The UK government has introduced a new public safety law, named after Martyn Hett, a 29-year-old victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing. The law, championed by Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray, aims to strike a balance between “protection of life” and “protection of our way of life.” This legislation is a significant step forward in the UK’s efforts to prevent similar tragedies and ensure public safety while preserving individual freedoms.
The law is a response to the devastating Manchester Arena bombing, which occurred on May 22, 2017. On that fateful evening, thousands of people, including children and teenagers, attended an Ariana Grande concert. As the event drew to a close, a terrorist attack claimed the lives of 22 people, including nine teenagers. Over 1,000 people were injured in the attack. The scenes of happiness and joy that filled the arena just hours earlier gave way to shock, trauma, and despair as the reality of the situation set in.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the event as a “nightmare” that transformed an enjoyable spring evening into a scene of horror and devastation. The attack was a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing public safety and taking necessary measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
If passed, Martyn’s Law will require qualifying venues with a capacity of 800 or more to implement robust security measures to protect attendees. These measures will include risk monitoring and assessment, security checks and screening for individuals, and physical safety measures, such as safety glass. Venues with an ordinary capacity of between 200 and 800 will be required to notify the authorities about their public protection procedures, including evacuation plans, invacuation procedures to protect attendees from external threats, lockdown protocols, and communication strategies.
The law is the result of tireless campaigning by Figen Murray, Martyn’s mother, who has dedicated herself to ensuring that no other family has to endure the pain and suffering that she has experienced. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper praised Figen Murray as a “true inspiration” in the House of Commons, acknowledging her unwavering commitment to the cause. Conservative shadow home secretary James Cleverly also paid tribute to her dedication, recognizing the significant impact that her campaigning has had on the development of the law.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the importance of balancing safety measures with the need to protect people’s way of life. “We need to ensure that proper measures are taken to keep us safe, and how to make sure people can get on with their lives; that we make it possible for people to keep enjoying all the things they do – protection of life, protection of our way of life,” she said. This balance is crucial in ensuring that the law does not unduly restrict individual freedoms or stifle the enjoyment of public events.
The passage of Martyn’s Law marks a significant step forward in the UK’s efforts to prevent similar tragedies and ensure public safety while preserving individual freedoms. The law is a testament to the power of campaigning and the importance of listening to the voices of those who have been directly affected by tragedy. It is a reminder that, even in the face of adversity, we can come together to create positive change and make a difference in the lives of others.
As the UK moves forward with the implementation of Martyn’s Law, it is essential that we continue to prioritize public safety and take necessary measures to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. This includes investing in intelligence gathering and sharing, improving communication and coordination between authorities, and providing adequate training and resources for emergency responders.
Ultimately, the passage of Martyn’s Law is a tribute to the memory of Martyn Hett and the 21 others who lost their lives in the Manchester Arena bombing. It is a reminder that their lives were not lost in vain and that their legacy will live on through the positive change that this law will bring. As Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said, “This is Martyn’s Law, and it is a law that will make a real difference to the safety and security of our country.”
The law will also require those responsible for premises to take appropriate action to strengthen public safety, with requirements reflecting the size of the venue and the activity taking place. This includes a tiered approach, linked to the size of the venue, how many people will be there and the activity taking place, making sure undue burdens are not placed on small businesses.
A standard tier premises will apply to locations with a capacity of more than 200 people but under 800. These businesses will be asked to undertake simple yet effective activities to put in place procedures to reduce harm to the public in the event of an attack. These could be as simple as training staff to lock doors, close shutters and identify a safe route to cover.
The enhanced tier will apply to premises and events with a capacity of more than 800 individuals, given the devastating impact an attack could have in these spaces. These locations will need to put in place measures such as CCTV or hiring security staff.
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,
collaboration and hard work from all parties involved. I am proud to be part of this effort to make our country safer.”
The law is a significant step forward in the UK’s efforts to prevent similar tragedies and ensure public safety while preserving individual freedoms. It is a testament to the power of campaigning and the importance of listening to the voices of those who have been directly affected by tragedy. It is a reminder that, even in the face of adversity, we can come together to create positive change and make a difference in the lives of others.
The passage of Martyn’s Law is a tribute to the memory of Martyn Hett and the 21 others who lost their lives in the Manchester Arena bombing. It is a reminder that their lives were not lost in vain and that their legacy will live on through the positive change that this law will bring. As Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said, “This is Martyn’s Law, and it is a law that will make a real difference to the safety and security of our country.”
The law will also provide a framework for the authorities to work with event organizers, venue owners, and local authorities to ensure that public safety is prioritized. This includes providing guidance on risk assessments, security protocols, and emergency response plans.
In addition, the law will establish a new public safety advisory board, which will bring together experts from various fields to provide advice and guidance on public safety matters. This board will play a crucial role in ensuring that the law is implemented effectively and that public safety is prioritized.
The passage of Martyn’s Law is a significant step forward in the UK’s efforts to prevent similar tragedies and ensure public safety while preserving individual freedoms. It is a testament to the power of campaigning and the importance of listening to the voices of those who have been directly affected by tragedy. It is a reminder that, even in the face of adversity, we can come together to create positive change and make a difference in the lives of others.