Unfortunately, the need to protect people and critical infrastructure has increased over the last 50 years. Currently there is no legal requirement for businesses to employ security measures to protect against the risk of terrorism.

In addition to the numerous terrorist plots that have been foiled and according to the Government, there have been 3,416 terrorism-related deaths in the UK.

In December 2022, the Government confirmed that the Protect Duty will become law and will be known as ‘Martyn’s Law’ in tribute to Martyn Hett, who sadly died in the Manchester bombing.

Working closely with security partners, business and victims’ groups, including Figen Murray and the Martyn’s Law Campaign Team, and Survivors Against Terror, the new duty will require venues to take steps to improve public safety, with measures dependent on the size of the venue and the activity taking place.

The purpose of the new legislation is “keeping people safe, enhancing our national security and reducing the risk to the public from terrorism, by the protection of public venues – ProtectUK, the central hub for counter terrorism and security advice launched in 2022.

Under the new legislation, businesses will be required to assess the risk of terrorism, and premises that fall within the scope of the duty are those where “qualifying activities” take place. These will follow three criteria:

  • That the premise is an eligible one, i.e., building or event with a defined boundary
  • That a qualifying activity takes place at the location; and
  • That the maximum occupancy of the premises meets a specified threshold – either 100 plus or 800 plus

Eligible Activities

Entertainment and leisure, retail, food and drink, museums and galleries, sports grounds, public areas of local and central government buildings (civic halls and town halls), visitor attractions, temporary events, places of worship, health and education venues are all qualifying activities.

Standard tier with premises with a capacity of 100 plus

Standard duty holders will need to undertake simple activities to meet their obligations, including the completion of free training, raising awareness and cascading information to staff and the completion of a preparedness plan.

The aim is to ensure that all staff are prepared to respond quickly to terrorism, with an awareness of what processes they should follow and be able to make quick decisions and carry our actions that will save lives, such as carrying our lifesaving treatment, before the emergency services arrive or opening doors to allow visitors to escape.

Standard tier with premises with a capacity of over 800 plus

This enhanced tier will focus on high-capacity locations in recognition of the potential consequences of a successful attack. Locations with a capacity of over 800 people at any time, will additionally be required to undertake a risk assessment to inform the development and implementation of a thorough security plan.

Subsequent measures could include developing a vigilance and security culture, implementation of physical measures like CCTV or new systems and processes to enable better consideration of security.

How will businesses and organisations be supported on Martyn’s Law?

Dedicated guidance and support are being providing provided for Martyn’s Law, to ensure that businesses and organisations have the required information on what to do and how best to do it.

A new online platform has already been developed by the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO), Home Office and Pool Reinsurance to support all those seeking to enhance their protective security.

ProtectUK is a central, consolidated hub for trusted guidance, advice, learning and engagement with experts in security and Counter Terrorism. It serves as the ‘go to’ resource for free, 24/7 access to the latest information on protective security and is regularly updated with new engaging content and increased functionality.

Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said: “The way the city of Manchester came together as a community in the wake of the cowardly Manchester Arena attack, and the amazing work of campaigners like Figen Murray who have dedicated their lives to making us safer and promoting kindness and tolerance, is an inspiration to us all.”

“I am committed to working with Figen to improve security measures at public venues and spaces and to delivering this vital legislation to honour Martyn’s memory and all of those affected by terrorism.”

Figen Murray, mother of Martyn Hett said: “Martyn’s Law isn’t going to stop terrorism, but commonsense security, and making sure venues are doing all they can to keep people safe, could mean fewer suffer what myself and the families of Manchester have had to endure.”

“I welcome the government’s commitment to including smaller venues and working quickly on this legislation. It is vital we now take the necessary steps to protect ourselves and others wherever possible and I hope other countries learn from this groundbreaking legislation.”

Is it law yet?

No, it’s currently going through legislation, which mean it’s not possible to give a date. However, all those included in the above need to start accessing their needs to implement Martyn’s Law.