Ministers ‘ready to support’ Martyn’s Law
MINISTERS ARE ‘seriously considering’ new anti-terrorism legislation named after Manchester Arena bombing victim Martyn Hett.
Martyn’s Law would compel public venues and spaces to undergo counter-terror training and implement specific security policies.
Campaigners led by Martyn’s mum, Figen Murray, met Brandon Lewis MP, security minister at the Home Office, in London last month and the government was said to be ‘on board’ with the idea.
Now Martyn’s Law has been raised by peers during a debate in the House of Lords. Lord Toby Harris asked what consideration the government has given to the legislation’s introduction as part of the ‘protect’ arm of the counter-terrorism strategy known as CONTEST.
Lord Harris of Haringey, a member of the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy, said it would ‘place a duty on large public venues to assess the risk of an attack and put appropriate measures in place.’
“Many people will find it extraordinary that, given we already have so many regulations that sit on places of public entertainment and so on, it is not a legal requirement for such venues to carry out sensible, appropriate and proportionate security checks on those attending them,” he said. “Will the government give a firm commitment that they will move forward on this?”
Campaigners argue that fire evacuation plans and the like are mandatory, so why shouldn’t venues adopt specific plans for terror attacks.
The use of metal detectors and arches, and bag searches, would be included.
Replying to the question, Baroness Susan Williams said the government would ‘continue to consider where improvements can be made to ensure the safety and security of the public in crowded places.’
Baroness Williams of Trafford, the former leader of Trafford council who is a Minister of State for the Home Office, said: “I know that the Security Minister met Martyn’s mum, and whether legislation is needed is certainly one of the things that the government are considering.
“I totally concur with the noble Lord that a lot of regulations are in place, but one thinks of some of the events over the last few years, particularly the shocking event in Manchester – I was there when the first bomb went off and I will never forget that night, particularly as I thought of the children of friends and family.
“Certainly the government are seriously considering it.”
Much-loved PR manager Martyn, from Stockport, was 29.
An estimated 14,000 people, mainly teenagers and their families, attended the Ariana Grande concert on the night of May 22, 2017.
The bomb killed 22, injured more than 160 others and left many more with psychological and emotional trauma. The campaign for Martyn’s Law – backed by the M.E.N. – is being co-ordinated by Survivors Against Terror, which was cofounded by Brendan Cox, the husband of murdered Labour MP Jo Cox.
It follows a petition by Mrs Murray which attracted more than 23,000 signatories.
At a launch event held in Manchester in June, Mr Cox said the creation of a new law for entertainment and other venues was ‘an integral move in our national security.’
The mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said currently, the public’s security experience was ‘variable’ and there was no clear and legal standard.
He said: “This campaign now has real traction. This is a change the country needs.
“The security experience is variable. There does not appear to be any clear standard – it is just not clear.
“There is legislation affecting venues which is not primarily focused on security and to many, it will be surprising that we do not have a national law. Whatever the conclusions are, it should be mandatory, not discretionary.”