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March 8, 2023 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Martyn’s Law
The UK’s resilience to terrorism is to be stepped up, as the government announces details for the Protect Duty, now to be known as ‘Martyn’s Law’ in tribute of Martyn Hett, who was killed alongside 21 others in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in 2017.
The new duty will require venues to take steps to improve public safety, with measures dependent on the size of the venue and the activity taking place.
The threat picture is complex and ever evolving. Recent attacks demonstrate that terrorists may choose to target a broad range of locations. Martyn’s Law will ensure that security preparedness is delivered consistently across the UK, ensuring better protection of the public.
Martyn’s Law will follow a tiered model linked to activity that takes place at a location and its capacity aimed to prevent undue burden on businesses.
The first tier will apply to publicly accessible locations with a maximum capacity of over 100 which can undertake low-cost, simple yet effective activities to improve preparedness. This will include training, information sharing and completion of a preparedness plan to embed practices, such as locking doors to delay attackers progress or knowledge on lifesaving treatments that can be administered by staff whilst awaiting emergency services.
An enhanced tier will focus on high-capacity locations in recognition of the potential consequences of a successful attack. Locations with a capacity of over 800 people at any time, will additionally be required to undertake a risk assessment to inform the development and implementation of a thorough security plan. Subsequent measures could include developing a vigilance and security culture, implementation of physical measures like CCTV or new systems and processes to enable better consideration of security.
The government will establish an inspection and enforcement regime, promoting compliance and positive cultural change and issuing credible and fair sanctions for serious breaches.
Martyn’s Law will extend to and apply across the whole of the United Kingdom and the government will publish draft legislation in the early spring.
In preparation of the implementation of the new duty South Tyneside Council is collaborating with Counter Terrorism Experts to provide an introduction to Martyn’s Law and relevant new duties for local businesses in South Tyneside to start putting actions in place before the enforcement period comes into place.
The event will be held 6pm – 8pm on Wednesday 8th March in the Reception Room at South Shields Town Hall. All business owners and managers are invited. Refreshments will be provided.
To book your place at the event please send names and contact details of attendees to resilience@southtyneside.gov.uk by 1 March 2023.
For further information on Martyn’s Law and your upcoming duties for your business visit: https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/2022/12/19/martyns-law-factsheet/
