Public venues in the UK would be legally required to prepare for terrorist attacks under new government proposals.
The proposal follows a campaign by Figen Murray, whose son, Martyn Hett, was killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena terrorist attack.
He was one of 22 people murdered when Salman Abedi detonated a bomb concealed in his backpack at the end of an Ariana Grande concert.
Ms Murray has since campaigned for Martyn's Law to provide more security at concert venues.
On Friday, the government launched a consultation on its proposed new law to improve protection security and preparedness at public places.
It would make it a legal requirement for public places to improve their safety and security.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said public safety must come first.
“I have heard first hand from those who have sadly lost loved ones in horrific terror attacks, and thank them for their tireless work to ensure others do not share their tragedy," Ms Patel said.
“This government has already taken significant steps to amend our powers and strengthen the tools for dealing with the developing terrorist threats we face, and we will always take the strongest possible action to protect our national security.
“That is why we want all organisations responsible for public venues and spaces to put public safety and security first.”
Ms Murray began campaigning for Martyn's Law after discovering that security at Manchester Arena was not increased after the attack.
"My husband and I were going to a music concert and I took a tiny bag so when my bag was searched it would be easy, and I wrongly assumed that security would be heightened everywhere," she said.
"Although I was told there would be concert security we walked straight in and nobody even checked our tickets. It shocked me to the core, it frightened me.
"I knew I needed to do something about this and I started up a petition. That was the start of Martyn's Law coming into play. I'm delighted the consultation is finally going ahead this week.
"It is a major stride towards making our country safer from terror attacks.
"To make Martyn’s Law a reality is a huge relief and I look forward to making a lasting difference with all of those who have supported it.”
The consultation will run for 18 weeks and will seek the public's views on to whom the duty should apply, what stakeholders will be required to do, how compliance should work and how the government can support it.
The intention is that the duty will apply to specified owners and operators of venues, large organisations and those responsible for public spaces.
The government's counter-terrorism police and business independent advisory group welcomed the move.
“It is in the public interest for the government and businesses to work together to ensure people are as protected as possible when visiting venues, retail areas and other publicly accessible spaces," it said.
"This initiative gives us an opportunity to make sure that we are doing all we can to keep people safe.
“We look forward to collaborating with the government in order to provide the public with the best possible protection against those who wish us harm.”
The government also launched the Manchester Arena public inquiry to examine the circumstances of the attack and whether any opportunities to prevent it were missed.
It was established by Ms Patel in October last year and is expected to run until spring.
Bomber Abedi, 22, died after detonating his rucksack bomb in a foyer of the arena at the end of the concert.
His younger brother, Hashem Abedi, was convicted last year on 22 counts of murder, one count of attempted murder and one count of conspiracy to cause an explosion.
He was jailed for a minimum of 55 years.
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UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
The Florida Project
Director: Sean Baker
Starring: Bria Vinaite, Brooklynn Prince, Willem Dafoe
Four stars
HIJRA
Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy
Director: Shahad Ameen
Rating: 3/5
8 UAE companies helping families reduce their carbon footprint
Greenheart Organic Farms
This Dubai company was one of the country’s first organic farms, set up in 2012, and it now delivers a wide array of fruits and vegetables grown regionally or in the UAE, as well as other grocery items, to both Dubai and Abu Dhabi doorsteps.
www.greenheartuae.com
Modibodi
Founded in Australia, Modibodi is now in the UAE with waste-free, reusable underwear that eliminates the litter created by a woman’s monthly cycle, which adds up to approximately 136kgs of sanitary waste over a lifetime.
www.modibodi.ae
The Good Karma Co
From brushes made of plant fibres to eco-friendly storage solutions, this company has planet-friendly alternatives to almost everything we need, including tin foil and toothbrushes.
www.instagram.com/thegoodkarmaco
Re:told
One Dubai boutique, Re:told, is taking second-hand garments and selling them on at a fraction of the price, helping to cut back on the hundreds of thousands of tonnes of clothes thrown into landfills each year.
www.shopretold.com
Lush
Lush provides products such as shampoo and conditioner as package-free bars with reusable tins to store.
www.mena.lush.com
Bubble Bro
Offering filtered, still and sparkling water on tap, Bubble Bro is attempting to ensure we don’t produce plastic or glass waste. Founded in 2017 by Adel Abu-Aysha, the company is on track to exceeding its target of saving one million bottles by the end of the year.
www.bubble-bro.com
Coethical
This company offers refillable, eco-friendly home cleaning and hygiene products that are all biodegradable, free of chemicals and certifiably not tested on animals.
www.instagram.com/coethical
Eggs & Soldiers
This bricks-and-mortar shop and e-store, founded by a Dubai mum-of-four, is the place to go for all manner of family products – from reusable cloth diapers to organic skincare and sustainable toys.
www.eggsnsoldiers.com
THE SIXTH SENSE
Starring: Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Hayley Joel Osment
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Rating: 5/5
