In this first Anti-crime blog we discuss UK Protect Duty Legislation (Martyn’s Law) ensuring stronger protections against terrorism in public places.

Plans for the law, known as Protect Duty or Martyn’s Law, were announced in May but the bill has yet to be tabled. The plans have been developed following public consultation and extensive engagement across industry, charities, local authorities, security experts and with survivors.  The new legislation will follow a tiered model linked to activity that takes place at a location and its capacity aimed to prevent undue burden on businesses.

A standard tier will apply to locations with a maximum capacity of over 100 which can undertake low-cost, simple yet effective activities to improve preparedness. This will include training, information sharing and completion of a preparedness plan to embed practices, such as locking doors to delay attackers progress or knowledge on lifesaving treatments that can be administered by staff whilst awaiting emergency services.

An enhanced tier will focus on high-capacity locations in recognition of the potential consequences of a successful attack. Locations with a capacity of over 800 people at any time, will additionally be required to undertake a risk assessment to inform the development and implementation of a thorough security plan. Subsequent measures could include developing a vigilance and security culture, implementation of physical measures like CCTV or new systems and processes to enable better consideration of security.

Locations with a maximum occupancy at any time of less than 100 will fall out of scope, however, they will be encouraged to adopt good security practices on a voluntary basis. This will be supported by free guidance and training materials.

The government will establish an inspection and enforcement regime, promoting compliance and positive cultural change and issuing credible and fair sanctions for serious breaches. Dedicated statutory guidance and bespoke support will be provided by the government to ensure those in scope can effectively discharge their responsibilities, with even small venues also able to benefit from this and take voluntary action.

Martyn’s Law will extend to and apply across the whole of the United Kingdom and the government will publish draft legislation in the early spring to ensure the law stands the test of time.

Key Points
  • New laws to keep people safe will scale up preparedness for, and protection from, terrorist attacks.
  • Martyn’s Law will ensure better protection against the continued and evolving threat that the UK faces from terrorism.
  • Support, guidance and training will help embed best practice and drive-up standards across the UK.
  • The bill has yet to be tabled.

To discover how we can help your organisation prepare and comply with this new legislation, please visit our dedicated Security Management Service page.

If you have any questions, please contact us and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.