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There are plans to build the UK’s biggest indoor arena in Manchester
Gareth Lloyd -
28th February 2020 
Gareth Lloyd -
28th February 2020
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Mother of Manchester Arena attack victim to walk to Downing Street to demand new security law
Emily Sergeant
The mother of a Manchester Arena attack victim is to walk from Manchester to Downing Street to demand a new security law.
Figen Murray OBE, whose son, Martyn Hett, was one of the 22 victims that sadly lost their life during the Manchester Arena attack in 2017, has been tirelessly campaigning for the introduction of new legislation that tightens security protocols at public venues across the UK for several years now – but this will be her biggest challenge yet.
On 7 May, she plans to set off from the place where Martyn died in Manchester city centre, and walk all the way to Downing Street.
Her expected arrival in London on 22 May will be both the seventh anniversary of the horrific attack, and of her son’s death.
The legislation Ms Murray is campaigning for the introduction of is known as ‘Martyn’s Law’, and it will require premises to fulfil what the Government has called “necessary but proportionate” steps, according to their capacity, to help keep the general public safe.
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The law was approved in September 2022, but is still yet to be formally introduced.
A consultation was launched back in February to help work out the best way to introduce the law nationwide, and the public was invited to have their say on the proposals which sought to “scale-up preparedness for terrorist attacks” and make sure the public is protected – but this consultation closed on 18 March, and the results are said to be being considered by the Government, according to BBC reports.
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Ms Murray is expected to be joined by Brendan Cox – the widower of MP Jo Cox, who was murdered in 2016 – and Nick Aldworth, who is a former national counter-terrorism coordinator, on her march to Downing Street.
She will also pay her respects at the sites of a number of terror attacks along the way on her 200-mile journey.
Reflecting on it being almost five years on from the Government’s original commitment to ‘Martyn’s Law’ ahead of her walk to London, Ms Murray says she believes the fact that the draft legislation still hasn’t been tabled is “putting our country at risk”.
“No parent should have to experience the pain and loss I’ve felt,” Ms Murray told the BBC.
“I truly believe we have an opportunity to make public spaces safer and more secure by introducing Martyn’s Law.”
Following the closing of the public consultation on ‘Martyn’s Law’ last month, a Home Office spokesperson thanked Ms Murray for her “tireless support in the development of this vital reform”.
Read more:
- Government launches consultation to work out how to best introduce ‘Martyn’s Law’ across UK
- Over 1,000 Mancs have now received counter terror training to support ‘Martyn’s Law’
- Mother of Manchester Arena attack victim graduates with a degree in Counter Terrorism
The spokesperson’s statement continues: “We are reviewing the findings [of the public consultation] to ensure all feedback is fully considered, and working to finalise the legislation with a view to introducing it as soon as parliamentary time allows.”
Featured Image – Figen Murray / BBC
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Family pay tribute to ‘larger than life’ biker after fatal Wigan crash
Daisy Jackson
The family of the second victim of a crash in Wigan have paid a moving tribute to him.
Leslie Baron, 56, had been the passenger on a motorbike when it was involved in a road traffic collision with a car.
Both Leslie and the rider – 21-year-old Lewis Durham – were unseated and suffered serious injuries.
Lewis tragically died at the scene despite the efforts of emergency services, while Leslie passed away several hours later in hospital.
Leslie’s family have now issued a tribute to him, describing him as a ‘larger-than-life character’ who loved his dogs, biking and golf.
His family also praised the hospital staff who cared for him in his final hours.
They said: “It is with a heavy heart that we write this message in tribute to Leslie Baron, known to us as “Lez”. He was a much-loved brother, uncle, and a friend to many.
“We would firstly like to thank the emergency services and the members of the public for all their efforts in helping him at the scene of the collision. We extend our praise to the hospital staff at Aintree Hospital also.
“Lez was a larger-than-life character who loved his dogs, riding his motorbike, and playing golf. He would do anything for anyone. He will be missed deeply by us all.
“May he rest in peace; we will love you always.”
The crash occurred on Ormskirk Road in Wigan shortly after 7.15pm on Saturday 13 April, at the junction with Billinge Road.
The driver of the car involved, a 41-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and causing serious injury by careless driving. He has since been released on bail.
Lewis’s family yesterday issued the below tribute to him, the second victim of the fatal crash in Wigan.
“It is with great sadness that Lewis has been so tragically taken away from us. He sadly passed away in a road traffic accident in Wigan on Saturday 13th April.
“The youngest in our family with the world at his feet. He’s left a huge hole in our family, our hearts are absolutely broken. He was always a happy, fun-loving character, who had everything going for him in life, loved by everyone and had the best of friends. A loving son, grandson, and little brother.
“We’d like to thank the emergency services and people who assisted him at the scene who comforted him in maybe his last moments. We’ll cherish every memory we have of you, Lewis.
“We’re all beyond proud of you and will miss and love you forever. You’re now the brightest star in the sky Lewis. Love you forever and always Mam, Dad, Grandma, Granda, Nana, and your two big sisters.”
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- Dave Challinor labelled ‘top class’ after touching tribute to late young fan as Stockport County secure League Two title
- Win VIP tickets to see Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour in Stockholm – plus flights, accommodation, a bar tab AND an annual pass for The Mezz
Featured image: GMP
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