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The Home Secretary paid tribute to the tireless campaigning by Figen Murray whose son Martyn died in the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017, and confirmed that legislation to increase preparedness for, and protection from, terrorist attacks at public venues has now started its journey through Parliament.
Martyn’s Law – formally known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill – will place a duty on those responsible for premises and public events, requiring them to take appropriate action to strengthen public safety, with requirements reflecting the size of the venue and the activity taking place.
It has been a long time in the making, with a 200 mile walk by Figen and her supporters ending at Number 10 shortly before the general election was called in May. Figen met Sir Keir Starmer when he was the Leader of the Opposition and now that he is Prime Minister he and his government have made good on his promise to bring in Martyn’s Law.
“I want to thank everyone who has played a part in getting the bill to this stage, and especially the Prime Minister, who gave me his word that he would act quickly to introduce Martyn’s Law. He said he would act quickly and he has.
“Today means we are one step closer to making public spaces safer for everyone. It is also hugely important for my family that Martyn’s Law will be on the statute book ahead of the next anniversary of Martyn’s death.”
Figen Murray.
Under the new law, those responsible for premises will be legally required to fulfil ‘necessary but proportionate steps’, based on the capacity of the venue, to help keep the public safe. It will take a tiered approach, linked to the size of the venue, how many people will be there and the activity taking place, ‘making sure undue burdens are not placed on small businesses.’
The Home Office said that following Royal Assent, businesses will be given time and support to understand and implement their new obligations. The timetable for the creation of a new regulator and the publication of guidance for businesses has not yet been set out.
Figen Murray spoke to Catherine Levin, Editor of Emergency Services Times about her journey from therapist to campaigner and her drive to make sure that staff in venues like the Manchester Arena can better respond when the worst happens. Read the full article here.