Martyn's Law draft legislation published

Draft legislation for Martyn's Law has been published by the government.

The draft Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill sets out the requirements that venues and other organisations will have to meet to ensure public safety.

The draft bill will be subject to pre-legislative scrutiny by the Home Affairs Select Committee, ahead of formal introduction.

The law sets out two tiers for venues. The standard tier will apply to public premises with a maximum capacity of 100 or more people, whilst the enhanced tier applies to public premises and events with a maximum capacity of 800 or more people.

Standard tier premises will be required to undertake basic, low-cost activities to improve their preparedness, including terrorism protection training and evaluating the best procedures to put in place in order to minimise impact.

Enhanced tier premises and events have further requirements in recognition of the potential consequences of an attack. This will include appointing a designated senior officer who must regularly review the security of the venue.

There will also be an inspection and enforcement regimes to promote the requirements for each tier, with sanctions and penalties to be issued to premises in the event of non-compliance.

Support and guidance will be provided to ensure those in scope can meet their responsibilities. Advice, training and guidance is already available on ProtectUK.

Security Minister Tom Tugendhat said: "The threat from terrorism is enduring. In recent years, we have seen terrorists target the public at a broad range of locations, causing deaths and casualties amongst innocent people going about their everyday lives.

"This is a significant step forward for Martyn’s Law and our ability to further protect the public. I welcome the committee’s scrutiny to ensure that this legislation is proportionate while enhancing our national security."

Figen Murray, mother of Martyn Hett, after whom the law is named, said: "Today is an important step forward to a safer country. 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.

"Almost six years after the Manchester Arena attack it’s now critical this bill is passed into law as quickly as possible and in the strongest form possible."

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