Manchester City Council set to implement Martyn's Law

Manchester City Council is set to implement Martyn's Law at venues around the city.

The law is named after Martyn Hett, who was killed in the Manchester Arena terror attack, aims to improve security at all public venues and make it a requirement for all venues to have a counter-terrorism plan.

Although the law has not yet been made statutory by Parliament, the Council say that that doesn't mean they "cannot take action".

The proposed law currently has five requirements:

  • A requirement that spaces and places to which the public have access to engage with freely available counter-terrorism advice and training.

  • A requirement for those places to conduct vulnerability assessments of their operating places and spaces.

  • A requirement for those places to mitigate the risks created by the vulnerabilities.

  • A requirement for those places to have a counter-terrorism plan.

  • A requirement for local authorities to plan for the threat of terrorism.

The Council say that the proposals on licenses venues would be voluntary, but that they hoped that the practices outlined will be taken up with enthusiasm.

Ms Murray has been campaigning for a change in the law regarding the security of public venues. Credit: ITV News

The change in the law has been campaigned for by Martyn's mother, Fiegen Murray, she said: "I am so pleased to see that Manchester City Council have embraced the principles of Martyn's Law and are setting a brilliant example by introducing some of its principles.

"It feels like a recognition and deep respect for the bereaved families and the hundreds of injured people.

"I am certain that Martyn's Law will save lives through the Council applying simple common sense."

Councillor Nigel Murphy, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, said: "The tireless work that has been carried out by Figen is a fitting tribute to not just the memory of her son Martyn, but to all of the other victims of the Manchester terror attack.

"We are proud to work with Figen to lead the way on bringing in an improved culture of safety in this country, but we need the Government to take action.

"Only they have the power to get Martyn’s Law onto the statute books and we hope it treats her campaign as a priority.

"We can never bring back those who were cruelly taken from us, but, by making small yet significant changes we may be able to prevent future loss of life.

"This is an aim that we can all rally around.”