New law honours legacy of Martyn Hett - the Stockport man who was killed in 2017 Arena attack
A new counter-terrorism law named in honour of Martyn Hett has received royal assent.
'Martyn's Law' is the legacy of the 29-year-old from Heaton Moor who was killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing.
The legislation will require events venues to have plans in place in case of a terrorist attack. Having received royal assent on Thursday 4 April, it's now officially part of the law.
It comes following a relentless six-year campaign from Martyn's mother, Figen Murray OBE, who met with Prime Minister Keir Starmer as the law was introduced.
The Prime Minister said he was 'proud' to introduce Martyn's Law, "in memory of Martyn and all those who lost their lives the night of the Manchester Arena bombing".
The campaign for the new legislation began in 2019 when Ms Murray started an online petition, garnering tens of thousands of signatures.
Since then, she's been awarded an OBE, and walked 200 miles from the Manchester Arena to Downing Street.
Ms Murray and her husband Stuart have also worked alongside their constituency MP, Tim Roca (Macclesfield) in bringing the law into effect.
Mr Roca himself said: "This law marks a huge step forward in protecting us all from terrorism.
"It has been an honour and privilege to support my constituents, Figen Murray, and her husband Stuart through their inspiring campaign.
"Their courage, resilience, and dedication have been incredible, transforming personal tragedy into powerful and lasting change."
Martyn's Law - known officially as The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 - will "strengthen the security of public premises and events", the government has said.
Specifically, it will require premises and events to consider how they would respond to a terrorist attack.
For other venues, 'appropriate steps' will also be required to reduce vulnerability to terrorist attacks; this includes things like CCTV or security staff.
Reflecting on the law's success with Sky News, Ms Murray said her son Martyn would probably 'throw the biggest party ever' in celebration.
"You would definitely know when he came through the door", she said. "He had an incredible ability to make everyone feel that they are the most important person in that moment in his life. And I really miss that."
Keir Starmer said: "Figen's courage and determination in the face of such unimaginable loss is truly humbling and it is thanks to her campaigning that Martyn's Law means her son's legacy will live on forever."
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