Martyn was one of 22 people who lost their lives at the Manchester Arena bombing of 2017 and since then his mum has pushed for better security measures to help to thwart terrorist attacks and similar loss of life. Whilst there are various pieces of legislation designed to protect us from terrorist attack there needs to be some common sense rules we all follow and it is Martyn’s Law which sets out these requirements:

1.     Spaces and places to which the public have access engage with freely available counter terrorism advice and training

2.     Those places to conduct vulnerability assessments of their operating places and spaces.

3.     Those places to have a mitigation plan for the risks created by the vulnerabilities

4.     Those places to have a counter-terrorism plan

5.     Local authorities must plan for the threat of terrorism

Manchester City Council and its partners are now embracing these requirements in their everyday planning of managing public spaces and public events. The Manchester BID are arranging Action Counter Terrorism Training for local businesses, the Police are promoting the Vulnerability Site Assessment Toolkit and the City Council have Emergency Plans should anything similar to the awful events of 2017 were to happen again.

Whilst there are resources available to help businesses, event organisers and land owners, it is often working out what is proportionate and realistic that proves difficult.



SL Consultants have worked with a number of clients to help set out a plan of action to be prepared ahead of legislation being made and many clients have that awareness of terrorism firmly in their everyday working practice. This is something none of us can avoid. Check out our Terrorism Management Feature and get in contact to see how we can help.