Locks and Security News: your weekly locks and security industry newsletter
11th September 2024 Issue no. 720
Your industry news - first
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Martyn's Law could impact up to 650,000 unprepared businesses in the UK when new regulation passes
Martyn's Law, or more formally the 'Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill' is highly likely to be passed this year, despite which political party comes out on top this general election.
The passing of the Bill has the potential to catch out a phenomenally large number of businesses and spaces* that are publicly accessible, Building Design and Management Ltd. (BDM) warns.
Should the Bill be passed, it means it will become a legal obligation, and puts a 'Protect Duty' on businesses and organisations that are publicly accessible, that they fully safeguard and protect the security and safety of people through a deep and thorough understanding of their premises and variety of measures
BDM foresees the impact of this to be huge, with many premises unprepared to suitably meet the criteria for compliance. Working within the design and building industry for over 30 years, BDM has specialised in transforming high footfall and complex physical environments into detailed digital models and have been creating comprehensive 3D digital twins of buildings long before this legislative change loomed.
Salvador Flores, BDM digital specialist said:
"The passing of this Bill is of paramount importance for the protection of the public's safety from terror threats and future atrocities that may occur. Accurate and detailed understanding of a building allows for efficient compliance to the criteria of putting in place procedures such as evacuation and lock-ins in the event of an attack - as specified in Martyn's Law.
"We have understood the need for this higher-level knowledge of space for years now. BDM creates, with precision, a digital twin or replica of the built environment digitally - allowing designers, builders, asset managers and owners a better way of visualising the 'as-built' environment and planned development of any location. These digital twins capture existing reality into a 3D and 2D format, connecting the real and virtual world."
David Cooke, BDM founder, added:
"Having worked on countless high-profile and high-footfall environments such as Heathrow Airport and London Underground, we understand the importance of ensuring that buildings and spaces always have public safety at the forefront of our mind. A clear insight with regards to security measures at airports and working with security specialists to mitigate risk is paramount when considering the design and risk mitigation of a public space.
"Our experience gained at the airport is essential and relevant to Martyn's Law: BDM's work at airports has ensured a detailed understanding of incorporating design elements that will impart resistance to terrorism in line with the Aviation Security in Airport Development (ASIAD) an anti-terrorism program implemented by the Department for Transport in the United Kingdom.
"Our longstanding mission to create digital twins of physical spaces that not only mirror reality with unmatched detail but also future-proof these environments against upcoming developments or any future legislative demands that need to be met with ease, such as those Martyn's Law will create now."
The Bill follows recommendations made as part of the inquiry into the Manchester Arena attack in 2017 where 22 people were killed, and is named after Martyn Hett, who was one of the victims of the suicide bombing at the end of an Ariana Grande concert.
In recent weeks, Labour joined the Conservatives in promising to bring in Martyn's Law, which the government consulted on earlier this year. The Liberal Democrats said Martyn's Law and the Survivor's Charter were "vitally important" - meaning its implementation seems highly likely - if not inevitable this year.
Jason Towse, Managing Director, Business Services, Mitie, commented on the introduction of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill.
“We are pleased to see the tireless campaigning of Figen Murray pay off with the news that Martyn’s Law will be introduced to keep us all safer in public venues. Following a series of delays, we urge the government to act quickly and make it a reality as soon as possible, as well as extending the Law to cover un-ticketed outdoor events, which are not currently included in the Bill. This is key to preventing the current legislative blind spot that could have a catastrophic impact if not rectified.”
“However, making this a success doesn’t just sit with the government. We must ensure that venues of all sizes offer the highest quality of training and make it easily accessible to their colleagues. Every day, skilled security officers protect our public spaces, from iconic landmarks to everyday destinations. Martyn’s Law presents an opportunity for our industry to offer the training in key skills that we need to build a pipeline of counter terrorism and public safety expertise for the UK.”
17th July 2024