At last week’s webinar, (1st August) hosted by CTB365 and sponsored by Crowdguard, nearly 400 delegates gathered to discuss the crucial topic of Martyn’s Law and its impact on safeguarding Publicly Accessible Locations (PALs), Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM), and Perimeter Security. The event brought together leading experts and stakeholders in the security industry to share their insights and perspectives on this vital legislation.
The webinar opened with Philip Ingram MBE, a distinguished Counter-Terrorism expert, who provided a comprehensive overview of Martyn’s Law and its current status. He emphasised that Martyn’s Law was a landmark piece of primary legislation specifically designed for the security industry—a significant step towards ensuring the safety and protection of public places.
Figen Murray OBE, who was unable to attend the event in person, conveyed her unwavering commitment to Martyn’s Law (Protect Duty) through a recorded message. Figen, who has been campaigning relentlessly since the tragic loss of her son Martyn Hett in the Manchester Arena attack, expressed her disappointment in the Home Affairs Select Committee’s findings and comments. She voiced concerns that only concentrating on the Protect Duty’s “enhanced duty level,” for venues with a capacity of 800 or more people, could inadvertently encourage terrorists to target smaller venues and the standard tier capacity venues However, she praised the consideration of LGBT parades and Christmas markets in the Committee’s recommendations. Figen also highlighted the importance of free resources like the ACT Action Counters Terrorism Training.
Paul Jeffery, Chairman of the Perimeter Security Suppliers Association (PSSA), followed with an introduction to the PSSA. He shed light on the selection of the right Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) for businesses and the role of the PSSA’s HVMIS (Hostile Vehicle Mitigation Installers Scheme). Jeffery cautioned about the potential influx of unqualified security advisors and charlatans once Martyn’s Law comes into effect, advising the use of a PSSA official installer to mitigate such risks.
Iain Moran, representing sponsors Crowdguard, emphasised the need to balance budget and risk when implementing security measures and how any HVM solution should form part of a wider counter terrorism plan, HVM is not about road closures and traffic management. He outlined Crowdguard’s holistic approach—plan, provide, and protect—to tailor security solutions for different venues and events. Iain along with Crowdguard’s counter terrorism and risk director Russ Philips stressed the importance of thorough Threat Vulnerability and Risk Assessments (TVRA) and Vehicle Dynamics Assessments (VDA) to enable an informed and proportionate approach which takes into account operational requirement and commercial considerations whilst accurately identifying threats and assessing potential risks. He also advised to engage early and have all stakeholders at the table from the beginning – getting in touch with Crowdguard for support is free and would be welcomed and are very much about doing the right thing and emphasises proportionality with any mitigation with an informed approach (a measure twice cut once approach.)
Moran concluded that achieving the proper balance under Martyn’s Law requires a collaborative approach.
A panel discussion ensued, tackling the question, “Where is HVM going? Has it reached its limits?” The general consensus was a resounding no, with panellists stating that the dynamic field of terrorism necessitates constant innovation and a multifaceted approach to terrorism management.
The panel also addressed the future of security, with Iain Moran touching on blending barriers into surroundings and how mitigation can be aesthetically pleasing as well as creating additional revenue streams. . He reiterated the importance of early stakeholder involvement and the associated cost of bespoke cityscape design.
They emphasised the importance of constant innovation, engagement with government bodies, and the absence of a “one size fits all” approach to counterterrorism. The panel also highlighted the significance of engaging security specialists early in the planning process, ensuring the right product choices, and maintaining adherence to industry codes of conduct.
Nigel Cook, Security Consultant – Historic Environments / Crowded Places Protection, presentation focused on striking a balance between security and visitor experience. He acknowledged that while cyber security is widely accepted, physical security still faces challenges. He argued for a realistic assessment to avoid transforming the UK into “Fortress Britain” while still maintaining visitor safety.
Nigel Cook delved into striking the balance between security and visitor experience, emphasising the need for realistic assessments to avoid creating a fortress-like atmosphere. He stressed the importance of enhancing security through various means, such as technology, CCTV, alarms, and appropriate training of personnel, while keeping visitor experience in mind.
Guy Huckle from PA Consulting presented the concept of thriving in a VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity) world, emphasising the role of resilience in the context of Martyn’s Law. He urged businesses to adapt and reuse existing resilience activities to meet the requirements of the Protect Duty effectively. Guy highlighted the importance of leadership, governance, and culture in making Protect Duty everyone’s responsibility.
Finally, Wyatt Harding, CEO of UNAFOR, discussed designing urban spaces for Protect Duty, emphasising the need for safety, aesthetic appeal, and environmental considerations in equal measure.
In the final panel discussion, Guy, Wyatt, and Iain concluded the event by reiterating the significance of customer service, stakeholder engagement, and open communication in achieving a successful Protect Duty implementation. They underscored the power of collaboration and the proactive role that businesses can play in keeping the public safe from evolving threats.
The often overlooked “power of hello was also mentioned” by Russ Philips. The key takeaway? A nuanced, well-balanced approach to security and a continuous drive for innovation are critical in the ever-evolving landscape of counter-terrorism.
Conclusion
The CTB365 webinar on Martyn’s Law and protective security highlighted the critical need for collaboration and proactive measures in safeguarding public spaces. Speakers stressed the importance of comprehensive risk assessments, engaging specialists early on, and using the expertise of organisations like PSSA to ensure proper security installations. With an ever-evolving terrorist landscape, the industry must stay ahead of emerging threats and strike the delicate balance between security and visitor experience. Through a collaborative approach and commitment to protect duty, society can work together to create safe and liveable cities for everyone.
To watch the full webinar and take a deeper dive into Protecting PALs HVM & Perimeter Security and Martyn’s Law click here ……