Figen Murray receives OBE at Buckingham Palace for counter-terror work

She’s campaigned for tougher rules in venues to protect events from attacks

Author: Owen ArandsPublished 24th Jun 2022

The mother of one of the victims of the Manchester Arena terror attack has received an OBE for her counter terror work.

Figen Murray’s son Martyn Hett was one of the 22 victims who were killed at the Ariana Grande concert in 2017.

In this years New Year’s Honours she was given an OBE for the counter terror work she has undertaken since the attack.

This morning, she collected that OBE at Buckingham palace.

Figen has spent the past five years speaking to tens of thousands of students to educate and raise awareness about extremism.

She’s also studied counter-terrorism and is behind Martyn’s Law, new legislation that will require venues to better plan and prepare for terror attacks.

The legislation was announced earlier this year in the Queen’s Speech and is in the final stages of being implemented.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said:

“Following the tragic attack at the Manchester Arena, we have worked closely with Figen Murray, victims’ groups and partners to develop proposals to improve protective security around the country.”

“I am grateful for their tireless commitment to the duty and those who responded to the consultation; the majority of whom agreed tougher measures are needed to protect the public from harm.”

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