The mother of one of the victims of the Manchester Arena attack, and a campaigner for stronger security measures in public places has been presented with an OBE.
60-year-old Figen Murray – whose son Martyn Hett was one of 22 people killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing – was selected in the Queen’s New Year Honours list in December 2021 after being recognised for her continuous work in counter-terrorism, public speaking, and promotion of peace.
She was presented with her OBE by Prince William The Duke of Cambridge at Buckingham Place last Friday.
This incredible honour comes just a few months after she gained an MSc degree in Counter Terrorism and graduated with a distinction from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) back in December 2021.
Figen said she completed the degree to try and understand why her son was killed.
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Originally from Stockport, Figen has tirelessly campaigned for the introduction of ‘Martyn’s Law’ since the attack, and the law was recently confirmed in the Queen’s Speech – which set out the government’s planned legislative programme.
Under the proposals, venues across the UK would have a legal duty to devise, adopt, and provide specific security plans and training for a potential terror attack.
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Now, Figen – who publicly forgave bomber Salman Abedi less than a month after the attack to “break the cycle of hate that existed” – says that “more needs to be done” to keep the public safe.
After proudly accepting her OBE, Figen said: “The Manchester Arena attack changed my life forever, and I know my son Martyn would be touched by all of the work I am doing in memory of him.
“Whilst the bomber sought to spread hatred and division that night, I am determined to share the values that Martyn held so close to his heart – love, kindness and tolerance – to make our young people more understanding and resilient to extremist influences.
“But there is also work to be done around safety at public places and venues.
“We should all be able to enjoy attending these venues in the knowledge that we are protected against potential terrorist attacks.”
She also spoke about the importance of Martyn’s Law set to be introduced.
“We have an opportunity before us to set the world leading standards and legislation that will provide organisations, businesses and their employees the training and tools to prevent future terror attacks and keep the public safe,” she said.
“I look forward to working closely with the government to ensure this happens.”
Passengers brace for ANOTHER day of ‘disruption’ as train drivers strike again this week
Emily Sergeant
Passengers are being told to brace for yet more ‘disruption’ as train drivers across the UK are striking again this week.
Following on from the announcement back in February that ASLEF train drivers at several train companies and operators, with Northern being one of them, had voted ‘overwhelmingly’ to continue taking industrial action for another six months, members of the union are staging more strikes all throughout this week.
ASLEF train drivers at Northern will walk out this Thursday (9 May).
But, as there are multiple strikes on different days at train operators across the country all this week, this means disruption is also expected in the lead-up to and following the day drivers at Northern actually strike.
Because of this, Northern customers who are connecting onto services with other train operators are being advised to “check before they travel” for all journeys up until this Saturday (11 May).
The company is also warning that its services are likely to be “busier than usual” this week, as it expects people will take alternative travel routes to avoid strikes elsewhere.
“Unfortunately, the action by ASLEF on Thursday 9 May will see our network grind to a halt,” explained Tricia Williams, who is Northern’s Chief Operating Officer.
“On the days when strikes are taking place with other train operators, we will do everything we can to keep our services moving and absorb those extra passengers trying to travel across the region, but we can only apologise, once again, for the disruption this action will cause to people.”
Northern says it’s “disappointed” ASLEF members have chosen to stage more strikes this week, and will continue to do so in the coming months.
Disruption on Northern is also expected on the days surrounding the strike day itself / Credit: Northern
But when ASLEF announced its intention to continue taking industrial action for the foreseeable – which is separate to what is a very long-running dispute with the Department for Transport (DfT) over pay and working conditions – back in February, the union’s General Secretary, Mick Whelan, said he was “fed up to the back teeth with the bad faith shown” by train companies.
He added that train operators like Northern need to “stop what they are doing” and “start to behave properly and honourably”, because their drivers are “no longer prepared to be treated like this”.
For more information on the strikes this week, and to see the latest travel updates for the next few days, check the Northern website here.
Featured Image – National Rail
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‘Stop and search’ powers introduced after several incidents of violent disorder in Oldham
Emily Sergeant
Police in Oldham have been given extra ‘stop and search’ powers following several incidents of violent disorder overnight.
As of 8pm yesterday evening (Monday 6 May) up until 4am today (Tuesday 7 May), Greater Manchester Police (GMP) had authorised the use of Section 60 and 60AA powers across an extensive area of the Royton area of Oldham.
This tactic had been introduced following what police have called “a number of incidents of disorder” overnight in the community.
These include reports of a group of men with weapons, and an incident which has left a man with “life changing injuries”.
Under Section 60, officers have extra powers to ‘stop and search’ people in the area defined within the specific times listed, while a section 60AA allows police to require people to remove face coverings which are used to disguise or conceal their appearance.
#NEWS | Section 60 & 60AA is in place following several incidents of disorder in Royton.
With this authority, police have extra powers to stop & search & ensure people remove face coverings.
Superintendent Phil Hutchinson, of GMP’s Oldham District, says he understands why members of the public would be concerned at “the nature of these incidents”, but has assured the Oldham community that there will be an increased police presence within the coming days as a measure of safety in response to this.
“Please be assured that we are working round the clock to ensure the safety of the local community, and to do this, we have increased visible officers across the district to provide added reassurance to the public,” Superintendent Hutchinson explained.
“If you have any concerns, or would like to share some information with them, please do not hesitate to speak to them, as they are there to help you.”
The area of Royton where the Section 60 and Section 60AA powers are in place / Credit: GMP
He also added that police will “continue to have a presence in the area beyond the conclusion of the additional powers” and urged the public to continue coming forward with any information that will allow officers to “take action to keep our streets safe”, as they are “keen” to gather as much information as possible in relation these incidents.
“We would encourage anyone who may have seen anything, or have information concerning this. to contact us,” Superintendent Hutchinson concluded.
You can contact GMP by calling 101 and quoting log number 1242 of 06/05/2024, or alternatively, if you would prefer to remain anonymous, you can report information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.