Major landmark for 'Martyn's Law' as it clears House of Commons

A law to better protect visitors to many public venues from terrorism has taken another major step forward.

It follows a long-running, heartfelt and determined campaign by the family of one of those killed in the Manchester Arena bombing - which has been backed by the M.E.N.

'Martyn's Law' - named in honour of Martyn Hett, one of the 22 people killed in the May 2017 atrocity, tonight (Monday) passed through the House of Commons.

READ MORE: Who was Martyn Hett and what is Martyn's law?

Formally known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, it passed through the House of Commons tonight (Monday) after an unopposed Third Reading. It will now be sent to the House of Lords.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis said it was time that the cross-party commitment to new measures was 'delivered without further delay' and that he was 'proud we are moving one step closer to this tonight.'

The time it takes to go through the upper house will depend on if any amendments to the bill, which the Commons has to agree to, are put forward.

During the debate, Macclesfield MP Tim Roca said that campaigners would see any 'tweaking' of the bill, in particularly the thresholds or powers delegated to the Secretary of State, 'as a watering down.'

The bill, which has cross-party support, came about following a long-running and heartfelt campaign spearheaded by Martyn Hett's mum Figen Murray.

"I want to pay tribute to my constituent Figen Murray for her bravery in championing these measures" Mr Roca said. "No parent would ever want to have the name of their child on a law if they could help it.

"But she has worked tirelessly to push forward these measures, I would like to see them enacted, and I recommend this bill to the house."

Mr Jarvis said