The Home Secretary has set out the foundational policy for the Protect Duty in Parliament, from now on to be known as Martyn’s Law.

These proposals have been developed considering the 2021 public consultation exercise, and the views expressed by stakeholders at over 80 consultation events.

Proportionality is a fundamental consideration for Martyn’s Law. It will therefore establish a tiered model linked to activity that takes place at a location and its capacity. This will prevent undue burden on premises in scope. Most of the voluntary sector venues will fall into the STANDARD TIER.

• A standard tier will apply to locations with a maximum capacity of over 100. The aim is to drive up use and engagement with existing resources that help teams undertake low-cost, simple yet effective activities to improve preparedness. This will include training, information sharing and completion of a preparedness plan to embed practices, such as locking doors to delay attackers progress or knowledge on lifesaving treatments that can be administered by staff whilst awaiting emergency services.
• An enhanced tier will focus on high-capacity locations in recognition of the potential consequences of a successful attack. Locations with a capacity of over 800 people at any time, will additionally be required to undertake a risk assessment to inform the development and implementation of a security plan to assess the balance of risk reduction against the time, money and effort required to achieve a successful level of security preparedness – a recognised standard in other regulatory regimes (including Fire and Health and Safety).

Nearly all places of worship will be placed within the standard tier, regardless of their capacity.

The Government will establish an inspection and enforcement regime, promoting compliance and positive cultural change and issuing credible and fair sanctions for serious breaches.

Dedicated statutory guidance and bespoke support will be provided by the Government to ensure those in scope can effectively discharge their responsibilities. Expert advice, training and guidance is already available on the online protective security hub, ProtectUK.

Legislation for the proposed duty will be brought forward as soon as parliamentary time allows. Martyn’s Law will extend to and apply across the whole of the United Kingdom.

The proposals are outlined in considerable detail in the written ministerial statement which was issued today (Written statements – Written questions, answers and statements – UK Parliament). The Home Office will also be undertaking stakeholder engagement events in the new year. Stakeholders can contact ProtectDuty@homeoffice.gov.uk to get involved.

Further information can be found here:

Protect Duty Update – Martyn’s Law to ensure stronger protections against terrorism in public places | ProtectUK

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