A consultation has opened on new laws to make sure we are better prepared for, and protected from, terrorist attacks. The new laws will scale up preparedness for terrorist attacks, making sure the public is protected without putting unnecessary burdens on smaller businesses.
Martynâs Law will require premises to fulfil necessary but proportionate steps, according to their capacity, to help keep the public safe. It is named in tribute to Martyn Hett who was killed alongside 21 others in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017. Under the proposed law, premises will be considered âstandard tierâ, meaning they have capacity of 100-799 or âenhanced tierâ, with a capacity of 800 or more.
The updated requirements for smaller businesses, set out in the consultation, are centred around outcomes rather than processes. For example, it will remove the requirement to complete any specific terrorism training. Instead, those responsible for these premises will be asked to put in place procedures such as evacuation and lock-ins in the event of an attack.
The new âreasonably practicableâ approach is better suited to the wide range of organisations that will be within the scope of standard tier because they will assess and implement procedures that are suitable to their individual circumstances. This aligns with other regulatory regimes, such as Health and Safety, which require reasonably practicable steps.
A Martynâs Law regulator will be established to monitor compliance and advise premises within scope of the legislation. Premises within standard tier will be required to notify the regulator that they are within the scope of this legislation. This revised approach is designed to be low to no financial cost, with associated costs largely driven by the time taken to communicate them to staff.
Following the conclusion of the consultation process, the bill will be introduced as soon as parliamentary time allows. This consultation is targeted at organisations, businesses, local and public authorities, and individuals who own or operate publicly accessible premises or events that the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill will potentially affect.
It seeks views from those responsible for smaller premises which would fall within the standard tier. The consultation will run until 18th March 2024, to respond please click the button below.
