Counter terrorism training for Manchester’s hospitality sector

As part of Manchester City Council’s commitment to public safety and the principles of Martyn’s Law, a free counter-terrorism training event will take place for the city’s hospitality sector.

Martyn’s Law, named in memory of Manchester Arena Terror Attack victim, Martyn Hett, refers to a set of principles aimed at improving safety and security measures at public places. Amongst the principles is a requirement that spaces and places to which the public have access engage with freely available counter-terrorism advice and training.

There is also a requirement for those places to have a counter terrorism plan and a requirement for local authorities to plan for the threat of terrorism.

Manchester City Council voted to enshrine Martyn’s Law in future licensing procedures in January 2020. Although process was slowed due to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, progress did continue and is still being made to ensure these principles take root.

On Tuesday, 16 November, a fully booked training event will bring together representatives from Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Police, Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW) and CityCo who have developed a fully integrated and holistic approach to provide training opportunities to our businesses. Figen Murray, the mother of Martyn Hett and prominent safety campaigner will also be attending to speak to representatives of the hospitality venues.

This training will include how premises can identify security vulnerabilities, and how to identify and respond to suspicious behaviour. Additional training days are planned to take place during the New Year to ensure as many businesses as possible can benefit from this enhanced resilience.

Rabnawaz Akbar, executive member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Sadly we live in an age where acts of terror are carried out against ordinary people. Manchester bears the scars of past terror attacks and it is this collective memory which urges us to prevent such traumatic events happening again.

“There is nothing we can do to erase the events of the past, but we can take steps to protect against future ones. We know that in the event of terror attacks being prepared is key which is why we’re extending free training to hospitality venues across the city. We pray staff will never need to use the knowledge they gain but we would be failing in our duty as a council if we do not act now.”

Detective Superintendent Sam Pickering, deputy head of CTPNW, said: “While terror attacks are rare, we unfortunately know all too well the horrific impact that they can have on our city and our communities. That is why CTPNW is committed to making the region a safer place to live and work, by supporting the delivery of training and guidance on how businesses can better protect themselves and their customers.

"We would encourage every business to take responsibility, and though we look forward to the forthcoming Protect Duty placing the protective security of our towns and cities on a legislative footing nationwide, our tragic recent experience means we are keen to contribute to the early adoption of any initiatives which might keep us all safer.

“But the best defence is a whole society approach where police, business and the public come together to fight terrorism as one. That requires the public to be our eyes and ears, to be alert when out and about and to trust us with any information which may help us stop attacks. Any piece of information could be important, so if you see or hear something unusual or suspicious trust your instincts and ACT by reporting it in confidence at gov.uk/ACT or, in an emergency, dial 999."