News, Manchester
Legislation requiring public venues to improve security to counter the threat of terror attacks has officially become law after it was given Royal Assent following a campaign by a “courageous” mother.
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, also known as Martyn’s Law, was named after Martyn Hett who was one of the 22 people killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing attack.
Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray, who campaigned for six years for the new security measures, said she was “determined to ensure nobody endures what my family has experienced”.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Martyn’s Law would ensure “everyone can enjoy public events more safely”.
He said the legislation would “ensure venues across the country have clear, practical measures in place to protect people”.
He paid tribute to Ms Murray’s “courage and determination in the face of such unimaginable loss” and said her campaigning would ensure “her son’s legacy will live on forever”.
Starmer met Ms Murray in Downing Street to mark the bill’s entry on to the statute book.
The law sets out requirements in a tiered manner based on the size of a public venue, with “necessary but proportionate” security measures.
Venues with a capacity of more than 800 people must take steps to protect against the threat of terrorism, like bag-search policies and CCTV.
Smaller public premises where capacity is 200 or fewer are required to have plans in place in the event of an attack.
‘Vital’
Ms Murry said it was “vital” that the government and the Security Industry Authority (SIA), helped public venues meet the requirements of Martyn’s Law.
The SIA, will take on the function of regulator for the law, and will be there to offer support to businesses but also inspect and enforce the new rules.
A 24-month implementation period will be observed to allow the industry to prepare, with the government set to issue guidance later.
Mike Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association said businesses had “long supported measures that enhance security while remaining practical for businesses to implement”.
A spokesman for the AO Manchester Arena said it was a “long-time supporter” of Martyn’s Law and had “provided support” throughout the development of the legislation.
“Operating one of the largest and busiest arenas in the UK and Europe, we are supportive of this legislation to honour the memory of those affected and to set crucial industry standards to enhance public safety at venues nationwide,” he said.
“As a venue, we are already compliant with the draft Protect Duty Bill and continue to monitor any change and adapt to any future developments.”
