Arena victim's mum begs PM 'please keep your promise'

Ms Murray wants answers over her plans to introduce Martyn's Law

The mother of a Manchester Arena bombing victim is pleading with the prime minister to "keep his promise" over a new public safety law.

Campaigner Figen Murray, whose son Martyn Hett died in the 2017 bombing, wants legislation brought in to help to protect people in public venues from possible terror attacks.

Ms Murray, who is currently halfway through a 200-mile walk from Manchester to Downing Street, said there had been “real interest” and “support” for her efforts.

The government previously said they were "committed" to bringing in Martyn's Law "as soon as possible".

When she gets to London she said she hoped to sit with Rishi Sunak and say "please keep your promise".

Ms Murray has reached the halfway point of her 200-mile walk

The campaigner has been joined by others during the walk as part of the Survivors Against Terror group - with members of the public offering their support.

They plan to visit the sites of terror attacks including the 7/7 Memorial in London, before arriving in London on 22 May, the seventh anniversary of the Manchester Arena terror attack.

Ms Murray said she spoke to Mr Sunak on 15 December 2022, which would have been Martyn's 35th birthday.

She told BBC Breakfast: "During that phone call he said how supportive he is of the legislation and how he is behind it and that he will make it happen as soon as he possibly can.

"That conversation is now 18 months ago and I have been really patient.

"I want to just sit in front of him and say, please keep your promise."

Charlotte Dixon-Sutcliffe, whose partner David was killed in the Brussels metro attack, said it was "important" to join Ms Murray who she described as an "amazing and inspirational woman who wants to make the UK venues safer".

'Desperation'

Martyn Hett was a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing

A Home Office spokesman said the government was in the "final stages" of drafting the legislation.

Brendan Cox, whose wife, Jo, was murdered in 2016, said there was a "loophole".

Joining Ms Murray on the walk, he said: "They [government] know there is a security gap, they promised to fill it but until that legislation has been enacted, nobody is safe.

"Draft legislation does not save lives and that that is why we are joining here. Frankly, partly out of desperation."

He said the prime minister needed to name a date for when legislation would come to the House of Commons.

"That is the thing that will turn all of this effort, the years of campaigning Figen has done, into purpose and meaning," he added.