rules, but we are committed to going further and making Martyn’s law a reality for all public venues across the UK.”
Murray has been pushing for stronger anti-terror security measures since 2018. The government has now backed the plan, but has not yet set a timetable for its implementation.
The government announcement represents a shift from the Home Office’s 2019 resistance to Murray’s petition, when it responded that while it provided advice to venues on appropriate and proportionate security measures, there were “no plans to mandate specific security measures”
Murray told the BBC: “I am absolutely delighted. I met with Mr Lewis a few weeks ago but did not realise they were moving things on so quickly.
“If the government do make this a reality then it will be a fitting tribute to not only Martyn but all those who died that night”.
I can appreciate how good security is at venues and, in the wake of the bombing in 2017, there have been extra measures imposed. It is a shame that we have to up security because of the threat of terrorism but, in terms of making people safer and keeping those out who can cause so devastation, this is a good measure.
PHOTO CREDIT: @ev/Unsplash
I have always wondered why such checks have not been in place at venues already. Consider the size of arenas and how many people are passing through. I know the logistics involved with processing and checking thousands of people is immense, but consider the fact it takes only one person to slip through unchecked to perpetrate an act of violence. I am not sure how extensive the checks are and whether people’s bags will be scanned; whether each ticket holder will go through a metal detector and it is very much like an airport experience. It sounds quite police-like and off-putting, but it is comforting knowing there are such rigid checks. I think this is a way to guarantee we will not see a repeat of the bombing of 2017. I am not sure how venues will monitor those outside venues and whether there are barriers imposed with security guards on every corner. It has been almost three years since we learned the terrible news of the Manchester attack, and it still seems pretty current and hard to accept. Martyn Hett, the twenty-two others who died that night and the many injured are very much in our minds. Manchester city council has pledged to take on Martyn’s Law early, but it seems very likely that it will be rolled out across the country and reach major venues across the U.K. Although Hett lost his life on 22nd May, 2017, Martyn’s Law is definitely…
PHOTO CREDIT: martynhett/Twitter
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