The Government has confirmed that draft legislation to enforce stronger protection against terrorism in public places such as venues will be published in early spring.
It said the UK-wide law will mean that venue operators and local authorities will be required to create action plans outlining measures to mitigate the threat from terrorist attack.
Standard tier vs enhanced tier
Measures will be dependent on the size of the venue and the activity taking place. Venues with a capacity of more than 100 but not more than 800 will fall into a ‘standard tier’, for which Martyn’s Law would mean them undertaking simple and low-cost activities to improve preparedness.
The Home Office said: “This will include training, information sharing and completion of a preparedness plan to embed practices, such as locking doors to delay attackers progress or knowledge on lifesaving treatments that can be administered by staff whilst awaiting emergency services.”
The ‘enhanced tier’ will encompass venues with a capacity of more than 800. Operators of venues falling into that category will additionally be required to undertake a risk assessment to inform the development and implementation of a security plan.
“Subsequent measures could include developing a vigilance and security culture, implementation of physical measures like CCTV or new systems and processes to enable better consideration of security,” said the Home Office.
Martyn’s Law
Figen Murray (pictured), mother of Martyn Hett who was one of 22 people who died in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, has since the tragedy, been lobbying hard for increased anti-terrorism measures at publicly accessible facilities.
The Government said the new law, which had a working title of Protect Duty, will be known as Martyn’s Law in tribute to Hett.
Murray welcomed the Government’s commitment to include smaller venues: “Martyn’s Law isn’t going to stop terrorism, but common-sense security, and making sure venues are doing all they can to keep people safe, could mean fewer suffer what myself and the families of Manchester have had to endure.
“It is vital we now take the necessary steps to protect ourselves and others wherever possible and I hope other countries learn from this ground-breaking legislation.”
Prime minister Rishi Sunak added: “I am committed to working with Figen to improve security measures at public venues and spaces and to delivering this vital legislation to honour Martyn’s memory and all of those affected by terrorism.”
“To see the UK Government advancing Martyn’s Law is truly encouraging. We have worked closely with Figen Murray OBE over the past 12 months and witnessed first-hand her sheer dedication to this important legislation, so to see this one step closer to becoming law is fantastic news.
“We look forward to reviewing the draft legislation next spring. We will continue to support Figen on this journey and to educate the global events sector on this important work,” concluded Danielle Bounds, sales director, ICC Wales.
