Manchester Arena Bombing Victim’s Mother Meets PM Rishi Sunak Amid New Legislative Push

Figen Murray, mother of Manchester Arena bombing victim Martyn Hett, met with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak shortly before Sunak announced a General Election would take place on July 4. Murray, who walked 200 miles to Downing Street, urged Sunak to implement Martyn’s Law, legislation for increased preventative measures and training against terror attacks in UK venues and local authorities. Named after her son, who was one of 22 killed at an Ariana Grande concert in 2017, the law has been pending for years with multiple reassurances from the government. Sunak promised to introduce the bill before the summer recess but could not guarantee its passage before the election. Ms. Murray later expressed feeling “a bit misled” by the timing of Sunak’s announcement but acknowledged his support for the legislation.

Commons leader Penny Mordaunt confirmed only a few bills would pass before Parliament’s prorogation on Friday, including the victims and prisoners bill. While Martyn’s Law was not included, efforts from both the government and opposition parties aim to prioritize it post-election. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also met with Murray, committing to pass the law under a new government if required.