Martyn’s Law, also known as the Protect Duty, is a proposed legislation in the United Kingdom aimed at enhancing public safety by requiring owners and operators of publicly accessible locations to take steps to protect people from terrorist attacks. It is named in honour of Martyn Hett, one of the victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing.
Martyn’s Law second reading.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper paid tribute to the mother of Manchester Arena bombing victim Martyn Hett as she introduced the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, or Martyn's Law, in his memory to Parliament.
She described Figen Murray as a “true inspiration”, and Conservative shadow home secretary James Cleverly paid tribute to her “tireless campaigning”.
Figen Murray (Image: Figen Murray)
“It is a Bill which has the wholehearted support of both the Prime Minister (Sir Keir Starmer) and the leader of the opposition (Rishi Sunak), and I hope the whole House.”
Ms Murray watched from the House of Commons gallery late on Monday 14th October as MPs debated the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill for the first time.
Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper
MPs have voted to approve the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill at its second reading.
The Bill will now enter its’ pre-legislative parliamentary scrutiny period before entering The House of Lords.
More than 100 venues, including McDonald's, have signed a letter supporting the law.
The Home Secretary confirmed that the Security Industry Authority will be the governing body responsible for regulating the law and emphasised that their role will be primarily advisory, with fines only coming into force for repeat offenders.
Ms Murray earlier told BBC Radio 4's Today programme it had been hard campaigning, but "having your child’s ashes on a bookshelf is a good motivator".
Further reading for venue owners:
Mark Rowe article in Professional Security Magazine
Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association
FAQs
Why was Martyn’s Law introduced?
Martyn’s Law was introduced in response to the growing threat of terrorism and to ensure that venues are better prepared to respond to such incidents. It aims to establish a consistent and effective approach to security across a variety of public spaces, helping to prevent future attacks and minimize their impact.
What types of locations are affected by Martyn’s Law?
The law applies to a wide range of publicly accessible locations, including but not limited to:
- Concert halls and arenas
- Shopping centres
- Public squares and parks
- Sports stadiums
- Large entertainment venues
- Places of worship
- Educational institutions
Essentially, any place where large numbers of people gather and could potentially be targeted by terrorists.
What will be the key requirements of Martyn’s Law for venue operators?
Risk Assessment: Conducting thorough risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities and threats.
Mitigation Measures: Implementing appropriate and proportionate measures to reduce the risks identified, which may include physical security measures, staff training, and emergency response planning.
Training and Awareness: Ensuring that staff are adequately trained to recognize and respond to security threats.
Collaboration: Working with local authorities, emergency services, and other stakeholders to enhance overall security and preparedness.
Information Sharing: Sharing relevant security information and intelligence with appropriate authorities and other operators.
How will compliance with Martyn’s Law be monitored and enforced?
Compliance with Martyn’s Law will be monitored and enforced by designated regulatory bodies, which may include local authorities and other government agencies. These bodies will have the authority to conduct inspections, review risk assessments and mitigation plans, and take enforcement action if necessary, including issuing fines or other penalties for non-compliance.
When is Martyn’s Law expected to come into effect?
The exact timeline for the implementation of Martyn’s Law is still being determined, as it is subject to the legislative process. However, the UK government has expressed a strong commitment to moving forward with the legislation, and it is anticipated to be enacted in the near future.
