Martyn’s Law - Strengthening Security Across Public Spaces in the UK
Posted 12 December 2024
Martyn’s Law, also known as the Protect Duty, is a new piece of legislation introduced in the UK to enhance public safety and counter the threat of terrorism. Named after Martyn Hett, a victim of the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017, Martyn's Law is designed to ensure that publicly accessible locations (PALs) take adequate security measures to protect people against potential terror attacks.
The legislation follows a public campaign led by Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray, who has been advocating for greater security responsibilities in public venues.
The law applies across a broad range of sectors, including education, government buildings, retail, hospitality and places of worship. By introducing more comprehensive security requirements, Martyn’s Law aims to increase the preparedness and resilience of public spaces across the UK.
Key Aspects of Martyn’s Law
Martyn’s Law focuses on three main areas: preparedness, assessment and response. The law obligates venues and organisations to understand the nature of potential risks, conduct detailed assessments and implement response plans in case of an emergency.
Here are some key features:
1. Threat Awareness and Risk Assessment
Under Martyn’s Law, organisations must be aware of the level of threat they face and conduct risk assessments accordingly. This step involves understanding the types of risks that may impact their specific location or sector, ranging from bomb threats to knife attacks.
2. Security Plans and Training
Organisations are required to develop security plans tailored to the identified risks and ensure that staff members are trained to respond effectively. Training may include evacuation procedures, emergency response protocols and suspicious behaviour recognition.
3. Infrastructure and Equipment
For some venues, Martyn’s Law will mandate physical security upgrades, such as CCTV systems, bollards or secure access points. However, the specific requirements will depend on the type and size of the venue.
4. Proportional Requirements Based on Risk Level
Martyn’s Law adopts a tiered approach, that is based on the capacity and risk profile of a location. Smaller venues, such as cafes or shops, will have less stringent requirements than larger venues with high footfall or those hosting sensitive events.
5. Accountability and Compliance
To enforce compliance, the law establishes monitoring and accountability mechanisms. Venues that fail to meet the requirements could face penalties, emphasising the seriousness of adhering to security standards.
Impact on Publicly Accessible Locations
Martyn’s Law will affect a wide range of publicly accessible locations, including education facilities, government buildings, retail and hospitality venues, as well as places of worship.
Each sector faces distinct challenges and responsibilities under this legislation. Let's look at each in turn.
Educational institutions, including schools, colleges and universities are integral parts of community infrastructure and may be targeted by individuals or groups seeking to inflict harm. Martyn’s Law will require these institutions to strengthen their security protocols to protect students, staff and visitors.
Risk Assessments and Emergency Planning
Schools will be required to conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities. These assessments must consider various scenarios and develop corresponding response plans. For example, lockdown procedures may become mandatory, and students may be trained in safety protocols.
Security Infrastructure
Depending on the size and location, some educational institutions may need to install more robust infrastructure, including controlled entry points, enhanced surveillance and communication systems to inform students, parents and emergency responders quickly.
Staff and Student Training
Educators, administrative staff and even students may undergo training to recognise any suspicious behaviour and respond to incidents. The law encourages education facilities to prepare everyone within the institution to take proactive steps in ensuring safety.
Balancing Security with Accessibility
A challenge for educational institutions will be to implement security measures without creating an environment that feels excessively restrictive for students. Balancing security with a welcoming atmosphere will require thoughtful planning and communication.
Government buildings, including offices, courts and local councils are potential targets for terrorist threats. As places where public services are provided, they are often frequented by large numbers of people, making security paramount.
Enhanced Screening and Access Control
Government facilities will likely need to implement stricter access controls, including ID checks, metal detectors and controlled entry points. Staff and visitors may face routine screening, and identification requirements could be tightened to prevent unauthorised access.
Staff Training and Response Plans
Government employees will receive training on emergency response measures, such as evacuation procedures and lockdown protocols. Staff may also be trained to recognise and respond to suspicious behaviours or objects.
Infrastructure Upgrades
Depending on the risk level, some government buildings may be required to upgrade physical infrastructure, such as installing bollards around the perimeter to prevent vehicle-borne threats. Security cameras and reinforced entry points may also be required.
Increased Security Presence
In high-risk government buildings, a visible security presence may be established, involving security guards, police officers or other security personnel to deter potential threats.
Retail and hospitality venues — such as shopping centres, cafes, restaurants and hotels are essential for the economy and daily life. These spaces also attract high numbers of people, making them vulnerable to potential attacks.
Proportional Security Measures
Smaller establishments may only be required to implement basic security protocols, such as staff training on how to report suspicious activities and conduct emergency evacuations. Larger venues, like shopping centres, may need to install additional infrastructure, including surveillance systems and emergency communication networks.
Customer Safety and Staff Awareness
Retail and hospitality venues will need to balance security measures with customer experience. Staff in these sectors will be trained to act quickly during emergencies, ensuring customer safety without compromising the welcoming atmosphere.
Incident Response Plans
Venues will need to have specific incident response plans, including evacuation routes, procedures for handling crowded areas and post-incident communication strategies. This planning is especially crucial for venues hosting events or gatherings.
Public Awareness Campaigns
Some retail venues may undertake public awareness campaigns to encourage visitors to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity. However, this needs to be handled sensitively to avoid causing unnecessary alarm.
Places of worship, including churches, mosques, synagogues and temples are at risk of targeted attacks, often motivated by ideological reasons. Martyn’s Law requires these places to ensure the safety of congregants while respecting the sanctity of the environment.
Security Training for Congregational Leaders and Volunteers
Religious leaders and volunteers may need to undergo training on identifying and responding to potential threats. These individuals will play a key role in protecting their communities and may need to familiarise themselves with evacuation and lockdown procedures.
Community Engagement and Awareness
Educating congregants on safety measures without instilling fear will be a significant focus for places of worship. Regular attendees may be encouraged to remain vigilant and report unusual behaviour.
Infrastructure Adjustments
Depending on the size and prominence of the worship place, security measures like CCTV, secure entrances and emergency exits may be mandated. However, the goal is to respect the environment and maintain its openness to the community.
Collaboration with Law Enforcement
Many places of worship already work with local police, but Martyn’s Law will formalise these partnerships further. Police or security consultants may assist in assessing vulnerabilities and developing security protocols.
Martyn’s Law marks a transformative step in enhancing public safety in the UK. By implementing comprehensive security measures, the law aims to create a safer environment across various sectors.
The law’s tiered approach ensures that the requirements are proportional to the venue’s risk profile, balancing safety with operational practicality. However, implementing Martyn’s Law will also pose challenges for organisations, particularly in terms of costs, staff training and maintaining an open and welcoming atmosphere.
Through proper planning and collaboration with security experts, these sectors can build resilient, secure spaces that honour the memory of Martyn Hett and ensure public safety for all.