(Protect Duty) Martyns Law
Martyn’s Law – Enhancing Event Safety
What is Martyn’s Law
Martyn’s Law aims to improve public event security, named after Martyn Hett, a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack. It will require event organisers to implement protective measures against terrorist attacks.
Why it Matters?
- Martyn’s Law will:
- Enhance safety for attendees and staff
- Change how venues and events plan their security
- Require updates to current security
- Key Facts:
- 14 UK terror attacks since 2017
- £3.4 billion indirect costs from 2017 attacks
- Over 70% of public supports mandatory protection measures.
- Who Does it Affect?
- Venues and events with 100+ capacity
- Both indoor and outdoor spaces
- Over 70% of public supports mandatory protection measures.
- Requirements
- 1. Risk Assessments
- 2. Staff Training
- 3. Security Measures
- 4. Good Communications
- 5. Emergency Response Plans
Two-Tier Approach
Standard Tier (200-799 capacity): Basic security and training
Enhanced Tier (800+ capacity): Detailed assessments, regular training, and robust emergency plans to mitigate further casualties.
- Prepare Now:
- Stay alert to suspicious activity
- Assess vulnerabilities and strengthen security
- Develop incident response plans
Event Safety: Protecting Your Staff and Attendees
Ensuring staff and attendee safety is crucial no only for their well-being but also for protecting your reputation. Effective event safety involves managing crowds and preparing for emergencies.
- Key Safety Planning Steps:
- Risk Assessment: Identify hazards and develop strategies to mitigate them
- Safety Measures: Implement crowd control, proper lighting, and emergency protocols.
- Communication: The ability to clearly inform attendees of safety rules and emergencies.
- Staff Training: Ensure staff are well-trained in emergency response and crowd management.
Continuous Improvement: After each event, review safety measures, gather feedback, and refine protocols for future success, Prioritising safety attendees and strengthens your reputation.
- Prepare Now for Potential Security Risks:
- Stay vigilant for suspicious behaviour around your site (e.g., loitering, unusual questions, or filming).
- Regular assess your site’s vulnerabilities and implement measures to reduce risks.
- Protect your communications, especially online.
- Develop a comprehensive incident response plan for threats inside, outside, or near your building or site.
- Provide a good communication response in the event of an incident or attack
Effective communication during a terrorist attack will save lives
Is your site ready?
Review your communications plan for responding to a terrorist incident
- Have you carefully selected communications technology?
- Have you got a communications plan that helps mitigate the risk?
- Are your staff well trained and practiced?
- Have you got tried and tested policies and procedures?
Identifying communications paths and developing an incident communications plan
Checklist
Do you have a checklist?
How
How are you going to do it
Where
Where are the people you want to communicate with?
Why
Why do you want to communicate?
Who
Who do you want to communicate with?
What
What needs to be communicated as a priority?
What is Martyn’s Law?
Martyn’s Law is a proposed UK legislation aimed at increasing public safety by addressing the threat of terrorism in public spaces. This initiative is led by Figen Murray, the mother of Martyn Hett, who tragically lost his life alongside 22 others in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing at the conclusion of an Ariana Grande concert.
After visiting a local theatre, Figen noticed that security protocols had not significantly changed since the attack. Motivated by this realisation, she spearheaded the development of Martyn’s Law to push for stronger protective measures to safeguard people in public venues.
The proposed legislation, also known as the “Protect Duty,” will compel operators of public spaces to bolster their security efforts, aiming to create a more consistent and effective approach to preventing terror attacks across venues, regardless of size.
Key Elements of Martyn’s Law
Martyn’s Law introduces five key obligations for venues and operators of public spaces:
Access to Counter-Terrorism Training
Businesses and event venues would need to provide counter-terrorism awareness training to their staff. At least 25% of the workforce would need to complete this training, which could take as little as 45 minutes.
Conduct Vulnerability Assessments
This involves undertaking a comprehensive risk assessment in collaboration with local authorities and Safety Advisory Groups (SAGs), focusing on potential threats, including "last-mile" crowds gathered outside the venue.
Develop Mitigation Plans
Venues would be required to develop plans that mitigate risks identified in vulnerability assessments. These measures, which can often be cost-effective, might include the introduction of search protocols, installing metal detectors, or increasing CCTV coverage.
Implement a Counter-Terrorism Response Plan
The proposed law would require venues to develop a clear plan to respond to terrorist incidents. This includes following a "Guide, Shelter, Communicate" protocol—guiding attendees to safety, providing shelter where needed, and ensuring clear communication with both the public and authorities.
Local Authorities to Prepare for Terrorist Threats
Local authorities must incorporate counter-terrorism preparedness into their Local Resilience Forum planning, ensuring they are ready to respond to a range of potential threats.
Progress of Martyn’s Law in the UK
Currently, the UK’s terror threat level is at ‘substantial,’ meaning that an attack is considered likely. The evolving nature of terrorism has shifted from organised attacks to more ‘lone wolf’ or DIY-style terrorism. While the UK’s current security framework focuses on organised threats, Martyn’s Law seeks to address this shift by placing more responsibility on individual venues to protect themselves and their visitors.
Terrorists often target what they perceive to be vulnerable spaces. Therefore, it’s critical that venues are prepared, with trained staff and effective processes in place, to reduce both the likelihood and impact of attacks.Terrorists often target what they perceive to be vulnerable spaces. Therefore, it’s critical that venues are prepared, with trained staff and effective processes in place, to reduce both the likelihood and impact of attacks.
A public consultation on Martyn’s Law has been conducted, receiving backing from the government, though progress was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The 18-week consultation involved collaboration with counter-terrorism experts, refining the legislation and determining which venues would be subject to it.
What Venues Can Do to Prepare
Even before Martyn’s Law is officially passed, venues can start implementing protective measures to ensure they are prepared for any potential incidents. Below are steps that can be taken in different phases of event planning:
Long-Term Planning (Year-Round Venue Preparation)
- Regularly conduct and update vulnerability assessments, especially if your venue or event profile changes significantly.
- Collaborate with local authorities during the planning phase to ensure a thorough understanding of both internal and external risks.
- Ensure all permanent staff undergo counter-terrorism training to be prepared for potential threats.
Pre-Event Preparation
- Carry out readiness exercises and test the venue’s preparedness for different types of incidents.
- Ensure adequate staffing levels for the event, with the right personnel trained in security and counter-terrorism measures.
- Update contingency plans, making sure they align with the most recent vulnerability assessments.
Immediate Pre-Event Checks
- Perform standard operational checks across the venue.
- Brief staff on the specific security measures and contingency plans for the event, ensuring clarity on immediate response actions.
- Ensure that security systems, such as metal detectors and CCTV, are fully operational, and that emergency exits are clearly signposted and accessible.
During the Event
- By this stage, your team should be well-prepared, relying on the training and plans in place to respond quickly and effectively to any incidents.
Post-Event Reflection
- Continuously improve your venue’s counter-terrorism strategies by learning from each event. Evaluate what went well and where there is room for improvement, keeping your vulnerabilities assessment up to date as part of your year-round venue management.
