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).
The next step on the journey to Martyn’s Law becoming a reality. This would not have happened without @survivors_a_t@MrBrendanCox @CTCommentator & others. We have worked with the government & I thank them for regularly updating us & collaborating with us. Nearly there……. https://t.co/d4TQAg0gkw
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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Major headliner pulls out of Manchester Village Pride
Daisy Jackson
One of the Manchester Village Pride headliners has had to pull out of their scheduled appearance, just one day before the celebrations begin.
Nadine Coyle was supposed to be headlining the LGBTQ+ event on Friday 27 August.
But in a statement shared by Manchester Village Pride today, they announced that the former Girls Aloud star is ‘under the weather’.
Nadine will be pulling out of her headline slot to ‘rest and recuperate’, but added that she hopes to see Manchester for Pride again soon.
Thankfully, Manchester Village Pride has already found a suitably fabulous replacement for the main stage on Friday – B*Witched.
The iconic Irish girl group will be encouraging ticket-holders to dig out their double denim and dance to hits like C’est La Vie and Rollercoaster.
In the statement shared by Manchester Village Pride, Nadine’s team said: “Nadine is so sorry to have to step out of Manchester Village Pride this year. It was her very first Pride many years ago and she loves getting to spend time with you all.
“Nadine’s voice has been under the weather and she only wants to give absolute best to you all which sadly won’t be possible this weekend as she needs time to rest and recuperate.
“We hate to do it so near the day. Nadine was really hoping she was going to be well enough and hopes she can see you in Manchester for Pride again soon.
“Thank you for being so kind and understanding and we hope you have a wonderful weekend.”
Manchester Village Pride added: “We know how excited many of you were for a massive hit of 2000s pop nostalgia, and we promised you a party. We’ve been working around the clock, and we are beyond thrilled to announce that pop royalty B*WITCHED are stepping in at the eleventh hour!”
Chester Zoo announces return of its £10 tickets for limited time only with extended opening hours
Emily Sergeant
Chester Zoo has announced the return of its popular £10 tickets deal for a limited time only.
You may remember that earlier this summer, Chester Zoo invited people from across the North West to visit for just £10, and as the offer proved so popular, they’ve now brought it back again for a limited time.
For the past three years running now, Chester Zoo has officially been named the UK’s best zoo thanks to tens of thousands of positive TripAdvisor reviews, and now as the summer draws to a close, you’ll get to see exactly what makes it such a special place worth visiting for a cut price.
With the offer only applicable to afternoons this summer, Afternoon Tickets allow entry to Chester Zoo from 2pm onwards – with the last entry being one-hour before it closes.
Chester Zoo is offering £10 tickets to visitors this summer / Credit: Chester Zoo
Without this offer, standard admission tickets to Chester Zoo usually cost up to £38 for adults, £37 for students, and £28 for children, all including a 10% donation to the zoo’s conservation efforts, while babies and carers go free.
So it really is worth making the most of these limited-time £10 tickets while you still can – with the offer now running until 6 September.
The best bit about the offer returning? The zoo is currently operating its extended opening hours until 6pm too, so included for the bargain price of a £10 ticket, you’ll even get to see all the animals while the sun goes down.
Afternoon tickets are only available online and must be booked in advance to claim the £10 offer.
Tickets can only be purchased online before 4pm on the day of your visit, and standard admission tickets can be purchased from our ticket office at the main entrance.
Find out more and book your £10 tickets online here.
The Manc -
10th January 2022 
