Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill
“Measures will be introduced to improve the safety and
security of public venues and help keep the British public safe
from terrorism”
- The first duty of any government is to keep the country
safe. Introducing this Bill will deliver the Government's
manifesto commitment to bring in Martyn's Law, and
strengthen the security of public events and venues.
- The Government is deeply grateful to Figen Murray, mother of
Martyn Hett, who was one of the 22 victims of the horrific
Manchester Arena attack. Her campaigning has been crucial in
driving this Bill and raising awareness about security measures
at public venues.
What does the Bill do?
- The Bill requires those responsible for certain premises and
events to take steps to mitigate the impact of a terrorist attack
and reduce harm in the event of a terrorist attack occurring. The
measures required vary according to the capacity of the premises
or event.
-
smaller premises in the ‘standard tier' will be
required to notify the regulator of their premises
and put in place reasonably practicable procedural measures
to keep the public safe. Some measures could be as simple as
educating staff on locking doors and evacuation
procedures.
-
the requirements for organisations at these smaller
premises will be focused on simple, low-cost
activities surrounding policies and procedures.
-
those responsible for larger ‘enhanced tier' premises
and certain public events will be required to put in place
counter terrorism measures that could be expected to
reduce, so far as reasonably practicable, both the risk from
an attack occurring at the premises or event as well as the
risk of physical harm being caused if an attack was to
occur.
Territorial extent and application
- The Bill will extend and apply UK-wide.
Key facts
- Since 2017, counter-terrorism police assess that there have
been 15 domestic terror attacks in the UK (not including Northern
Ireland-related terrorism), and agencies and law enforcement have
disrupted 39 late-stage plots.
- Independent research conducted in 2019 by Agfora showed that,
without legal requirements, counter terrorism security efforts
are often deprioritised behind other legally required activities
(e.g. fire safety). This results in inconsistent consideration
and application of security processes and measures.
- The 2021 consultation received a total of 2,755 responses
from a wide range of participants from across the UK and a
variety of sectors. 70 per cent of respondents agreed that
those responsible for publicly accessible locations should take
appropriate and proportionate measures to protect the public from
attacks and should prepare their staff to respond appropriately
in the event of a terrorist attack.
- Figen Murray Campaigner for Martyn's Law and mother of Martyn
Hett has said that “Martyn's Law will end the ridiculous
situation where venues have legal obligations for how many
toilets they have but no obligation to keep their customers
protected. Of course Martyn's Law won't stop all terror attacks,
but it will make crowded places better protected and prepared and
make the terrorists' job that bit harder.”
