Martyn’s Law: over 1,000 staff in Manchester take part in counter-terrorism training ahead of new law passing

Over 1,000 members of staff in Manchester have now taken part in counter-terrorism training. This is ahead of new laws which will tighten venue security called for following the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017.

It was confirmed that Martyn’s Law was to be introduced following a government vote in December 2022. The training in Manchester has been done ahead of the UK government’s plan to implement a ‘Protect Duty’ requirement for venues.

Mr Hett, was 29 when he became one of 22 people killed whilst attending an Ariana Grande gig in May 2017. The new rules have been campaigned for by many people including his mother Figen Murray.

When the new law is passed, it will make it a requirement for venues across the city to improve their security procedures and risk assessments and be better prepared to respond in the event of an attack. .

Manchester City Council said they are “incredibly proud” of the response from businesses across the city, who have shown a great willingness to take on board the principles of Martyn’s Law ahead of their legal duty to do so.

With support from Figen Murray, close to 500 venues and now more than 1,000 members of staff, have committed to playing their part in Making Manchester safer.

Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, executive member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods said:

“The work done around Martyn’s Law has been some of the most important the Council has ever embarked on. The Manchester Arena Terror Attack left an indelible mark on our city, but it does not have to define our future. We never want to repeat that terrible night again which is why ACT training is so vital.

“I am so proud of the venues who have already signed up and recognise what a fantastic achievement it is to have trained more than 1,000 people. However, there is always more work to be done and I am confident that in the coming months even greater numbers can be reached.”

What is Martyn’s Law?

Martyn’s Law is a piece of legislation which consists of five requirements. That spaces and places to which the public have access:

• engage with freely available counterterrorism advice and training
• conduct vulnerability assessments of their operating places and spaces
• mitigate the risks created by the vulnerabilities
• Put in place a counter-terrorism plan
• a requirement for local authorities to plan for the threat of terrorism.