Government plans to require venues to put in place anti-terror measures

Security Minister James Brokenshire has announced plans to introduce a law which will require owners and operators of public spaces and venues to put in place measures to keep the public safe from a terrorist attack.

The new ‘protect duty’ follow discussions with victims’ groups such as the Martyn’s Law campaign, established by Figen Murray whose son was killed in the Manchester Arena attack, and follows the terrorist attacks in 2017 and at Fishmongers’ Hall last year.

The new law, to be consulted on in the spring, would require venue operators to consider the risk of a terrorist attack and take proportionate and reasonable measures to prepare for and protect the public from such an attack.

This could include increased physical security, having training in place, incident response plans and exercises for staff on what to do during an attack.

Security Minister James Brokenshire said: “Our first priority is keeping the public safe and preventing more families from suffering the heartbreak of losing a loved one.

“The devastating attacks in 2017, and more recently at Fishmongers’ Hall and Streatham, are stark reminders of the current threat we face. We are in complete agreement with campaigners such as Figen Murray on the importance of venues and public spaces having effective and proportionate protective security and preparedness measures to keep people safe.

“Of course, it is important that this new law is proportionate. This public consultation will ensure we put in place a law that will help protect the public while not putting undue pressure on businesses.”

Matt Maer, director of security and resilience at Canary Wharf Group, said: “This legislation has the potential to make a significant impact on public security, improving the situation for people as they go about their daily lives.

“Canary Wharf Group supports this initiative and look forward to assisting where we can in shaping this work.”

The consultation will ask for views from business and the public sector on the proportionality, scope of the duty, and how it should be enforced.

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