Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill Takes Another Step

Following the inquiry into the Manchester Arena terror attack in May 2017, earlier in 2023, the Government published the draft Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, also known as Martyn’s Law. This took another step towards becoming law when it was announced in the Kings Speech on November 7 that the Government intended to introduce the necessary legislation in the current session of Parliament.

While the Bill is not yet law and the provisions may be subject to change as it passes through parliament, the overall intention of the Bill is to require those who are responsible for certain events and premises to consider the risk and how they would respond to a terrorist act.

Currently, the Bill would apply to a wide range of publicly accessible premises, including shops, food and drink venues, nightclubs, theatres and music venues, sports grounds, libraries, museums, and galleries, conference centres, childcare and education settings, and places of worship with a capacity of over 100 people.

The Bill would also apply to events with a capacity of over 800 people that are not being held at a location that already qualifies as relevant premises.

For premises with a capacity of 100 to 799 people, a standard level of duty will apply, including requirements to evaluate and assess the terrorism risk and to provide terrorism protection training for staff.

Premises and events with a capacity of 800 people or more would have enhanced duties, including having security plans and measures in place and designating an individual as the senior officer for the premises or event.

Further information about the Bill can be found on the Protect UK website at: https://www.protectuk.police.uk/

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