Legislation

In a tumultuous day for the chief constable of West Midlands Police, the Home Secretary has now vowed to change the law so that she – and not just Police and Crime Commissioners – has the power to sack failing chief constables.

Landmark anti-terror legislation, known as Martyn’s Law, has gained Royal Assent and become law. This new legislation will make sure venues across the UK must consider the security of the public and take steps to protect them from harm.

This week marked significant progress for the safety and security of public spaces, as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, informally known as Martyn’s Law, progressed through the Report Stage in the House of Lords.

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.

The King has set out the commitments of the new government in a heavily trailed speech as part of the State Opening of Parliament that includes legislation to help tackle anti-social behaviour, bring in Martyn’s Law and extend the duty of candour to all public servants.

Emergency Services Times editorial team joined Figen Murray and many others on the final leg of her walk to Downing Street this morning to show our support for this vital legislation.

Today Figen Murray, mother of Manchester Arena bombing victim Martyn Hett will begin a 200-mile walk from the venue to Downing Street to demand the introduction of stronger protections against terrorism in public places.

Following the tragic Manchester Arena bombing, Figen Murray has campaigned for Martyn’s Law, advocating for better counter-terrorism measures in public venues. As we get closer to the general election, time is running out for the bill to be made UK legislation.

A six week consultation has been initiated for Martyn’s Law, a new anti-terror legislation aimed at enhancing national security.

You may have heard of Martyn’s Law, named after Martyn Hett who was one of 22 people tragically killed in the Manchester Arena bombing in May 2017. His mother, Figen Murray OBE, spoke to me about her journey from therapist to campaigner and her drive to make sure that staff in venues like the Arena can better respond when the worst happens.