The UK will be better prepared for, and protected from, terrorist
attacks under new draft laws published by government.
The draft Terrorism
(Protection of Premises) Bill sets out the requirements that,
under Martyn’s Law, venues and other organisations will have to
meet to ensure public safety. ‘Martyn’s Law’ is a tribute to
Martyn Hett who was killed alongside 21 others in the Manchester
Arena terrorist attack in 2017.
The draft bill will be subject to pre-legislative scrutiny by the
Home Affairs Select Committee, ahead of formal introduction.
In December 2022, the government announced that Martyn’s Law will
introduce a tiered model for certain locations depending on the
capacity of the premises or event and the activity taking place,
to prevent unnecessary burden to business. The legislation will
ensure venues are prepared for, and ready to respond in the event
of, an attack.
Security Minister said:
The threat from terrorism is enduring. In recent years, we have
seen terrorists target the public at a broad range of locations,
causing deaths and casualties amongst innocent people going about
their everyday lives,
This is a significant step forward for Martyn’s Law and our
ability to further protect the public. I welcome the committee’s
scrutiny to ensure that this legislation is proportionate while
enhancing our national security.
Figen Murray, mother of Martyn Hett, said:
Today is an important step forward to a safer country. Martyn’s
Law will end the ridiculous situation where venues have legal
obligations for how many toilets they have but no obligation to
keep their customers protected.
Of course Martyn’s Law won’t stop all terror attacks, but it will
make crowded places better protected and prepared, and make the
terrorists’ job that bit harder.
Almost six years after the Manchester Arena attack it’s now
critical this bill is passed into law as quickly as possible and
in the strongest form possible.
British Retail Consortium Assistant Director, Graham Wynn, said:
Given the number of retail premises, Martyn’s Law is particularly
relevant to retailers. We have appreciated the Home Office’s
willingness to make adjustments to the bill - such as the move to
make capacity the basis to meet changing needs - as well as make
it more practical and proportionate.
It will be important to ensure all operational details work
effectively - such as how the tiers operate at the margins. After
closer examination of the detail, we look forward to the
opportunity to provide additional suggestions as appropriate
during the Parliamentary process.
The government is committed to working closely with businesses
and other stakeholders to ensure this legislation is
proportionate whilst also being effective. Dedicated
guidance and support will be provided to ensure those in scope
can meet their responsibilities. ProtectUK already hosts a range
of expert advice, training, and guidance.
The standard tier will apply to public premises with a maximum
capacity of 100 or more people, whilst the enhanced tier applies
to public premises and events with a maximum capacity of 800 or
more people. Limited exemptions to the capacity requirements
apply to education establishments and places of worship. Guidance
and training materials will also be available to premises with a
capacity of under 100, should they want additional support.
Standard tier premises will be required to undertake basic,
low-cost activities to improve their preparedness, including
terrorism protection training and evaluating the best procedures
to put in place in order to minimise impact.
Enhanced tier premises and events have further requirements in
recognition of the potential consequences of a successful attack.
This will include appointing a designated senior officer who must
regularly review the security of the venue.
An inspection and enforcement regime will be established to
promote the requirements for each tier. In the event of
non-compliance, sanctions and ultimately penalties will be issued
to premises.
Martyn’s Law will extend to and apply across the whole of the
United Kingdom and has been developed following extensive
consultation with the public, businesses and campaign groups. The
significant majority agree that those responsible for publicly
accessible locations should take measures to protect the public
from potential attacks.
Among the campaigners was Figen Murray, the mother of Martyn
Hett. Her campaign for ‘Martyn’s Law’ has informed the process
leading to the draft Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill.
Figen and others have worked tirelessly with the government to
ensure this bill is delivered and publishing the draft
legislation is a credit to their efforts. Publication of the
draft bill today follows a commitment made by the Prime Minister
to Figen shortly after he took office that the government would
bring forward the measures in the Spring.
