The draft legislation, Martyn’s Law, would tighten security at venues and will better prepare and protect the country from terrorist attacks, according to a press release published by the Home Office on Tuesday.
Martyn’s Law will follow a tiered model for certain locations depending on the capacity of the premises or event and the activity taking place, “to prevent unnecessary burden to business,” the press release stated.
“The threat from terrorism is enduring. In recent years, we have seen terrorists target the public at a broad range of locations, causing deaths and casualties amongst innocent people going about their everyday lives,” said Security Minister Tom Tugendhat.
Martyn’s Law was named after Martyn Hett who was killed, alongside 21 others, in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in 2017 during a concert by US singer Ariana Grande.
Around the same time as the bombing, the EU – which still included the UK at the time – adopted various measures to counter terrorism in response to a series of attacks since 2015. The EU called on member states to implement measures to ensure the security of citizens, prevent radicalisation and safeguard values, and cooperate with international partners.
The draft bill will be subject to pre-legislative scrutiny by the Home Affairs Select Committee ahead of formal introduction, the press release added.
(Sofia Stuart Leeson | EURACTIV.com)
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