On 22 May each year, we remember the victims of the Manchester Arena attack and all those still grieving their loss, including Royton mums Alison Howe and Lisa Lees, who never returned home after going to collect their daughters from the concert.
Our thanks must also go to the emergency services who were first on the scene on that horrific day, and who are still affected by what they experienced.
I also want to pay tribute to Royal Fusilier Lee Rigby, a young man from Middleton with his whole life ahead of him, who was murdered on this day in a terror attack in 2013, leaving behind a young son.
The recent attack at the Crumpsall Synagogue shows that radicalisation driven by hate and division remains a threat we have yet fully to face down.
Though the impact cannot be underestimated, the fact is Greater Manchester responded with courage, compassion and unity.
Last year’s passage of Martyn’s Law, which is now being implemented, is an important legacy in improving safety at public venues and protecting people from the threat of terrorism. That progress is thanks in large part to the campaigning of Figen Murray OBE, who lost her son Martyn in the attack.
My thoughts remain with everyone affected by the Manchester Arena attack, including the more than 1,000 innocent people injured on the day, and the many more whose lives were affected beyond physical injury.
We will never forget. 22.05.17 
Jim McMahon OBE MP 