In November 2023, the King’s Speech announced The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill – also known as Martyn’s Law – is set to become law this year.
The Bill will raise the security standard throughout the UK requiring a base level of security procedures to be in place at premises and events.
About the Bill
The Bill is the legislative response to the findings of the Manchester Arena Inquiry following the Manchester Arena attack in 2017 which killed 22 people. Also known as Martyn’s Law following a campaign by the mother of 29-year-old victim Martyn Hett, one of the victims killed in the bombing, the Bill introduces a ‘Protect Duty’ on those responsible for publicly accessible venues and events to help reduce the risk to the public from terrorism by the protection of public venues – increasing national security and personal safety.
What it means for organisations
The Bill will place a requirement on those responsible for certain locations to consider the threat from terrorism.
It will also require them to put measures in place to mitigate the threat, including implementing security systems, staff training, and clearer processes.
There will be different requirements depending on capacity;
- Locations which can host between 100 to 799 people will need to follow ‘Standard Tier’ regulations. They will need to complete a templated Emergency Action Plan provided by the Home Office and put appropriate and proportional measures in place based on this assessment.
- For locations with a capacity above 800, ‘Enhanced Tier’ rules will apply. This will require more detailed risk assessments, security planning and staff training – and a proportional response which will be articulated in the legislation.
- The new rules will not apply to venues with a capacity of fewer than 100 people.
An inspection regime will be put in place by the UK Government, and the regulator will have full powers of entry into any qualifying location. Sanctions will range from a fine or permanent closure of the location to prosecution. Non-compliance is also likely to bring reputational risks.
Ahead of introducing the Bill to Parliament, the government intends to seek views via a public consultation on the standard tier, to ensure the Bill strikes the right balance between public protection and avoiding undue burdens on smaller premises.
For more information on how the AssessNET Risk Assessment and Incident Management modules can be used to demonstrate compliance with The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, request a demo here
