Landmark Martyn’s Law anti-terrorism legislation gains Royal Assent

Larger premises and events where 800 or more people are present will be required to take further steps to reduce their vulnerability to acts of terrorism, such as having CCTV installed, bag search policies operational or vehicle checks where appropriate.

‘Martyn’s Law’ is named in tribute to Martyn Hett, who was tragically killed alongside 21 other individuals in the Manchester Arena terrorism attack in May 2017. It delivers on the Prime Minister’s personal promise to Martyn’s mother (Figen Murray OBE, who has been the driving force behind campaigning for this legislation in her son’s memory) that he would bring in this law.

The Prime Minister invited Figen Murray into Downing Street to mark this moment and to express the debt of gratitude the nation has for her selfless work to turn such unimaginable pain into a lasting legacy for her son.

The Government is securing Britain’s future through the ‘Plan for Change’ and this Act of Parliament delivers on a Labour Party Manifesto commitment to strengthen the security of public events and venues.

Landmark moment 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “This is a landmark moment for our national security regime as my Government delivers on its promise to introduce Martyn’s Law and better protect the public from terrorism. Figen’s courage and determination in the face of such unimaginable loss is truly humbling. It’s thanks to her tireless campaigning that Martyn’s Law means her son’s legacy will live on forever.”

Starmer added: “Security is the foundation of our ‘Plan for Change’ and the first duty of any Government. Martyn’s Law will ensure that everyone can enjoy public events more safely and make certain that venues across the country have clear and practical measures in place to protect our citizens.”

Figen Murray responded: “My son Martyn Hett was murdered alongside 21 innocent victims in the Manchester Arena terror attack on 22 May 2017, and while nothing will bring Martyn back, I’m determined to ensure nobody has to endure what my family has experienced.”

Murray added: “For the last six years, I’ve campaigned to introduce measures that will improve security at public venues and how those venues respond to a terror attack. I’m grateful to the Prime Minister, the Security Minister Dan Jarvis and Lord Hanson for how quickly they’ve progressed Martyn’s Law through Parliament. This would not have happened without the tireless support of my co-campaigners including Nick Aldworth, Nathan Emmerich, my husband Stuart and my children.”

Implementation period

Over the implementation period, it’s absolutely vital that the Government and the Security Industry Authority provide all that’s necessary for publicly accessible locations to implement Martyn’s Law.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper commented: “Martyn’s Law will significantly strengthen public safety across our country. I’d like to thank Figen Murray for her tireless work to make this law a reality. This Government is securing Britain’s future through the ‘Plan for Change’ and, as the eighth anniversary of the attack approaches, this new law delivers upon the lessons from the Manchester Arena Inquiry to keep people safe.”

Jon Savell, Counter Terrorism Policing’s senior national co-ordinator for Protect and Prepare, stated: “Martyn’s Law will ensure that members of the public benefit from additional protection from terrorist attacks while they’re at events and public venues. We will continue to work with businesses and central Government to make sure premises have the support they need to prepare for the implementation of this Act of Parliament.”

Mike Kill, CEO of the Night-Time Industries Association, remarked: “The passing of Martyn’s Law into legislation is a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to public safety. This law will ensure that venues and events across the UK take appropriate and proportionate steps to protect the public from the evolving threat of terrorism. The Night-Time Industries Association has long supported measures that enhance security, while remaining practical for businesses to implement.”

Kill added: “We appreciate the Government’s recognition of the challenges businesses face and the commitment to a 24-month implementation period, allowing time for preparation and adaptation. As an industry, we will continue working closely with the Home Office, the Security Industry Authority and key stakeholders to provide clear guidance and support. Ensuring the safety of our night-time economy and public spaces remains our priority. As such, we fully support the introduction of this crucial legislation.”

Security Minster Dan Jarvis observed: “I’m proud that we have delivered Martyn’s Law as part of our commitment to strengthen security postures at public events and venues. I would like to pay tribute to Figen Murray who has been nothing short of inspirational in her campaign for this legislation and a driving force in making it happen.”

Industry reaction

Mike Bullock, CEO of Corps Security, informed Security Matters: “Martyn's Law will require venues with a capacity for 200 or more people to prepare for and protect individuals from potential terrorist attacks. This is a huge step forward. Nearly eight years ago, the Manchester Arena terrorism attack took the lives of 22 people, including Martyn Hett, the son of Figen Murray. For the past six years, Figen has tirelessly campaigned for this Bill to become law.”

Bullock continued: “We have always supported Figen’s mission. On its seventh anniversary in May last year, members of Corps Security, including Corps Consult’s executive director Mike Bluestone CSyP FSyI, joined Figen in Hertfordshire for 12 miles of her 200-mile walk from Manchester to London in order to raise awareness for the cause.”

In conclusion, Bullock noted: “Bringing in these changes has not been easy. Figen’s determined campaigning means that, finally, we will see the promise of Martyn's Law honoured for the safety of our nation.” 

Kieran Mackie, managing director of Amulet, stated: “Figen Murray and various industry leaders have tirelessly campaigned for six years to enhance the safety powers of venues across the UK. This law will help us to ensure that episodes akin to that which took place at the Manchester Arena can never happen again.”

Mackie observed: “The law will require venues with a capacity for 200 or more individuals to proactively prepare for potential attacks. That renders situational awareness technology a fundamental aspect in sharing intelligence and responding to threats, knitting together the various elements of a security solution. Organisations need to prioritise technological integration in order to prepare themselves for this new law.”  

Also, Mackie noted: “Martyn’s Law is a significant step in the right direction. It’s now essential that all public venues and security providers are committed to ensuring protection that’s tailored to the needs of the spaces in which we operate.”