Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill introduced to Parliament

Also referenced as Martyn’s Law in tribute to Martyn Hett who was killed alongside 21 others in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill will make sure venue management teams right across the UK must always consider the security of the public and take steps to protect them from harm.

This will deliver on the Government’s Manifesto commitment to strengthen the security of public events as well as the Prime Minister’s own personal promise to Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray OBE, that he would bring in this law.  

Under the changes, a new duty will be placed on those responsible for premises and public events, requiring them to take appropriate action to strengthen public safety, with the necessary requirements reflecting the size of the venue and the activity taking place within.

Learning the lessons

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper commented: “Martyn’s Law has been a long time coming. I want to pay tribute to Figen Murray and her campaign team who have worked tirelessly to make this happen. The new legislation will strengthen public safety, help to protect venue staff and the public from terrorism and ensure we learn the lessons from the terrible Manchester Arena attack and the Public Inquiry that followed. It’s important we now take this forward through Parliament in Martyn’s memory and determine to make people safe.”

Figen Murray OBE responded: “I want to thank everyone who has played a part in ensuring the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill reached this stage, and in particular the Prime Minister, who gave me his word that he would act quickly to introduce Martyn’s Law. He said he would act quickly. He has done so.”

Murray added: “Today means we are one step closer to making public spaces safer for everyone. It’s also hugely important for my family that Martyn’s Law will be on the statute book ahead of the next anniversary of Martyn’s death.”

Proportionate steps

As set out in the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, those responsible for premises will be required to fulfil necessary, but proportionate steps according to their capacity to help keep the public safe. This includes a tiered approach, linked to the size of the venue, how many people will be there and the activity taking place, making sure undue burdens are not placed on small businesses.

The ‘Standard Tier’ will apply to locations with a capacity of more than 200 people, but under 800. These businesses will be asked to undertake simple, yet effective activities to put in place procedures designed to reduce harm to the public in the event of an attack. These could be as simple as training staff to lock doors, close shutters and identify a safe route to sanctuary.

The ‘Enhanced Tier’ will apply to those premises and events with a capacity of more than 800 individuals, given the devastating impact an attack could have in these spaces. These locations will need to put in place measures such as surveillance or hire trained and licensed security personnel.

Consultation, consideration, collaboration

Security Minister Dan Jarvis stated: “We are determined to strengthen security at public events and venues. Passing Martyn’s Law will be a vital step forward in terms of this objective. The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill is the end result of a considerable amount of consultation, consideration and collaboration. I look forward to working with colleagues in Parliament to deliver this important legislation.”

Matt Jukes, head of Counter Terrorism Policing, explained: “Through Martyn’s Law, we can ensure that members of the public have additional protection from terrorist attacks while present at events and public venues. Counter Terrorism Policing welcomes the Terrorism (Protection of Premises( Bill and we look forward to seeing it progress through Parliament.”

Jukes continued: “We’re all hugely inspired and motivated by the experience of victims and survivors. Figen Murray has campaigned tirelessly for Martyn’s Law and it’s thanks to her unwavering determination that we are one step closer to ensuring the public has additional protection in the form of this legislation.”

In conclusion, Jukes noted: “We will continue to work with the public, with businesses and with the Government to ensure that, when a terrorist attack takes place, we have the right mitigations in place that will prevent other families from experiencing those tragedies.”

Following Royal Assent, businesses will be given time and support to understand and implement their new obligations and allow for the new regulator to be established. This will include dedicated guidance such that those affected will have the required information on what to do and how best to do it.

Regulator appointed

The Security Industry Authority (SIA), the regulator for the private security industry, has welcomed the news that Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has decided that the SIA should be the body to take on the responsibilities of the Martyn’s Law regulator.

In a joint statement, Heather Baily (chair of the SIA) and CEO Michelle Russell have observed: “We fully appreciate the significance of Martyn’s Law and the important role the Martyn’s Law regulator will have. This is an important responsibility we will discharge with care and diligence.”

The statement adds: “We welcome the Home Office’s confirmation that this new work will be separately funded. The new responsibilities must not compromise our existing regulatory role in public protection and licensing regulated private security roles.”

Baily and Russell close their statement by noting: “We look forward to working with the Home Office on the implementation of Martyn’s Law once the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill and its content has been scrutinised and approved by Parliament.”

Jason Towse, managing director for business services at Mitie, commented: “The introduction of Martyn’s Law to Parliament is a promising step forward and testament to the tireless work of Figen Murray OBE and the campaign team, but there remains a long journey ahead. Everyone should be able to enjoy public spaces without fear of terrorism. We urge the Government to maintain the momentum in enacting Martyn’s Law in order to improve preparedness across the UK and create safer communities.”

*Further information concerning the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill is available on GOV.UK

**Read the Martyn’s Law pages on the dedicated ProtectUK website