Arena bomb victim's mum will launch Lancs university anti-terrorism course

A pioneering terrorism management course is due to start at a Lancashire university.
Figen Murray... photo via University of CumbriaFigen Murray... photo via University of Cumbria
Figen Murray... photo via University of Cumbria

The project, the first of its kind in the UK and run by the Lancaster-based University of Cumbria, has already been endorsed by relatives of Manchester Arena bomb victims.

Just days after hearing harrowing evidence at the Arena inquiry, Figen Murray, will be at the university on Tuesday to mark the start of the Advanced Diploma in Counter-Terrorism Risk Management course.

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High-profile experts will be leading the course, set up in in response to requests from the hospitality industry to introduce critical training, particularly around making risk assessments.

Martyn Hett   photo via University of CumbriaMartyn Hett   photo via University of Cumbria
Martyn Hett photo via University of Cumbria

Figen's son Martyn Hett, 29, was killed along with 21 others in the blast and she said it was vital that people who worked in safety, counter-terrorism and security had the opportunity to receive expert training in risk management.

She will be visiting students on their first day and added: "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."

The bereaved mum has since campaigned for Martyn's law, which calls for compulsory vulnerability assessments and proportionate security mitigation at venues to boost safety.

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She said: “I am hopeful this is going to be launched soon and what the university is doing dovetails perfectly.

"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."

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Due to Covid-19 restrictions there will only be up to 12 students on the first course, which launches next week.

Safety expert and 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 Wales. They are the longest serving trainers for the UK Police Counter-Terrorism Security Coordinator’s course.

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Besides dealing with security for The Queen, five current and former prime ministers and most members of the Royal Family, they have worked on major political party conferences, with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, as well as military and international police forces.

The courses will be based at the university's Ambleside campus.