The Big Issue
Draft Martyn ’ s Law imminent
Draft legislation to enforce stronger protection against terrorism in public places and venues will be published this spring .
The Government has confirmed that draft legislation to enforce stronger protection against terrorism in public places and venues will be published this spring .
Martyn ’ s Law will impose a duty on the owners and operators of certain locations to increase their preparedness for and protection from a terrorist attack by requiring them to take proportionate steps , depending on the size and nature of the activities that take place there .
However there remains ambiguity over many of the finer details of the proposed laws – including how venues and organisers will divide responsibility for enforcing anti-terror protection .
The latest developments state that all premises with a capacity of more than 100 will be subjected to the laws and those with capacities of more than 800 subjected to ‘ enhanced ’ duties .
Martyn ’ s Law The Government has also said the new law , which had the working title of Protect Duty , will be officially called Martyn ’ s Law in tribute to Martyn Hett , who was one of 22 people who died in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack .
Figen Murray , Martyn ’ s mother , has been lobbying hard for increased antiterrorism measures at publicly accessible facilities since the tragedy .
Murray welcomed the Government ’ s commitment to include smaller venues : “ Martyn ’ s Law isn ’ t going to stop terrorism , but common-sense security , and making sure venues are doing all they can to keep people safe , could mean fewer suffer what myself and the families of Manchester have had to endure .
“ It is vital we now take the necessary steps to protect ourselves and others wherever possible and I hope other countries learn from this groundbreaking legislation .”
Prime minister Rishi Sunak added : “ I am committed to working with Figen to improve security measures at public venues and spaces and to delivering this vital legislation to honour Martyn ’ s memory and all of those affected by terrorism .”
Standard tier vs enhanced tier Venues with a capacity of more than 100 but not more than 800 will fall into a ‘ standard tier ’ under the new law , the Government said , which will include “ simple and low-cost activities to improve preparedness .”
The Home Office explained further : “ This will include training , information sharing and completion of a preparedness plan to embed practices , such as locking doors to delay attackers progress or knowledge on lifesaving treatments that can be administered by staff whilst awaiting emergency services .”
The ‘ enhanced tier ’ will cover venues with a capacity of more than 800 . Operators of venues falling into that category will additionally be required to undertake a risk assessment to inform the development and implementation of a security plan .
“ Subsequent measures could include developing a vigilance and security culture , implementation of physical
08 — Spring