In a significant move to enhance public safety, the UK government has introduced Martyn's Law, a legislation aimed at preventing terrorist attacks at event venues. The law, named after Martyn Hett, one of the 22 victims of the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017, will require venues to implement specific security measures or face substantial fines.
The legislation, presented to Parliament on September 7, 2023, comes in response to the tragic events that occurred over 7 years ago. The Manchester Arena attack, which took place on May 22, 2017, was the deadliest terrorist incident in the UK since the 2005 London bombings. It resulted in 22 fatalities and injured more than 1,000 people at an Ariana Grande concert.
Under Martyn's Law, venues with a capacity of 800 or more attendees will be required to install necessary CCTV systems, employ security personnel, and develop evacuation and lockdown protocols. Smaller venues accommodating between 200 and 799 people will need to establish public protection procedures, including identifying safe routes and securing entrances.
The Security Industry Authority (SIA), established by the Private Security Industry Act 2001, will serve as the regulator for this legislation. Larger venues found in violation of the law could face fines of up to £18 million or 5% of their global revenue, whichever is higher.
The government has made some adjustments to the original proposal, raising the minimum capacity threshold from 100 to 200 people and removing requirements for specific training and mandatory risk evaluation forms. This approach allows venues more flexibility in implementing security measures tailored to their specific needs.
It's estimated that approximately 24,000 larger venues and 155,000 smaller ones will need to register with the SIA. The annual compliance cost is projected to be around £5,000 for larger stadiums and £330 for smaller venues.
The introduction of Martyn's Law comes at a time when the threat of terrorism remains a concern. Recently, Taylor Swift was forced to cancel three concerts in Vienna due to a terrorist plot uncovered by police, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance.
Figen Murray, Martyn Hett's mother, has been a tireless advocate for this legislation over the past seven years. Her efforts were recognized with an OBE in the 2022 New Year Honours. Murray expressed her satisfaction with the progress, stating, "Today means we are one step closer to making public spaces safer for everyone."
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper acknowledged the long journey to bring Martyn's Law to fruition, praising Murray's campaign team for their persistent efforts. Cooper emphasized the importance of learning from the Manchester Arena attack and the subsequent inquiry, which lasted nearly three years and concluded in 2021.
The Manchester Arena bombing led to significant changes in UK security measures, including the temporary raising of the terrorism threat level to "critical" and the deployment of Operation Temperer, which put armed forces on the streets. The attack was later claimed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
As the UK moves forward with this legislation, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and preparedness in the face of potential threats. Martyn's Law stands as a testament to the resilience of those affected by terrorism and the collective determination to create safer public spaces for all.