Martyn's Law: what does it mean for risk managers?

The sixth anniversary of the Manchester Arena bombing, in which 22 people lost their lives, coincided with the publication of new draft UK legislation – “Martyn’s Law” – which would impose a legal duty on those responsible for public spaces to assess the risks of terrorist attack and to take steps to mitigate the risk and potential harm to the public.

Following the publication, Alistair Kinley, Head of Policy Development, spoke to Commercial Risk Europe about the requirements of the draft bill, the impact for those responsible for terrorism risk assessments if enacted, and the potential next steps for the legislation.

Update: Monday 12th June

Finally, it is worth noting that 8th June, the Manchester Arena Inquiry sat for its final time. This 201st hearing closed, as the 1st one had opened more than 3½ years ago, with the names of the 22 people killed in the Arena bombing being read out and a minute’s silence being observed. Representatives of the families spoke of their frustration that the security improvements recommended in its report had still not been made. They were said to be “absolutely devastated” that there will be no further hearings to monitor progress. The chairman, Sir John Saunders, was conscious of the ongoing Select Committee work on the draft legislation but nevertheless questioned the Home Office official about whether its preferred approach of requiring licencing for independent CCTV operatives/monitor only, and not for in-house staff doing the same job, might be reviewed? He regarded this as “a quite extraordinary anomaly” given the inquiry’s clear and consistent recommendations in this area. It may well be one of the issues on which the Security Minister will be questioned when he appears before the Select Committee on 20th June.

Contributed by Alistair Kinley, Head of Policy Development, Clyde & Co

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