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Parliamentary group for events gives its backing to ‘Martyn’s Law’ legislation

The UK’s All Party Parliamentary Group for Events (APPG) has given its backing to the introduction of the so-called ‘Martyn’s Law’ which would legally force venues to provide protective security at events.

In outlining its plans at its annual general meeting, the APPG said it will support the progress of the Protect Duty legislation, which is named after Martyn Hett, one of the victims of the Manchester Arena attack in 2017.

Figen Murray, mother of 29-year-old victim Martyn, has campaigned for the introduction of a Martyn’s Law, including calling for venues and local authorities to have action plans against such attacks. Home Secretary Priti Patel detailed the proposals, which include a requirement for some public places to be prepared for a terror attack, in January 2022.

The APPG will also support the introduction of short term ‘event visas’ for international delegates attending UK events.

The APPG also discussed and agreed the framework for its plan of work during the current Parliament, which is focused on five key areas of policy including a Government led/supported confidence campaign. The other areas are the impact of major events on local communities, a set of financial incentives to create new UK based events, a coordinated approach to bring existing international events to the UK and Government support to develop a more sustainable events strategy.

The group also re-elected Theresa Villiers as its chair and elected several vice chairs to support the work of the APPG.

The APPG said it will also consider other representation from event sector organisations where they feel their remit enables it to lobby for direct Government support or intervention on a particular issue.

For 2022, the APPG is also considering whether to widen its membership to include non-Parliamentarians as supporting partners, including commercial organisations, to extend its reach and engagement with the sector.

Villiers said: “It is great that the APPG for Events will continue its efforts to support this crucially important sector of the economy. I am delighted to take on the chairmanship for another year. I look forward to working with my colleagues on a cross-party basis on our new programme of activity, including generating ideas on how this country can bring further major international events here.”