Manchester’s mayor has said the government should introduce compulsory bag searches and metal detectors at major venues following the Manchester Arena attack.
Andy Burnham is supporting calls from victims’ families to see security stepped up in an update to a report into the bombing. Twenty-two people died at an Ariana Grande concert when Salman Abedi detonated a device in May 2017. The attack was a suicide bombing.
Security Minister Ben Wallace said the government’s “utmost priority is protecting our citizens”.
Security Minister Ben Wallace said: “Last June we published a strengthened version of the UK’s comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy, Contest, which reflects the findings of a fundamental review of all aspects of counter-terrorism, to ensure we have the best response to the heightened threat in coming years.”
The update into the report revealed that Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) had taken out a “full root and branch review” after concerns over its delayed response to the emergency.
More than 13,000 people have signed a petition launched by Figen Murray whose son Martyn Hett was amongst the 22 who died in the attack. Ms Murray wants a new ‘Martyn’s Law’ to make safety checks compulsory.
Tribute for the 22 victims
The government responded to the petition by saying: “The Government provides expert advice to venues on appropriate and proportionate security measures. Whilst we keep this matter under review there are no plans to mandate specific security measures.”
Since the attack backpacks and large bags have been banned from large concert venues.
