The Home Office is the lead government department for immigration and passports, drugs policy, crime, fire, counter-terrorism and police. More information on the Home Office can be found here https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office/about
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, also known as Martyn’s Law, was included in The King’s Speech on 17 July as part of the programme of legislation the Government intends to pursue in this Parliamentary session. The Bill was introduced to Parliament on 12 September 2024 and is currently undergoing Parliamentary scrutiny.
The Bill is intended to ensure public premises and events are better prepared for terrorist attacks and ready to respond. It will require them to take reasonably practicable actions, which vary accordingly, to mitigate the impact of a terrorist attack and reduce physical harm. In addition to this, certain larger premises and events must also take steps to reduce the vulnerability of the premises to terrorist attacks.
This will be done by mandating, for the first time, who is responsible for considering the risk from terrorism and how they would respond to a terrorist attack at certain premises and events.
Dedicated guidance and support will be provided for duty holders to ensure that those in scope have the required information on what to do and how best to do it. The guidance will be easy to follow, needing no particular expertise.
To support enforcement of the regime, a regulator will be established which will support, advise and guide those responsible for premises and events in meeting the requirements of this legislation.
Further information on the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill can be found in the below links:
• GOV.UK Webpage with links to overarching documents, impact assessment, and the public consultations – https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/terrorism-protection-of-premises-bill-2024
• Factsheets – https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/2024/09/13/martyns-law-factsheet/ and https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/terrorism-protection-of-premises-bill-2024-factsheets
• Parliament page – https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3765
• Protect UK – https://www.protectuk.police.uk/martyns-law