Local organizations come together to mark the introduction of ‘Martyn’s Law’

The 2017 Manchester Arena terror attack resulted in the loss of 22 innocent lives. Martyn Hett was one of those killed. In Martyn’s honour, ‘Martyn’s Law’ is soon to be introduced to help prevent injury or loss of life from future acts of terrorism.

Local businesses, schools and healthcare providers in Kirklees were among those who attended an event on Tuesday 9 April to learn about ‘Martyn’s Law’, also known as the Premises Protection from Terrorism Act , and how they can implement it in their spaces.

“Martyn’s Law” means that organizations will need to consider the terrorist threat to their premises and take appropriate measures to better prepare for and respond to a terrorist attack.

Kirklees Partnership Multi-Agency Protect and Prepare Group hosted the event to raise awareness of the new law. Speakers included Kirklees Council, Counter Terrorism Policing North East and Figen Murray, Martyn Hett’s mother and the driving force behind ‘Martyn’s Law’.

The event also gave the Multi-Agency Protect and Prepare Group the opportunity to hear from local partners about the support they needed to make ‘Martyn’s Law’ work effectively.

Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Strategic Director for Corporate Strategy, Commissioning and Public Health said:

“In the wake of atrocities such as the Manchester Arena terror attack, we can see more clearly what steps need to be taken to prevent them from happening again. A tragedy like this clearly highlights the duty we all have to look out for things that don’t seem right and, most importantly, report them. Even things that seem insignificant could save lives – we need to trust our instincts when something just seems out of place.

“Martyn’s Law came from an unthinkable event and the courage of Martyn’s family and will undoubtedly protect us all in the future.

“Bringing together local partners and listening to speakers helped us all see how ‘Martyn’s Law’ can be applied in practical terms. This is not just a law, it is a promise from local organizations to work with the Protect and Prepare Group and other local partners to make Kirklees as prepared as possible in the event of a terrorist attack.”

Stuart Naisbitt, event attendee and head of facilities for the Mirfield Agricultural Show said:

“I found the content of the event both moving and informative. I can only feel compassion and admiration for Figen Murray for having the courage to speak out about the terrible act at Manchester Arena in which he lost his son.

“The gentlemen from the North East Counter-Terrorism Police brought home the need for vigilance and to ensure that our event is as safe as possible for attendees.

“Since the event, I have (arranged) a short presentation to the (Mirfield Agricultural) show committee and will be rolling out Training ACT to both the Mirfield Agricultural Show and the Town Council. In conclusion, I would like to thank those responsible for organizing the event”

For more information on Martyn’s Law and what it will mean for business, resources are available at ProtectUK.

You can report possible terrorist or extremist activity at http://www.gov.uk/ACT. You can also report suspicious activity by contacting the police confidentially on 0800 789 321. In an emergency you should always call 999.