The United Kingdom has suffered several recent low-sophistication terror attacks at public spaces. This is in addition to the devastation of larger-scale atrocities, such as the Manchester Arena attack. Although terrorist attacks are rare, the threat from terrorism is real and increasingly unpredictable, with public spaces and crowded areas being increasingly viewed as attractive targets.

The targeting of such locations is usually a hostile individual's choice which cannot always be anticipated. Attacks could potentially occur at any location, and preventing them can prove challenging, highlighting the government’s decision to consider what more could be done to improve public protection.

The Protect Duty will now be known as ‘Martyn’s Law’, in tribute to Martyn Hett who was killed alongside 21 others in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in 2017. Martyn’s Law is pending UK wide legislation that will place a requirement on those responsible for certain venues and public locations to consider the threat from terrorism and implement appropriate and proportionate mitigation measures.

It will ensure that security preparedness is delivered consistently across the UK, for better protection of the public.

Find out how to prepare for this.

Who will Martyn’s Law apply to?

It is expected that when enacted the new legislation will apply to anyone responsible for venues and publicly accessible locations used for purposes such as entertainment and leisure, retail, food and drink, museums and galleries, sports grounds, public areas of local and central Government buildings (e.g., town halls), visitor attractions, temporary events, Places of Worship, health, and education.

What will Martyn’s Law require you to do?

The government have indicated that venues and publicly accessible locations will follow a tiered model linked to activity that takes place at a location and its capacity.

A standard tier will apply to locations with a capacity of over 100 up to 799 which can undertake low-cost, simple yet effective activities to improve preparedness. This will include:

• staff training
• information sharing
• 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 also need 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
• 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
• Dedicated statutory guidance and bespoke support will be provided by the government to ensure those in scope can effectively discharge their responsibilities. Even small venues will be able to benefit from this and take voluntary action. Expert advice, training and guidance is available on the online protective security hub, ProtectUK
• Martyn’s Law will extend to and apply across the whole of the United Kingdom
• For more information and the requirements for each tier, visit GOV.UK - Martyn’s Law factsheet