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Venues must have plans to prevent terror attacks under new legislation

Home Secretary Priti Patel is set to detail the proposals on Monday 10 June as the reality of Martyn's Law moves "one step closer".

The Manc The Manc - 10th January 2022

Venues will have a legal duty to protect members of the public from terrorist attacks under new plans being unveiled by the Home Secretary this week.

The introduction of a ‘Protect Duty’ has come about following a lengthy campaign by Figen Murray – the mother of 29-year-old Martyn Hett who was killed in the Manchester Arena bombing.

Ms Murray has been calling for the government to introduce new legislation – known as Martyn’s Law – that would require venues to have measures in place to help prevent terrorist attacks.

After 18 weeks of consultation, Home Secretary Priti Patel is set to lay out the new proposals in further detail on Monday (January 10).

Ms Murray called the proposal “another big step in the right direction” and said she welcomed the report as proof that the government were committed to protecting the public.

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She stated: “The report shows a majority support for tougher security measures to ensure that people are better prepared to protect the public from terrorist attacks. It is also positive to see so many responses from campaigners and various industry sectors.

“I am aware that a significant number of organisations are already taking the practical and proactive steps that will make us all safer when visiting public places.”

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Ms Patel said: “Following the tragic attack at the Manchester Arena, we have worked closely with Figen Murray, victims’ groups and partners to develop proposals to improve protective security around the country.

“I am grateful for their tireless commitment to the duty and those who responded to the consultation; the majority of whom agreed tougher measures are needed to protect the public from harm.”

Home Secretary Priti Patel will detail the proposals / Image: Number 10 via Flickr

Hett was one of 22 people who lost their lives in the suicide bombing in Manchester in May 2017.

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A permanent memorial paying tribute to the victims titled the Glade of Light opened in the city centre earlier this month.

Featured image: Wikimedia Commons

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Police appeal to find next of kin after man found outside Palace Theatre

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Police appeal to find next of kin after man found outside Palace Theatre

Police are trying to track down the family of a man who died after being found unresponsive outside the Palace Theatre in Manchester.

The man, who has now been named as Jonathan Bernard Carroll, was seen outside the city centre theatre at around 6.30am on Tuesday 12 November.

Emergency services rushed to the scene and Mr Carroll was taken to hospital.

Tragically, the 47-year-old passed away a short time later.

A large cordon was in place on Whitworth Street and Oxford Road while police and security attended the incident.

Greater Manchester Police are now appealing to find his next of kin.

It’s believed that he resided in the Salford area of Greater Manchester.

Anyone with any information should contact the Coroner’s Office on 0161 856 1376.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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Greater Manchester public urged to help get people ‘off the streets and on their feet’ before Christmas

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Locals are being urged to help get hundreds of people “off the streets and back on their feet” this festive season.

As the temperatures told colder by the day, and Christmas creeps closer and closer, Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity is bringing back ‘1000 Beds for Christmas’, and the massively-important initiative is aiming to provide 1,000 nights of accommodation to people at risk of homelessness before the big day arrives.

Forming part of the ongoing ‘A Bed Every Night’ scheme, this festive fundraising mission is designed to provide food, shelter, warmth, and dedicated vital wrap-around support for those who need it most.

The charity says it wants to build on the “incredible success of 2023”, which raised more than £55,000 and provided 1,800 nights of accommodation.

Stockport-based property finance specialists, Together – which has supported the campaign for the last two years – has, once again, generously pledged to match every public donation for the first £20,000 raised.  

Unfamiliar with the ‘A Bed Every Night’ scheme? Since 2017, when rough sleeping peaked, the initiative has helped ensure a significantly-higher rate of reduction in the numbers of people facing a night on streets in Greater Manchester than seen nationally.

The landmark scheme has given people the chance to rebuild their lives, while also giving them access to key services and opportunities that allows them to stay off the streets for good.

Despite the scheme’s recent success, organisations across Greater Manchester are under “a huge amount of pressure” to meet the demand for their services this winter, and given the current economic outlook, household budgets will continue to be squeezed – leaving people on the sharp end of inequality and poverty.

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“Help us be a lifeline to organisations on the frontline,” Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity urged in it’s public appeal for donations.

You can help make sure ‘A Bed Every Night’ is a reality for all by donating here.

Featured Image – EthelRedThePetrolHead (via Flickr)

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