Martin’s Law Takes Effect to Enhance Safety at Concerts and Events Following the Manchester Arena Terror Attack

New Anti-Terrorism Law Implementation

The “Martana Law” represents a significant addition to anti-terrorism legislation aimed at enhancing safety measures for live music venues and public events. This new law is set to come into effect to ensure safer concerts and gatherings.

Enhanced Security Measures for Public Events

The legislation mandates that staff in entertainment venues undergo more thorough training and implement improved security measures to protect against terrorist threats and potential attacks.

This initiative follows the tragic mass attack at the Ariana Grande concert in 2017 at Manchester Arena, where 22 people lost their lives and over 1,000 were injured.

Figen Murray is advocating for this law in memory of her son, Martin Hitt, who was also a victim of the attack. According to a report by Mirror, Murray recently testified before Westminster as the bill neared its final stages, urging MPs to support its passage through the House of Commons.

The recent press announcement confirmed that Martin’s Law has now been officially enacted, receiving royal assent. This fulfills a key promise of the Labor Government and Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The Prime Minister met with Figen Murray to celebrate the new law, which has come to fruition after her tireless advocacy, including a 200-mile walk to Downing Street to demand its enactment.

The government’s statement emphasizes: “The law will provide increased protection, ensuring that public venues and events are better prepared in the event of a terrorist attack. This significant legislation, known as Martin’s Law, has now received royal consent and is in effect.”

“The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 will require public venues accommodating 200 or more individuals to have comprehensive plans in place for ensuring safety amid potential attacks. Venues accommodating 800 or more will need to undertake additional measures to mitigate their vulnerability to terrorism, such as conducting bag searches or vehicle inspections, where appropriate.”

In an exclusive statement to NME, Security Minister Dan Jarvis remarked: “Events and concerts are integral to British culture, but the creation of lasting memories should not come at the cost of security. Thanks to Martin’s Law, we are reinforcing existing practices, establishing clearer standards of preparedness, and providing venues with the necessary tools for effective planning, ensuring that all attendees can enjoy live events safely.”

Figen Murray also expressed her thoughts on the new law: “My son Martin Hitt was killed, along with 21 innocent victims, in the Manchester Arena attack on May 22, 2017. While nothing can bring Martin back, I am committed to preventing others from experiencing the pain my family endured.”

Murray anticipated the enactment of measures to enhance security in public spaces and improve response strategies to terrorist threats under Martin’s Law. She also acknowledged the Prime Minister, the Security Minister, and others for their swift actions in advancing the legislation in Parliament.

In a statement, Prime Minister Keir Starmer noted the significance of this legislation, emphasizing that the enactment of Martin’s Law marks the fulfillment of a promise to better protect the public from terrorism. He commended Figen’s courage and determination in the wake of her unimaginable loss and acknowledged that Martin’s legacy will endure indefinitely through these new safety measures.

The Director of Night Time Industries, Mike Kill, commented on the passing of Martin’s Law as a significant milestone in enhancing public security. He stated that this legislation will ensure that venues and events across the UK take appropriate steps to safeguard the public against the increasing threat of terrorism.

The devastating attack occurred on May 22, 2017, when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device in the foyer as fans exited the Ariana Grande concert. The lone attacker died in the explosion, which was later attributed to a homemade bomb, with ISIS claiming responsibility for the incident.

Figen Murray has expressed feelings of being “misled” by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak regarding stronger protective measures against terrorism in public venues. She recalled a meeting where Sunak appeared to offer reassurance but ultimately did not follow through on promises made during their discussion.

Similar sentiments were echoed by Paul Hitt, the father of Martin Hitt, who stated that the crime should have been preventable, asserting that 22 lives could have been saved. The findings of a report indicated lost opportunities to mitigate the “devastating impact” of the attack.