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 200 up to 799 people which can undertake low-cost, simple yet effective activities to improve preparedness. This will include:

• Conduct basic terrorism risk assessments to identify potential threats to their premises.
• Develop simple protective measures such as staff training on emergency responses.
• Implement plans for securing the premises during an incident, such as locking doors or creating safe routes.
• Establish evacuation procedures and designate safe areas.

An enhanced tier will focus on high-capacity venues with a capacity of 800+ people, or qualifying events with the same threshold. Organisations in this category will need to:

• Undertake more rigorous risk assessments, potentially with expert consultation.
• Implement advanced security measures like monitoring (CCTV), physical barriers or hiring security personnel.
• Develop and document detailed security plans, including how they will manage and respond to potential terrorist threats.

The government will establish an inspection and enforcement regime, promoting compliance and positive cultural change, and issuing credible and fair sanctions for serious breaches.