Martyn's Law: Anti-terror bill to be discussed by ministers in landmark Commons debate

An anti-terrorism bill in memory of Martyn Hett, who was among the 22 innocent people killed in the Manchester Arena bombing, is to be discussed in a landmark Commons debate on Monday (October 14).

The plans, to help protect the public from terror attacks by introducing various regulations to venues, are part of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill and have been tirelessly campaigned for by his mother, Figen Murray.

Monday (October 14) marks the bills' second reading and the first time the law will be debated by ministers in the Commons - some seven years after the Manchester Arena atrocity.

READ MORE Martyn's Law: Mum of Arena bombing victim says anti-terror laws are needed 'urgently' ahead of Commons debate

Figen's son, PR worker Martyn, a keen YouTuber and Coronation Street superfan, was among those murdered as 20,000 fans left the Ariana Grande concert at the arena on May 22 2017 after suicide bomber 22-year-old Salman Abedi detonated the homemade bomb.

Ministers and backbenchers will debate the main principles of the Bill in the House of Commons on Monday afternoon. Ahead of the debate, Figen raised concerns about the UK's current 'substantial' terror threat and shared her hopes for the law to be implemented by next year.

It is not yet known when the rules could come into force, if voted through by Parliament, but Government officials anticipate it could take between one and two years for the Bill to become law and measures to be implemented.

King Charles laid out his commitment to the law in his King's Speech earlier this year - and it was introduced to parliament last month.

The bill is designed to improve public safety by requiring all venues with a capacity of more than 200 to take simple steps to ensure they have a plan in place in case of an attack on their premises.

New regulations under the law could affect 155,000 smaller businesses with venue capacity for between 200 and 799 people, it is estimated, at an average anticipated cost of £330 a year. Around 24,000 larger venues, with capacity of 800 and above, could be subject to the laws and face average costs of around £5,000 a year as a result.

While the proposed laws will not apply to venues with a capacity of less than 200, business owners can choose voluntarily to adopt measures and follow guidance.

The debate comes after MI5 Director General Ken McCallum revealed last week there had been 43 foiled terror threats on UK venues since the arena bombing.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News ahead of the debate, Figen said: "I hope the Ministers do their jobs and make this law robust and don't dilly dally. This is a matter of urgency. Since 2017, the Director General said there have been 43 near misses and terror plots that were going to be carried out and just about stopped in time.

"If 43 have been stopped, then sooner or later one of them won't be - and it'll be missed, leaving more families bereaved and injured and traumatised people who will join me and many others in this club.

"People need to remember that terrorism is absolutely rife. Our terror level is substantial, which means an attack, at any time, is likely, and people need to take those words on board."