Search

Newsletter image

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Join 10k+ people to get notified about new posts, news and tips.

Do not worry we don't spam!

GDPR Compliance

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.

Momentous anti-terror law change to protect venues from attacks after Manchester Arena horror comes into force TODAY

Published on April 03, 2025 at 10:51 AM

MOMENTOUS anti-terror legislation to protect entertainment venues and the public from mass attacks like the Manchester Arena bombing officially became LAW today.

After six-and-a-half-years of tireless campaigning, Martyn’s Law – rules to better train staff and safeguard venues against terrorists – was passed by royal assent just before 12pm by the King.

Police officers assisting concertgoers outside Manchester Arena following a terrorist attack.
Police at the Manchester Arena after the terror attack in 2017
Floral tributes at a memorial for victims of the Manchester Arena bombing.
Floral tributes to the victims and injured in St Ann’s Square in Manchester
Figen Murray, mother of Manchester Arena bombing victim Martyn Hett, speaking to reporters.
Figen Murray, the mother of bombing victim Martyn Hett

Campaigner Figen Murray – who has driven the law in her son Martyn Hett's name since he was one of 22 killed in – hailed the victory as a triumph that would “secure Martyn’s legacy”; forever.

Figen told Flying Eze: “Whilst nothing can bring Martyn back, this much needed law will secure his legacy and help to prevent more families enduring the pain and loss that mine, alongside 21 others, have experienced since the Manchester Arena terror attack.

“Collaboration is at the core of Martyn’s Law. As we enter the two-year implementation period (of the law) it is essential that everyone plays their part to ensure that businesses and venues across the country can implement the requirements to better protect the public from terrorism.”;

Today, after a gruelling six-and-a-half-year wait, the legislation was read out in the House of Commons before being rubber stamped in the House of Lords.

Martyn’s Law – officially the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill – will require venues with a capacity of over 200 to have plans to prevent terror attacks.

It will enforce mandatory anti-terror training for staff and tighter event security at venues, which includes more vigorous bag checks and body searches.

Those that can accommodate over 800 will have to put in place measures such as CCTV or hiring more security staff.

Public venues where 200 to 799 people may gather will have to implement plans to keep people safe in the event of a terror attack happening at or near their location.

Venues now have two years to get up to speed with the changes that Figen insists will “save lives”;.

Figen, who came down to Westminster from Manchester to watch the momentous moment and later met Prime Minister Keir Starmer, thanked the PM for sticking to his vow to pass the law.

She said: “I’m grateful to the Prime Minister for keeping his promise and for the work the Home Office team has delivered to help us get to this point, but my work is not finished.”;

She has vowed to make sure the new rules are rolled out efficiently.
Brave Figen, aided by campaigner Brendan Cox – husband of the late MP Jo Cox – and former Met Chief Superintendent Nick Aldworth, made it her life’s goal to change venue’s anti-terror laws after Salman Abedi detonated a bomb at an Ariana Grande concert in 2017, which her son attended. It killed him, 21 others and left more than 1,000 injured.

Brendan, co-founder of Survivors Against Terror, said: “You should never doubt what the courage, bravery and passion of a mother can achieve. This was never a quest for sympathy, it was a desire for change to make us all safer. Today Figen has achieved that, and we all owe her a debt of thanks.”;

Nick Aldworth added: “I’m delighted that this legislation now exists, it has been the missing piece of the jigsaw that was needed to complete the UK Counter-Terrorism strategy.

“I pay tribute to my co-campaigner, Figen Murray whose resilience and determination, while dealing with her own grief and the needs of her family, has made this all possible.”

The passing of the landmark law was also welcomed by leading safety groups.

Emma Kay, co-founder of personal safety app WalkSafe, said: “The passing of Martyn’s Law is a hugely progressive move that will keep young people safe on nights out.

“At WalkSafe we know how safety on a night out is of paramount importance for all.

“Our research has shown that 63 per cent of women prefer to visit venues with safety initiatives in place.

“Sadly, today, safety is an issue for the whole community, we all worry whether out in the daytime or enjoying the night time economy in towns and cities.

“People want safer experiences and to know their friends and loved ones arrive home safely.

“We want to congratulate Figen Murray and her team on their tireless campaigning.”

Aftermath of Manchester Arena bombing; people on the floor receiving medical attention.
Helpers attend to people inside the arena
A woman at a funeral, holding a single red rose.
Figen at her son's funeral
Figen and Stuart Murray meeting with Keir Starmer to discuss Martyn's Law.
The mum with her husband Stuart speaking to Sir Keir Starmer
Photo of Abdalraouf Abdallah, refusing to cooperate with the Manchester Arena Inquiry.
Manchester Arena suicide bomber Salman Abedi
Headshot of Hashem Abedi.
Hashem Abedi was jailed for life for his involvement
Prev Article

Mobile users told to check gardens for three plants using phone camera trick – failing to identify could result in FINES

Next Article

Abia government to seize smuggled Cocoa produce, impound vehicles

Related to this topic:

Comments (0):

Be the first to write a comment.

Post Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *