New law will compel venues to prepare for terror attacks
The owners and operators of businesses such as concert halls, shopping centres and parks will have a legal duty to protect their venues from terrorism under new government proposals.
The Home Office is launching a consultation on a legal requirement for organisations to increase physical security at venues and train staff to respond to terrorist attacks, as well as putting in place incident response plans.
Proposals for the new law follow discussions with victims’ groups, such as the Martyn’s Law campaign – established by Figen Murray, whose 29-year-old son, Martyn Hett, was killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack.
Security Minister James Brokenshire said the consultation will ensure the legislation protects the public while not putting pressure on businesses.
In a statement issued today (February 24) he said: “Our first priority is keeping the public safe and preventing more families from suffering the heartbreak of losing a loved one. The devastating attacks in 2017, and more recently at Fishmongers’ Hall and Streatham, are stark reminders of the current threat we face.
“We are in complete agreement with campaigners such as Figen Murray on the importance of venues and public spaces having effective and proportionate protective security and preparedness measures to keep people safe.
“Of course, it is important that this new law is proportionate. This public consultation will ensure we put in place a law that will help protect the public while not putting undue pressure on businesses.”
Ms Murray said: “As Martyn’s mum I want to thank the Government. Today’s consultation is the start of making us all that bit safer. Public venues already have all sorts of obligations from fire prevention to health and safety – but until now there has been no duty to protect their customers.
“Martyn’s law will change that. Most of us already thought such a law existed; it’s a commonsense step that will save lives in the future.”
Labour’s Shadow Security Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds paid tribute to the campaigners who have lobbied for the change and said there can be “no objection to a proper consultation”.
“However, a duty to protect is no substitute for professional policing. Combating the terrorists requires everything from community policing through to counter-terrorism,” he added.
“Unfortunately, successive Tory governments axed police numbers and the current government does not have plans to fully restore them any time soon.”
The public consultation will launch in spring and will seek views from a range of organisations, including businesses, public authorities, the security industry and campaign groups.
Views will also be sought on how the duty should be enforced and how venues and businesses would be penalised if they failed to comply.
