NEW counter terrorism laws will force venues to plan for threats from extremists to ensure an event like the Manchester Arena attack can never happen again.
The new legislation, also known as ‘Martyn’s Law’ in tribute of Martyn Hett who was killed alongside 21 others in the 2017 attack, will make sure concert halls, restaurants and other sites consider the security of the public.
Martyn’s mother Figen Murray has tirelessly campaigned for the measures to be made law
PAMartyn died at the Manchester Arena terror attack in 2017 alongside with 21 other people[/caption]
PAShe met with Sir Keir Starmer earlier this year to talk about the delays to the new safety procedures coming into effect[/caption]
Islamist fanatic Salman Abedi detonated a home-made bomb packed with screws, nuts and bolts as Martyn and 20,000 fans were leaving the Manchester Arena
Under the changes, a new duty will be placed on premises and public events, requiring them to take action to strengthen public safety.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “Martyn’s Law has been a long time coming.
“I want to pay tribute to Figen Murray and her campaign team who have tirelessly worked to make this happen.
“This legislation will strengthen public safety, help protect staff and the public from terrorism and ensure we learn the lessons from the terrible Manchester Arena attack and the inquiry that followed. It is important we now take this forward through Parliament in Martyn’s memory and to help keep people safe.”
Figen Murray 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.”
Venues will have to take steps to protect their customers depending on their capacity under the new law.
TIERED APPROACH
Sites with a capacity of more than 200 but under 800 will be standard tier venues with new steps including training staff to lock doors, close shutters and identify a safe route to cover.
It had been originally planned that any venue over 100 people would be included in the policy but the threshold has been increased to lessen the burden on small businesses.
All places of worship, including mosques and churches, are automatically ranked as standard tier because of existing measures which already put them under protection.
Around 155,000 venues are expected to be affected by the standard tier changes, costing them an extra £330 each year according to Government estimates.
The enhanced tier will apply to premises and events with a capacity of more than 800, given how devastating an attack on larger venues could be.
These locations will need to put in place measures such as CCTV or hiring security staff.
Around 24,000 venues in the UK fit into the new enhanced security level, with estimates showing they will have to fork out an extra £5210 to keep visitors safe.
A regulator will visit venues to ensure they are complying with the new law and can hand out hefty fines.
Smaller sites could face fines of up to £10,000 if they do not carry out proper plans, whereas larger ones can be hit with £18 million notices for failing to keep the public safe.
What would this mean for a venue with a 400 seat capacity?
Staff at a site such as a restaurant or a small music venue would have to draw together a plan like this:
Evacuation – Staff need to identify one route through the main entrance that leads onto public pavement and another through a side door that leads into an alley.
Invacuation – They need to know how to bring individuals into the main restaurant area and, if needed, into a variety of staff areas.
Lockdown – Nominated individuals will need to know when and how to quickly lock and barricade doors, close window shutters and turn off lights.
Communication – Staff will need to know how to tell each other and customers exactly what to do were an attack to occur.
Alongside learning about the venue’s fire safety procedures, new members of staff will have to be taught what happens in the event of a terrorist attack. The policies need to be reviewed annually.
Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, said: “We are determined to strengthen security at public events and venues and passing Martyn’s Law will be vital step forward in this objective.
“Today’s Bill is the result of a considerable amount of consultation, consideration and collaboration. I look forward to working with colleagues in Parliament to deliver this important legislation.”
Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Matt Jukes, said: “Through Martyn’s Law we can ensure that the public have additional protection from terrorist attacks while at events and public venues. Counter Terrorism Policing welcomes today’s Bill and we look forward to seeing it progress through Parliament.
“We’re all inspired by and motivated by the experience of victims and survivors.
“Figen Murray has campaigned tirelessly for Martyn’s Law and it’s thanks to her unwavering determination that we are one step closer to ensuring the public has additional protection in the form of this legislation.
“We will continue to work with the public, with businesses, and with the government to ensure that when a terrorist attack takes place we have the right mitigations in place that will prevent other families from experiencing those tragedies.”
The bill is expected to be set out in parliament later today.
Matthew Pover – The SunThe Manchester bombing took place on 22 May 2017 after an Ariana Grande Concert[/caption]
PA:Press AssociationThe blast killed 22 people and injured 1,017 more – many of which were children[/caption]