Martyn’s Law granted royal assent today to protect venues from terror attacks

On the 22nd of May 2017, Manchester changed forever. The tragic bombing at the Manchester Arena claimed 22 lives, including that of 29-year-old Martyn Hett.

A wonderful soul, known for his humour and love of music, Martyn’s life was cut short in an attack that left the city heartbroken.

In the years that followed, his mother, Figen Murray, channelled her grief into a relentless campaign for better security at public venues.

Today, that campaign reaches its most significant milestone yet as Martyn’s Law has been granted royal assent by King Charles.

This means the legislation is no longer just a proposal—it has became law of the land, ensuring that venues across the UK will be held to higher security standards in a bid to prevent future tragedies.

The Birth of Martyn’s Law

In the wake of the attack, Figen was shocked to discover that security measures at many venues remained inadequate. A year after losing her son, she attended a theatre performance in Manchester and was appalled by the absence of security checks.

It was a stark reminder that lessons from the tragedy had not been learned. Determined to make a change, she launched a petition in 2019, gathering over 23,000 signatures, calling for stronger security measures at public venues.

Her campaigning led to the UK Government introducing the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, widely known as Martyn’s Law, in Parliament on 12th September 2024.

This bill aims to ensure that all venues with a capacity of 200 or more have clear plans in place to prevent and respond to potential terrorist attacks. Larger venues, holding 800 or more people, will also be required to implement additional security measures, such as CCTV and trained security staff.

The law introduces a tiered approach, meaning that the security measures required will be proportionate to the size of the venue and the nature of the events held there. Smaller venues will be expected to have basic procedures in place, while larger venues will be required to implement more robust security measures. To support venues, the government will provide clear guidelines and establish a regulatory body to offer assistance and monitor compliance.

A Manchester mother’s tireless effort

Figen’s fight was never just about legislation. She completed a master’s degree in counter-terrorism, visited schools to educate young people on the dangers of radicalisation, and even embarked on a 200-mile walk from Manchester Arena to Downing Street. Her determination saw her awarded an OBE in 2022 for her counter-terrorism work. Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, she described her walk as a “final push” to ensure the government took notice.

Her advocacy has extended beyond legislative change; she has also worked to raise awareness about terrorism and security, speaking at events and collaborating with security experts to ensure that the law is practical and effective. She has become a symbol of resilience and determination, inspiring many others to take action in their own communities.

What Martyn’s Law Means for Manchester

For Manchester and the rest of the UK, this new law marks a turning point in public safety. It will ensure that venue owners and event organisers are legally required to prioritise security in the same way they consider fire safety or health regulations.

A dedicated regulator will provide support and guidance to ensure these measures are effectively implemented.

While no law can completely eliminate the threat of terrorism, Martyn’s Law will make it much harder for attackers to cause mass casualties.

As Figen Murray has previously said: “We cannot predict when and where an attack will happen, but we can ensure that every venue has a plan.”

The law also seeks to change attitudes towards security, embedding a culture of vigilance and preparedness across all public spaces. It is a proactive step to ensure that tragedies like the Manchester Arena bombing do not happen again.

A historic day

Today marks a momentous occasion, not just for Figen Murray and the families of those lost, but for the UK.

The law is now in action, after months of campaigning.

For Figen, today is the culmination of years of dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to ensuring no other family endures the pain she has felt.

The Manchester Arena bombings were a tragedy that shook Manchester to its core, but through his mother’s fight, his name will now be forever linked to a law that protects lives.

His legacy is not just in the law that bears his name but in the thousands of lives that will be safeguarded because of it.

With royal assent granted today, Manchester stands in solidarity with Figen Murray, honouring Martyn’s memory and ensuring that the lessons from that tragic night are never forgotten.