Consultation on proposed 'Martyn's Law'

A consultation has opened on proposed new laws to make sure we are better prepared for, and protected from, terrorist attacks.

This consultation is targeted at organisations, businesses, local and public authorities, and individuals who own or operate publicly accessible events, premises and locations that the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill  will potentially affect. It particularly seeks views from those responsible for smaller premises which would fall within the 'Standard Tier'.

The consultation is on the bill (Martyn's Law) that will impose requirements in relation to certain premises and events to increase their preparedness for, and protection from, a terrorist attack by requiring them to take proportionate steps, depending on the size and nature of the activities that take place at the premises.

The proposed requirements would apply to those responsible for qualifying public premises and qualifying public events. They might be individuals but, in most cases, would be a business or other organisation, including local authorities.

The proposals set out different requirements for:

• standard tier premises, which would have a capacity of 100-799 individuals
• enhanced tier premises and qualifying public events, both of which have a capacity of 800 individuals or more

(Premises with capacity for less than 100 people, at present, are outside the requirements of this proposed legislation, however, they should still be creating awareness amongst their staff to help identify and mitigate any potential harm, to comply with their 'Due Diligence' and 'Duty of Care' responsibilities ).

This particular consultation is, at the moment,  focused on the requirements proposed in relation to 'Standard Tier' premises, and the criteria, at present, for inclusion into the 'Standard Tier' is:

• Premises and events must be accessible to the public.
• Premises must be used for a purpose listed in the Bill (e.g. entertainment and leisure, retail, food and drink).
• Have a capacity of 100 or more individuals.
• Premises may be a building or an outdoor location which have a readily identifiable physical boundary and access by express permission.

The new 'Martyn's Law' will scale up preparedness for terrorist attacks, making sure the public are protected without putting unnecessary burdens on smaller businesses, and will require premises to fulfil necessary but proportionate steps, according to their capacity, to help keep the public safe. It is named in tribute to Martyn Hett who was killed alongside 21 others in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017.

The consultation on the updated legislation, launched on 5th February 2024, will seek views to make sure the new requirements do not place undue burdens on smaller businesses, whilst still protecting the public from harm.

The consultation is open to the public until 18th March, and it particularly seeks views from those responsible for smaller premises, especially those in the private,  community and voluntary sector.

If you would like to assist in this important research, the consultation survey is available at the following website: 

https://horizons.confirmit.eu/wix/p681841295338.aspx?l=9

Further information can be obtained from the government website:

https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/2022/12/19/martyns-law-factsheet/