08/11/23
King’s speech: Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill to be introduced to parliament
King Charles III has outlined key government law-making plans in his first speech as monarch, including the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill as legislation to be introduced to parliament.
The address today on 7th November 2023, marked the formal opening of the Parliamentary year, and detailed legislation intended to pass from ministers.
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, also known as Martyn’s Law, was published on 2 May 2023, after the Manchester Arena bombings in 2017. The bill will impose legal obligations for those responsible for publicly accessible venues to take steps to reduce the threat to the public from terrorist attacks and enhance public security.
The scope of the legislation is wide and would cover all publicly accessible locations with a capacity of 100 or more people including stadiums, sports grounds, academic institutions, leisure centres, shopping centres, supermarkets and tourist attractions.
In his speech, the King made reference to the bill saying that: “Legislation will be introduced to protect public premises from terrorism in the light of the Manchester Arena attack”.
The bill also includes provision of powers to the regulator to issue a contravention notice to those person(s) who may be failing to comply, including penalty financial notices to those deemed not in compliance.
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