The Bill has now passed through the House of Commons into the House of Lords
On it’s third reading in the Commons, the Bill was greeted with cross-party support, and ushered through without division.
The Bill was introduced into the House of Lords on 10th December.
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, also known as Martyn’s Law, will compel all UK venues with a capacity of more than 200 people to have plans for a terrorist attack on their premises.
Figen Murray, speaking to ctinsight.net said:
“I am really pleased that Martyn’s Law has now completed its journey in the House of Commons and has already had its first reading in the House of Lords.
To get to this point after nearly six years of campaigning is incredibly exciting.
Whilst we are aware that the journey through the House of Lords will at times be difficult to witness, it is so good to know that this law could be in the statute book by the 8th anniversary of the Manchester Arena attack.”
The Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, has underscored the urgency of implementing the long-anticipated counter-terrorism legislation known as Martyn’s Law. Speaking during the Bill’s third reading in the House of Commons, Mr Jarvis stated:
“After seven years, and as Figen has said, it’s time to get this done.”
Referring to the legislation as a critical measure in the Government’s overarching counter-terrorism strategy, he elaborated:
“The first responsibility of any Government is to keep the public safe, and this cross-party commitment to improve the safety and security of venues in the wake of the Manchester Arena attack must be delivered without further delay.”
This Bill, named after Martyn Hett, one of the victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, introduces new legal obligations for public venues to enhance security measures and mitigate terror threats.
A Collective Responsibility
Matt Vickers, the Conservative shadow home office minister, acknowledged the collaborative nature of this endeavour, stating:
“Implementing this legislation will require us all to work together. National security is a collective endeavour. Organisations affected by these changes are acutely aware of their responsibility.
“They understand the importance of protecting their customers from terror and are committed to ensuring that people can attend concerts, exhibitions, and performances with the confidence that they are safe.
“It’s in this spirit of collaboration and mutual responsibility which will ultimately make the provisions in Martyn’s Law a success.”
Vickers emphasised that while venues must adapt to these new rules, the Government is also expected to ensure a measured and sensible implementation of the legislation.
Enhanced Duties for Large Venues
The Bill introduces a tiered approach to security duties based on venue size and capacity. Large venues expected to host 800 or more individuals will face an “enhanced duty.” This includes responsibilities such as:
- Providing counter-terrorism awareness training for all staff.
- Securing sensitive information that could aid a potential attacker.
- Enhancing physical security measures, such as locking doors and closing shutters, and identifying safe escape routes.
Venues must report their compliance to the Security Industry Authority (SIA), which has been designated as the oversight body with investigative and enforcement powers.
Supporting Smaller Venues and Community Organisations
Concerns have been raised about the potential burden on smaller venues, with Liberal Democrat shadow attorney general Ben Maguire cautioning:
“There are of course concerns from many micro and small businesses about the financial impacts and the additional bureaucracy that these requirements may bring.”
Maguire called for a practical training plan to support business staff and volunteers in meeting the new security standards.
Jim Shannon, DUP MP for Strangford, echoed these concerns, highlighting the impact on churches, charities, and community halls, saying:
“What we’re doing tonight in this debate is we’re asking our churches, our charities, our missionary groups, those who run community halls to consider these things, who have no experience.”
Shannon added that faith institutions are eager to contribute but require guidance, noting:
“Churches tell me they want to be equipped, they want to be able to respond.”
In response, Dan Jarvis pledged to collaborate closely with religious institutions covered by the legislation, ensuring they receive adequate support to meet the new requirements.
The Home Office has produced a series of factsheets on Martyn’s Law, which can be accessed here: https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/2024/09/13/martyns-law-factsheet/