More than 1000 Mancunians complete counter terrorism training following council’s adoption of Martyn’s Law

More than 1,000 people and almost 500 venues across Manchester have completed counter terrorism training following the council’s adoption of ‘Martyn’s Law’.

The Manchester Arena bombing in May 2017 resulted in the death of Martyn Hett, who was just four metres away from the attacker.

Martyn’s Law will require venues across the city to improve and standardise their security procedures.

Risk assessments are taking place so that venues are better prepared to respond quickly in the event of an attack.

The Manchester Arena terror attack left an indelible mark on our city, but it does not have to define our future

Cllr Lee-Ann Igbon

Executive member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods, Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon (pictured), said: “The Manchester Arena terror attack left an indelible mark on our city, but it does not have to define our future. We never want to repeat that terrible night again which is why this training is so vital”.

Training is run in partnership with Manchester City Council, CityCo and the Counter Terror Policing North West. It aims to give staff the skills to identify and minimise potential risks and respond with speed.

Although there is no legal duty to adopt Martyn’s Law, the council has said businesses have shown willingness to take its principles on board.

Martyn’s mum, Figen Murray, has supported the training which aims to play its part in the Making Manchester Safer strategy.

Work still to be done

Cllr Igbon added: “I am so proud of the venues who have already signed up and recognise what a fantastic achievement it is to have trained more than 1,000 people.

“However, there is always more work to be done and I am confident in the coming months even greater numbers can be reached”.

Gareth Worthington, CityCo’s Night-Time Economy Officer, praised Figen Murray for her work on implementing Martyn’s Law locally.

Businesses can get ahead of the law and book their business’ training at cityco.com.