On 12 September 2024, Martyn’s Law, officially known as The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, was introduced to Parliament after over seven years of campaigning. Named in honour of Martyn Hett, one of the 22 victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, the new legislation aims to improve public safety at venues by mandating stricter security protocols.
The bill proposes a tiered approach based on venue size. Venues with a capacity between 100 and 799 people will fall under the "standard tier," requiring basic security measures, such as staff training and risk assessments. Larger venues, with a capacity of 800 or more, will need to implement enhanced security measures, including CCTV systems and the hiring of security personnel.
Figen Murray, Martyn’s mother, has been a tireless advocate for this legislation, and she expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Keir Starmer for fulfilling his promise to introduce the bill. "We are one step closer to making public spaces safer for everyone," she said. The government has committed to providing businesses with detailed guidance and support to help them meet the new requirements once the bill receives Royal Assent.
Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, praised the campaign that brought Martyn’s Law to Parliament, emphasising its importance in preventing future tragedies. Security Minister Dan Jarvis and Counter Terrorism Policing Head Matt Jukes echoed these sentiments, recognising the law as a crucial step in enhancing protection at public events.
The passing of Martyn's Law will significantly impact facilities managers, especially in public venues and large buildings. Facilities managers will be responsible for implementing mandatory risk assessments and security training, developing emergency plans, and ensuring compliance with new security standards. For larger venues, this might involve overseeing the installation of surveillance equipment and coordinating security personnel. The law will also require ongoing collaboration with authorities and regular updates to security protocols, making security a more prominent aspect of facilities management.
