Martyn’s Law gets second reading in Parliament

The new legislation, also known as ‘Martyn’s Law’ in tribute to 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 Hett’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 Yvette Cooper says the 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,” she said.

The Bill was introduced in the House of Commons on September 12 and will now face further scrutiny following its second reading on Monday (October 14).

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.

Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Matt Jukes, said Martyn’s Law will ensure that the public have additional protection from terrorist attacks while at events and public venues.

Commenting on the second reading of Martyn’s Law in Parliament, Mike Bullock, chief executive officer of Corps Security, said: “Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray, has been a fierce campaigner for the legislation since 2019.

“These new discussions are a promising sign that the Bill will finally become law, after years of tireless campaigning from Figen and the wider security community.

“Martyn’s Law will ensure that proactive threat prevention is in place across the buildings we monitor and protect. The transformative law highlights the need for well-informed staff, training and practicing procedures to ensure effective measures are in place.

“We need to enhance security across the UK, and Martyn’s Law will prevent attacks like that at the Manchester Arena in 2017 from ever happening again. We welcome this discussion and hope that soon, it will pass into law.”

Michael Kill, chief executive officer of the Night Time Industries Association, said the second reading of the Bill in Parliament “marks a significant milestone for Martyn’s Law”.

“This Bill is not only pivotal for enhancing public safety but also represents a collective commitment from the night-time economy to ensure that our venues and public spaces are as secure as possible,” he said.

“We wholeheartedly support Martyn’s Law as a critical piece of legislation that prioritises the safety of individuals in public areas.

“The night-time industries have a crucial role to play in creating secure environments, and this legislation reinforces our commitment to that mission.”

Josh Dean, chief executive officer of mass communications specialists Audiebant, said: “It’s a welcome development that Martyn’s Law has finally been introduced in Parliament to help keep the UK public safe in and around venues.

“Its introduction will honour Martyn Hett’s legacy following the tragic loss of his life and 21 others in the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017.

“Once the legislation passes through Parliament the indications are that any establishment with a capacity over 200 will need to increase preparedness for and protection from a terrorist attack. Specifically, Martyn’s Law mandates that venues develop anti-terrorism plans, train staff in defending against terrorism and incorporate tools such as mass communication systems to protect the public and staff.

“Technology that delivers clear, calm, consistent and instant instructions to people in the event of an attack should meet the law’s requirements and fundamentally help to ensure their safety.

“It’s vital that staff are empowered in terrorist situations to broadcast zoned alerts instantly via all the available channels to make people aware of the danger as soon as practically possible.

“Crucially, emerging technology will also allow venues to send targeted messages to attendees and staff in different zones of a venue simultaneously, adhering to the latest guidelines from UK Counter Terrorism Policing. This acts to guide people to the safest course of action based on their location, reducing casualties.”