Manchester Arena Bombing: A terrorist attack during an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena results in 22 deaths, including Martyn Hett, and hundreds of injuries.
When does Martyn’s Law come into effect?
As of now, Martyn’s Law has not yet come into effect, but it is expected to do so within this Parliamentary session.
The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has said that the bill has cross-party support and that the Opposition supports its aims, which should speed its journey through parliament.
Support for the legislation
- The provisions of the Bill have been developed in partnership with the Martyn’s Law campaign team, security experts, business groups and local authorities.
- The Police recognise the the importance of Martyn's Law.
Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Matt Jukes, said: “I welcome the opportunity that this Bill brings to drive greater consistency in the partnership that we already enjoy with businesses and communities..." - 70% of respondents to the consultation carried out earlier in 2024 agreed that premises owners should take measures to protect the public from attacks.
With cross-party and wide support, Martyn's Law is not currently expected to be held up at any of the parliamentary stages, meaning that it could receive Royal Assent as early as December 2024.
The Home Office is expecting an 18 to 24-month period to allow for the set-up of the regulator (the SIA) and to give owners of premises and events sufficient time to adjust to the new obligations and prepare.
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Martyn's Law Timeline
May 22, 2017 - Manchester Arena Bombing
2018 - The Kerslake Report published
The Kerslake Report is an independent review of the emergency response to the Manchester Arena bombing.
2018 - Figen Murray’s Advocacy Begins
Figen Murray, the mother of Martyn Hett, starts campaigning for stronger security measures at public venues to prevent similar tragedies.
2019 - The Manchester Arena Inquiry
The inquiry was established to provide a thorough and transparent investigation into the events leading up to, during, and after the attack to identify what went wrong, what could have been done differently, and how future responses to similar incidents can be improved.
2019 - Martyn’s Law Concept Introduced:
Figen Murray formally introduces the idea of Martyn’s Law, advocating for mandatory security measures at venues to protect the public from terrorism. The campaign begins to gain public and political attention.
Early 2021 - Government Consultation
The UK government conducts a consultation process to gather input on the proposed Martyn’s Law, engaging with stakeholders, including venue operators, security experts, and the public.
December 2021 - Government Commitment
The UK government officially commits to introducing Martyn’s Law, incorporating it into its legislative agenda with plans to bring the law before Parliament.
2022 - Legislative Development
The government works on drafting the law, refining its details based on the consultation process, and preparing it for implementation.
February 2024 - March 2024 - Consultation Period
The Government have launched a Martyn's Law consultation to ensure the public can share their views on these proposals for the Standard Tier.
July 2024 - King Charles Speech
King Charles' speech to both houses of Parliament addressed the adoption of anti-terrorism measures; "Measures will be introduced to improve the safety and security of public venues and help keep the British public safe from terrorism - the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill."
2024 - Implementation Expected
Martyn’s Law is anticipated to be fully implemented, marking a significant milestone in public safety legislation in the UK.
Sept 2024 - bill formally introduced in Parliament
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, known as Martyn’s Law, was formally introduced in Parliament. The bill outlines requirements for venues to undertake risk assessments, provide staff with terrorism protection training, and implement measures to mitigate attacks.
October 2024 - Parliamentary Second Reading.
MPs 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.
October 2024 - Committee stage
Line-by-line consideration and debate of the Bill.