Figen Murray, the mother of, Martyn Hett, one of the victims of the May 2017 Manchester Arena suicide terror attack joined students on their first day of a counter-terrorism course in Cumbria. The University of Cumbria’s Advanced Diploma in Counter-Terrorism Risk Management at Ambleside campus had course numbers restricted to 12 due to the Covid-19 social distancing rules.
Mrs Murray said: “It currently feels that terrorists are a step or two ahead of the rest of us, but hopefully the university’s advanced diploma will help close some of the gaps.”
On what has become know as Martyn’s Law, her campaign for venues to have to carry out vulnerability assessments and show security mitigation at venues, as a legal requirement like health and safety, she said that she was hopeful it’s going to be launched soon.
“Terrorism is a modern-day menace we all have to live with. Up to the point where we were devastated as a family, I thought it only happened on the news and in films. I never thought we would become the news. Although the chances of being involved in an attack are rare, they are totally destructive on the families unlucky enough to be caught up in them. The threats are there and I firmly believe the public should have increased awareness of personal safety.
“The more in-depth specialist training we have means we stand a better chance of dealing with terrorists more effectively. I would like other universities to follow Cumbria’s lead and for these courses to be available across the county.”
Course leader, Edward Grant, said Figen Murray’s appearance at the start of the course signalled strong messages to students. He added: “We are delighted to welcome this inspirational, brave woman who has channelled her horrific experience into solid action to help others. I know that our students are going to be motivated and stimulated by what she has to say.”
Specialist tutors include Garry Jones and Phil Boardman, whose STORM4 Events company operates from Conwy in north Wales. They are trainers for the UK Police Counter-Terrorism Security Coordinator’s course.
Background
Figen Murry and Nick Aldworth, a recently retired senior counter terror policeman who has backed Martyn’s Law, were among speakers at the International Security Expo at London Olympia last winter.
As reported in the April 2020 print edition of Professional Security magazine, in February the Home Office took the unusual step of announcing that it was going to consult with a view to making a ‘Martyn’s Law’. Usually, the Government would just go ahead with a consultation.
Since then both the consultation and the Manchester Arena official inquiry have been postponed by coronavirus, although the inquiry hearings opened on September 7 and Arena security on the night of the atrocity is due to be covered next month. September has been given over to tributes to the 22 victims.
Hearings are live-streamed to the Inquiry YouTube channel.
