Plans unveiled for new anti-terror laws
PLANS for new ‘Martyn’s Law’ counter-terrorism legislation to protect the public were published by the Government on Monday.
Under the proposals, venues would have a legal duty to provide specific security plans for a terror attack.
Private and public owners of venues and sites currently have no obligation to act on free advice given to them from specialist counterterrorism advisers about threats of a terrorist attack and how to mitigate risk.
Ministers announced new ‘Protect Duty’ legislation, which builds on the proposals for ‘Martyn’s Law,’ in February 2020, although the Covid-19 pandemic has delayed the period of public consultation.
The development follows a long and respected campaign from Figen Murray, whose son Martyn Hett died in the Manchester Arena bombing of 2017.
Home Secretary Priti Patel detailed the proposals, which include a requirement for some public places to be prepared for a terror attack, on Monday.
They follow a consultation into what sort of venue should be bound by the so-called Protect Duty in the wake of the May 2017 atrocity in Manchester, in which 22 innocent people were killed as they left an Ariana Grande concert. The Home Office confirmed plans to announce the new proposals.
Ms Patel said: “Following the tragic attack at the Manchester Arena, we have worked closely with Figen Murray, victims’ groups and partners to develop proposals to improve protective security around the country.
“I am grateful for their tireless commitment and those who responded to the consultation, the majority of whom agreed tougher measures are needed to protect the public from harm.
“We will never allow terrorists to restrict our freedoms and way of life, which is why we are committed to bringing forward legislation this year that will strike the right balance between public safety, whilst not placing excessive burden on small businesses.”
The legislation would be ‘primary legislation to impose a duty upon those who ought to be responsible for the safety of the public when they are in a publicly accessible location.’ The ongoing Manchester Arena public inquiry into the atrocity was told a legal duty would be placed on the owners or operators of venues, or public places, to consider terror threats and methodologies, assess the impact attacks could have on them and put in place plans. Anything from small businesses to ‘bridges in town centres’ would be covered, inquiry chairman Sir John Saunders was told.
Publicly accessible locations would be split into sectors including health, education, retail and leisure - faiths, zones and individual sites.
There would be tailored training for key sectors, groups and localities, and a new online platform to share information.
Much-loved PR manager Martyn, 29, was from Stockport.