'Martyn's Law' Takes Step Forward As Labour Commit To New Anti‑Terrorism Legislation

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has committed to introducing 'Martyn's Law' under a Labour government, after a new anti‑terrorism bill featured in the King's Speech. During the speech, King Charles said legislation would be introduced to improve safety and security of public venues to 'keep the British public safe from terrorism'. The 'Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill' will enact 'Martyn's Law', requiring large venues to put in place anti‑terrorism measures to tackle terror threats.

The new legislation aims to improve protection against terrorism in public places, including improving security against terror threats, training staff with free online training provided by the government, and a requirement that all venues have a counter‑terrorism plan. There will be different requirements for premises under the proposals, based on the number of people they can hold. Premises with a capacity of between 100 and 799 will be considered 'standard tier', and those with a higher capacity of 800 will be classed as an 'enhanced tier'. Within the 'standard tier' classification, venues will need to undertake low‑cost effective measures such as training, information sharing, and completion of a preparedness plan. Whilst 'enhanced tier' venues will be required to undertake an additional risk assessment that will inform the development and implementation of a thorough security plan.

Figen Murray, the mother of Martyn Hett, a Manchester Arena attack victim, proposed the legislative change, and has been tirelessly campaigning since 2019, with an online petition calling on increased security checks in public venues reaching over 23,000 signatures. Since then she has been working with campaigners, meeting with government officials regularly to formulate how the law could be implemented.

In May 2022, Martyn's Law was confirmed to proceed in Queen's Speech, setting out the then government's planned legislative programme. Ms Murray then spoke with the then Prime Minister over the phone in December 2022, where Rishi Sunak said he was committed to improving security measures. However, the impact of the Covid‑19 pandemic and a number of leadership changes in government, led to various delays in bringing legislation forward. Due to continued delays Ms Murray bravely took the decision to walk 200 miles from Manchester Arena to 10 Downing Street to meet with Mr Sunak in May this year (FSM - Figen Murray OBE Begins 200 Mile Walk From Manchester Arena To Downing Street).

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also met with Ms Murray during her visit to London, telling the House of Commons “we must make [Martyn's Law] a reality as soon as possible.” Highlighting the government's priorities under Labour in parliament today (June 17^th), King Charles highlighted the importance of 'keeping the British public safe from terrorism' (FSM - King’s Speech: Revision To Include Martyn’s Law). We await a specific date for any new legislation is yet to be decided, however we do have an initial guide to assist large venues and particularly football stadia of how they can prepare for the new legislation (FSM - How Football Stadiums Can Prepare For Martyn’s Law).