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 Training
When Martyn’s Law comes into force this parliamentary session, as it looks very likely to, there will be the usual frantic activity as venue and premises managers work out exactly what they need to do to comply.
Many will be, considering the security of their patrons and employees for the first time – most will not have thought about the possibility of a terrorist attack.
The regulatory body, the SIA (Security Industry Authority), has stated that its prime role is advisory rather than enforcement for everyone other than repeat offenders. This will come as a relief as the proposed fines are very scary – between £10K and £10m!
There will inevitably need to be some bureaucracy and box-ticking involved, although thus far, the Home Office has done its utmost to emphasise that the intention is to make this as effortless and undemanding as possible.
This is important, as, after all, the spirit of this legislation and the dream of Figen Murray, Martyn’s long-campaigning mother, is to significantly increase the safety of visitors to public spaces and avoid tragedies such as the Manchester Arena bombing, where 22 people lost their lives.
This will mean fostering a national venue staff of well-versed people who can spot suspicious activity and, in the event of an incident, know the best actions to take for the best outcomes for visitors and employees.
Key Martyn's Law training will be:
As the introduction of the new legislation draws closer, we will offer free Martyn's Law training sessions from late November to the end of January. Sessions range from a 10 mins introductory session to 1hr deep-dives, all help on Teams.
Sign up now to get free access to our 'Introduction to Martyn's Law' training session.
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.
