…By Jack Sylva for TDPel Media.
The UK government has published draft details of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, also known as Martyn’s Law, named after Martyn Hett, who was one of 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017.
The new law, which will cover the whole of the UK, aims to require venues and local authorities to have preventative plans against terror attacks.
The draft law has been praised by Figen Murray, Hett’s mother, who has long campaigned for stronger protections against terrorism in public places.
Ms. Murray hopes that the new law will meet her expectations after years of campaigning.
The new draft law has evolved from basic provisions to a two-tier legislation, which Murray feels is an important step forward for Martyn’s Law.
However, she has not yet had a chance to read the full details and says that there may be areas for improvement, but overall she is glad they have reached this point.
Security Minister Tom Tugendhat also praised the draft law, calling it a significant step forward in protecting the public from terrorism.
He acknowledges that the threat from terrorism is enduring and that terrorists have targeted the public in various locations in recent years, causing deaths and casualties among innocent people.
He hopes that the legislation will enhance national security while remaining proportionate.
Analysis and Commentary
The publication of the draft law is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to improve anti-terrorism protections in public places.
The new law, named after a victim of a terror attack, is a reminder of the impact of terrorism on individuals, families, and communities.
It is also a reminder of the importance of strengthening anti-terrorism measures to prevent such attacks from happening in the future.
The draft law aims to require venues and local authorities to have preventative plans against terror attacks, which is an important step forward in protecting the public.
However, there may be areas for improvement and further scrutiny by the committee is necessary to ensure that the legislation is proportionate and effective in enhancing national security.
The publication of the draft law is also a testament to the power of campaigning and advocacy by individuals such as Figen Murray, who has been campaigning for stronger protections against terrorism in public places for years.
It is a reminder of the important role that individuals and communities can play in shaping public policy and ensuring that the government is held accountable for its actions.
Overall, the publication of the draft law is a positive development, but there is still a need for ongoing vigilance and action to ensure that the threat of terrorism is effectively addressed and that the public is protected from harm.