'Martyn's Law' has taken another step forward

Now MPs will go through all the fine print once again in the House of Commons before it can be considered for royal assent.

Home Office minister Lord Hanson said at the third reading yesterday:

“This Bill has its genesis in the evening of May 22 2017 in the Manchester Arena, where more than 1,000 people were injured and 22 were killed in a terror attack – the sole responsibility of the terrorist involved. This Bill is a tribute to those victims and to the victims of other terrorist attacks. They will never ever be forgotten.”

This legislation will ensure all venues around the UK that expect 200 or more people to be on site to prepare for the event of a terror attack, such as establishing evacuation plans.

And the larger venues, which expect to host more than 800 people will have to take steps to reduce their vulnerability to an attack.

Lord Hanson added:

“Members will be aware, of course, of the campaigning work of Figen Murray and her team. We would not be here today without her and her team, and I give them my thanks. This Bill will now be known as Martyn’s Law in memory of Figen’s son Martyn, who died in that Manchester terror attack. I also pay tribute to the security and intelligence services, law enforcement and others, who work day in and day out to protect this country from the ongoing threat of terrorism, and to the first responders who are on the front line, if and when the worst happens.”

Martyn's mum, Figen Murray, has been campaigning for the law change after her 29-year-old son was killed, together with 21 other people, during an Ariana Grande concert.

The Meetings Industry Association (mia) has produced a practical guide to help the business meetings and events sector navigate the forthcoming Martyn’s Law.

You can read it here:

https://www.mia-uk.org/martyns-law

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