Counter terrorism measures to come to West Berkshire venues

West Berkshire Council and Wokingham Borough Council are prepping to bring in counter terrorism regulations for venues and events holding more than 100 people.

It’s part of the new Martyn’s Law soon to come into effect.

There have been 14 terrorist attacks in the UK since 2017.

One such attack took place in May 2017 as people left the Ariane Grande concert at Manchester Arena.

Martyn Hett was one of 22 people who lost their lives.

Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray, along with the Martyn’s Law Campaign Team, campaigned for a new duty to require venues to take steps to improve public safety, with a range of measures dependent on the size of the venue and the activity taking place.

One of the recommendations of the inquiry into the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017 was the introduction of a ‘Protect Duty’ on those responsible for publicly accessible venues and events to take steps to reduce the risk to the public from terrorist attack.

Currently, private sector organisations work with police to take steps to mitigate against terrorist risk on a voluntary basis.

So the Public Protection Partnership is now working with venues in the district to work with organisations and venue owners to understand the impact.

Standard-tier premises (with 100 to 200 capacity) will need a terrorism evaluation, to be reviewed annually and to provide relevant workers with terrorism protection training.

The draft bill has been subject to pre-legislative scrutiny by the Home Affairs Select Committee, which heard evidence from a range of stakeholders.

Issues raised included the financial impact on businesses, application to the voluntary sector, and the absence of any provision for large unticketed outdoor events, such as Christmas markets and marathons.

Thames Valley Police, South Central Ambulance and Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service will work with the councils in the partnership, in a Safety Advisory Group.