Martyn's Law receives Royal Assent

Martyn's Law has received Royal Assent today, after six years of campaigns and almost eight years after the Manchester Arena attack.

Martyn's Law is named after Martyn Hett, who was killed in the Manchester Arena attack in May 2017.

Officially titled the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, the law will make it a legal requirement for public places to improve security measures.

A tiered approach will mean that venues with a capacity of 200-800 people will be required to put in place measures to reduce harm to the public in the event of an attack. This could include training staff to lock doors, close shutters and identify safe routes to cover.

The enhanced tier will mean that venues with a capacity of over 800 will need to put in places measures such as security staff and CCTV.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "Today is a landmark moment for our security as my government delivers on its promise to introduce Martyn’s Law and better protect the public from terrorism.

"Figen’s courage and determination in the face of such unimaginable loss is truly humbling and it is thanks to her campaigning that Martyn’s Law means her son’s legacy will live on forever.

"Security is the foundation of our Plan for Change and the first duty of any government. Martyn’s Law will ensure everyone can enjoy public events more safely and ensure venues across the country have clear, practical measures in place to protect people."

Martyn's mother, Figen Murray, the leading campaigner for the legislation met the Prime Minister in Downing Street to mark the occasion. She said: "My son Martyn Hett was murdered alongside 21 innocent victims in the Manchester Arena terror attack on 22 May 2017, and whilst nothing will bring Martyn back, I am determined to ensure nobody endures what my family has experienced.

"For the last 6 years I have campaigned to introduce measures that will improve security at public venues and how they respond to a terror attack - Martyn’s Law.

"I am grateful to the Prime Minister, the Security Minister and Lord Hanson for how quickly they’ve progressed Martyn’s Law through parliament. But this would not have happened without the tireless support of my co-campaigners Nick Aldworth, Brendan Cox, Nathan Emmerich, my husband Stuart, and my children.

"Over the implementation period it is vital that the government and Security Industry Authority provide all that is necessary for publicly accessible locations to implement Martyn’s Law."

CTP Senior National Coordinator for Protect and Prepare, Jon Savell, said: "Martyn’s Law will ensure that the public have additional protection from terrorist attacks while at events and public venues. We will continue to work with businesses and with the government to make sure premises have the support they need to prepare for the implementation of the act.

"Figen Murray has campaigned tirelessly for the introduction of this legislation and it’s thanks to her unwavering determination that it has achieved Royal Assent."