A personal message of thanks from Nick Aldworth to the CCTV User Group
Today, December 21st, 2022, we received the email below from Nick Aldworth, and we thought to share it with you, as many of you have been on this journey too.
Nick has worked tirelessly campaigning for Martyn’s Law in support of Figen Murray and all the families and friends affected by the Manchester Arena incident.
PROTECT DUTY AND THE CCTV USER GROUP
On Monday 19 December 2022, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that the government intended to move ahead with the UK Protect Duty. Importantly, the government agreed that it will be called Martyn’s Law, after Martyn Hett who was murdered at the Manchester Arena. Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray OBE, has campaigned tirelessly for the law, and it has been my privilege to work with her in developing the proposal and corralling support for it among the public.
The CCTV User Group was the first association to give us airtime and has provided us with constant support. On behalf of Figen, Brendan Cox (our political strategist and husband of Jo Cox MP) and myself, I want to thank you all. Campaigning can be a lonely and tiring activity but having people supporting you helps keep you motivated and focussed. You have been amazing allies.
The link below gives you the high-level details of the law and who is likely to be included. There are very few exemptions. More detail will become available in the New Year when the bill is debated in Parliament but, based on what we know already, you can start educating your organisations and start developing thoughts about how you will respond, proportionately.
We need to make sure that people don’t become alarmed by this duty, it is my firm belief that most organisations will not incur cost. There is so much that can be done to reduce a place's vulnerability to terrorism, that will cost nothing.
In the New Year, I will work with the CCTV User Group to develop more useful material and guidance from which you can influence your own organisations and develop your own responses to the law.
You are part of an amazing organisation that has shown me and the campaign members much kindness over the past few years, and I hope that at this time of celebration, you enjoy peace and prosperity.