Terrorism (Protection of
Premises) Bill
Explanatory Notes
The public will be better protected from terrorism under new laws
requiring many public venues to improve preparedness against
attacks and bring in measures to help keep people safe.
The new legislation, also known as ‘Martyn's Law' in tribute of
Martyn Hett who was killed alongside 21 others in the 2017
Manchester Arena attack, will make sure venues across the UK must
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 personal promise to Martyn's mother, Figen Murray,
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 requirements
reflecting the size of the venue and the activity taking place.
Home Secretary, , said:
Martyn's Law has been a long time coming.
I want to pay tribute to Figen Murray and her campaign team who
have tirelessly worked to make this happen.
This legislation will strengthen public safety, help protect
staff and the public from terrorism and ensure we learn the
lessons from the terrible Manchester Arena attack and the inquiry
that followed. It is important we now take this forward through
Parliament in Martyn's memory and to help keep people safe.
Figen Murray, mother of Martyn Hett, said:
I want to thank everyone who has played a part in getting the
bill to this stage, and especially the Prime Minister, who gave
me his word that he would act quickly to introduce Martyn's Law.
He said he would act quickly and he has.
Today means we are one step closer to making public spaces safer
for everyone. It is 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.
As set out in the 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.
A standard tier premises 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 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 cover.
The enhanced tier will apply to 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 CCTV or hiring security
staff.
Security Minister, , said:
We are determined to strengthen security at public events and
venues and passing Martyn's Law will be vital step forward in
this objective.
Today's bill is the result of a considerable amount of
consultation, consideration and collaboration. I look forward to
working with colleagues in Parliament to deliver this important
legislation.
Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Matt Jukes, said:
Through Martyn's Law we can ensure that the public have
additional protection from terrorist attacks while at events and
public venues. Counter Terrorism Policing welcomes today's bill
and we look forward to seeing it progress through
Parliament.
We're all inspired by 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.
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 so that those affected will have the required
information on what to do and how best to do it.
