Two proposed law changes that have been the subject of lengthy campaigns by a city daily have made their way into Labour’s legislative programme.

This week’s King’s Speech setting out the new government’s plans included two new laws advocated by the Manchester Evening News in the wake of tragic incidents on its patch.

Since 2019, the MEN has been campaigning for Martyn’s Law in memory of Martyn Hett, a journalist who was one of 22 people to die in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing.

Together with Martyn’s mum Figen Murray, the newspaper has called for tighter security checks at concerts by introducing obligatory metal detectors and mandatory bag searches at all major public venues.

The campaign was launched in May 2019

The new law will now make its way onto the statute book ass one of 40 unveiled in this week’s King’s Speech to the State Opening of Parliament.

The MEN has also campaigned for Awaab’s Law after revealing how Awaab Ishak had died, age two, because of mould and damp conditions in his home.

Awaab’s Law, designed to provide more protection for those in poor quality housing, was passed by the previous Conservative government, but in the King’s Speech Labour confirmed it would apply to private as well as social landlords.

MEN editor Sarah Lester said: “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.”

She added: “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.”