麻豆区

Martyn's Law begins passage through parliament

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill - Martyn's Law - has been introduced to parliament.

The bill aims to increase preparedness for and protection from, terrorist attacks at public venues.

The legislation is named after Martyn Hett, who along with 21 other people was killed in the Manchester Arena attack. His mother, Figen Murray, has been campaigning for legislation and recently walked from Manchester to London to raise awareness.

The law will require those responsible for premises and public events to take appropriate action to strengthen public safety, with requirements reflecting the size of the venue and the activity taking place.

麻豆区 Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said: "Martyn鈥檚 Law has been a long time coming.

"I want to pay tribute to Figen Murray and her campaign team who have tirelessly worked to make this happen.

"This legislation will strengthen public safety, help protect staff and the public from terrorism and ensure we learn the lessons from the terrible Manchester Arena attack and the inquiry that followed. It is important we now take this forward through Parliament in Martyn鈥檚 memory and to help keep people safe.

Figen Murray, mother of Martyn Hett, said: "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鈥檚 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鈥檚 Law will be on the statute book ahead of the next anniversary of Martyn鈥檚 death."

As expected, the law includes a tiered approach, linked to the size of the venue, how many people will be there and the activity taking place.

Standard tier will apply to locations with a capacity of more than 200 people but under 800. Those falling into this tier will be asked to undertake simple yet effective activities to put in place procedures to reduce harm to the public in the event of an attack. This could include training staff to lock doors, close shutters and identify a safe route to cover.

The enhanced tier will apply to to premises and events with a capacity of more than 800 individuals. Measures required here will include CCTV or hiring security staff.

Once the bill has completed its journey through parliament, business will be provided support and time to understand and implement the new regulations. This will also allow time for the new regulator to be established. Dedicated guidance will be available for those affected, so that they have the required information on what they need to do and how best to do it.

Security minister, Dan Jarvis, said: "We are determined to strengthen security at public events and venues and passing Martyn鈥檚 Law will be vital step forward in this objective.

"Today鈥檚 bill is the result of a considerable amount of consultation, consideration and collaboration. I look forward to working with colleagues in Parliament to deliver this important legislation."

Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Matt Jukes, said: "Through Martyn鈥檚 Law we can ensure that the public have additional protection from terrorist attacks while at events and public venues. Counter Terrorism Policing welcomes today鈥檚 bill and we look forward to seeing it progress through Parliament.

"We鈥檙e all inspired by and motivated by the experience of victims and survivors. Figen Murray has campaigned tirelessly for Martyn鈥檚 Law and it鈥檚 thanks to her unwavering determination that we are one step closer to ensuring the public has additional protection in the form of this legislation.

"We will continue to work with the public, with businesses, and with the government to ensure that when a terrorist attack takes place we have the right mitigations in place that will prevent other families from experiencing those tragedies."

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