The Mancunian Way: Two lives lost that will lead to lasting change

Their lives were lost in unthinkable circumstances. But their tragic deaths will now both lead to lasting change.

Martyn Hett died aged 29 in the Manchester Arena bombing. Awaab Ishak died aged two due to damp in his Rochdale flat.

For many years, the Manchester Evening News has been campaigning for new laws that would save others from suffering the same fate. This week, King Charles III announced that they will both be among the first new laws the new Labour government will pass.

Martyn's Law will strengthen security at public events and venues, while Awaab's Law will now protect even more people from poor quality housing. They both featured in the King's Speech which set out Labour's legislative agenda for the next parliamentary session.

M.E.N. editor Sarah Lester said: "The death of Awaab Ishak was an appalling and avoidable tragedy made all the more unbearable because of the levels of institutional indifference his family faced. Extending Awaab's Law to the private sector will hopefully protect tenants from being forced to live in conditions which damage their health.

"Martyn Hett, who died in the Manchester Arena bomb, was known to some of us at the Manchester Evening News as he contributed to our Coronation Street coverage, writing witty and engaging pieces. His mum Figen Murray's determination to improve security at venues and events through Martyn's Law has been remarkable and it's a fight we have supported over many years. It is a law that has the potential to save many lives.

"Most of us go into journalism to make a difference and it means a great deal that two Manchester Evening News campaigns have done that."

Joseph Timan has more here…

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