Martyn’s Law Introduced to Parliament

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19 September 2024

Martyn’s Law, also known as The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, has finally been introduced to parliament.

After over seven years of campaigning, the new law was introduced to Parliament on 12 September 2024. 

Martyn’s Law, introduced in response to the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing that claimed 22 lives, including 29-year-old Martyn Hett, proposes stricter security measures to protect the public from terrorist attacks. 

The bill outlines mandatory terrorism protection training, risk assessments, and the development of security plans for venues. The proposed requirements are tiered based on venue capacity: those that hold between 100-799 people will face standard tier regulations, while venues with 800 or more capacity will be subject to enhanced measures.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer promised Martyn’s mother Figen Murray OBE that he would introduce the bill. Figen led a 186-mile walk from Manchester Arena to Downing Street to campaign for Martyn’s Law to be introduced to parliament in May this year.

Figen 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’s 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’s Law will be on the statute book ahead of the next anniversary of Martyn’s death.”

Following Royal Assent, when the bill passes into law, businesses will be given detailed guidance on how to implement the new regulations.

Picture: a photograph of the exterior of the Palace of Westminster. Image Credit: Unsplash

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 19 September 2024

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