As part of Manchester’s commitment to public safety and the principles of Martyn’s Law, a free counter-terrorism training event will take place next week.

Martyn’s Law, named in memory of Manchester Arena Terror Attack victim, Martyn Hett, refers to a set of principles aimed at improving safety and security measures at public places.

Principles of Martyn’s Law 

Martyn’s Law contains five key requirements: 

• A requirement that spaces and places to which the public have access engage with freely available counter-terrorism advice and training.
• A requirement for those places to conduct vulnerability assessments of their operating places and spaces.
• A requirement for those places to mitigate the risks created by the vulnerabilities.
• A requirement for those places to have a counter-terrorism plan.
• A requirement for local authorities to plan for the threat of terrorism.

In January 2020 Manchester City Council voted to enshrine Martyn’s Law in future licensing procedures. This process was slowed due to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, but, progress did continue and is still being made to ensure these principles take root.

On Tuesday, 16 November, a fully booked training event coordinated by CityCo, will bring together representatives from the City Council, Greater Manchester Police, Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW) and CityCo – who have developed a fully integrated and holistic approach to provide training opportunities to our businesses. 

This training will include how premises can identify security vulnerabilities, and how to identify and respond to suspicious behaviour.

Figen Murray, the mother of Martyn Hett and prominent safety campaigner will also be attending to speak to representatives of the hospitality venues.

Additional training days are planned to take place during the New Year to ensure as many businesses as possible can benefit from this enhanced resilience.

Venues can register their interest for future events by contacting events@cityco.com

Councillor Rabnawaz Akbar, Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Sadly we live in an age where acts of terror are carried out against ordinary people. Manchester bears the scars of past terror attacks and it is this collective memory which urges us to prevent such traumatic events happening again.

“There is nothing we can do to erase the events of the past, but we can take steps to protect against future ones. We know that in the event of terror attacks being prepared is key which is why we’re extending free training to hospitality venues across the city.

“We pray staff will never need to use the knowledge they gain but we would be failing in our duty as a Council if we do not act now.”

Deputy Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North West, Detective Superintendent Sam Pickering, said: “While terror attacks are rare, we unfortunately know all too well the horrific impact that they can have on our city and our communities.

“That is why CTPNW is committed to making the region a safer place to live and work, by supporting the delivery of training and guidance on how businesses can better protect themselves and their customers.

“We would encourage every business to take responsibility, and though we look forward to the forthcoming Protect Duty placing the protective security of our towns and cities on a legislative footing nationwide, our tragic recent experience means we are keen to contribute to the early adoption of any initiatives which might keep us all safer.

“But the best defence is a whole society approach where police, business and the public come together to fight terrorism as one. That requires the public to be our eyes and ears, to be alert when out and about and to trust us with any information which may help us stop attacks.

“Any piece of information could be important, so if you see or hear something unusual or suspicious trust your instincts and ACT by reporting it in confidence at gov.uk/ACT or, in an emergency, dial 999.”

For more information email operations@cityco.com