Martyn’s Law is set to elevate the landscape of public safety across the UK, bringing a heightened focus on perimeter security for public spaces. Jon Trott, Managing Director of Cova Security Gates, discusses the importance of safe, secure and discreet security measures in high-footfall areas, particularly as we approach the festive season.
As the festive season approaches, Christmas markets appear in cities and towns across the UK, attracting families, friends and tourists to enjoy mulled wine, festive treats and handcrafted gifts.
This celebration often draws vast crowds, and with them comes a crucial reminder for event organisers – the importance of public safety. This year, more than ever, security will be at the forefront of the public conversation with the introduction of Martyn’s Law.
What is Martyn’s Law?
Since 2017, Counter Terrorism Policing assessed that there have been 15 domestic terror attacks in the UK, and agencies and law enforcement have disrupted 39 late-stage plots.
Martyn’s Law, or the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, will ensure that the public will be better protected from terrorism under new laws requiring many public venues to improve preparedness against attacks and bring in measures to help keep people safe.
The new legislation is known as ‘Martyn’s Law’ in tribute of Martyn Hett who was killed alongside 21 others in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack. The Prime Minister made a personal promise to Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray, that he would bring in this law.
Under the new changes, those responsible for premises will be required to fulfil necessary but proportionate steps, according to their capacity, to help keep the public safe. The aim is to make sure staff at public venues and events have the skills and knowledge to protect themselves and others, minimising the impact of a terrorist attack.
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.
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