Philip Day of Laceys Solicitors writes:
Progress on “Martyn’s Law” was derailed somewhat by the calling of a July election but both the Labour and Conservative parties included it in their manifestos – the Tories seemingly giving it more urgency than Labour.
I sat through the King’s speech in eager anticipation but I must have blinked at the wrong time because it was only afterwards that I found a rather brief and oblique reference – as subsequently reported, “there will also be legislation to introduce measures to improve the safety and security of public venues to keep the British public safe from terrorism”.
So, Martyn’s Law is back on the agenda and given various pronouncements made both pre- and post-election, the principle of it at least appears to enjoy cross-party support.
There are however a number of unanswered questions. Given that some 40 other measures were included in the speech (many given far greater prominence), it remains to be seen when parliamentary time might be devoted to a new Bill. Further, the draft Bill that was published many months ago was heavily criticised by the Parliamentary Committee that scrutinised it (and rightly so). No amended version has so far been put out for consultation and we have no real indication as to any timetable.
NOEA will always support measures that increase the safety of the public at venues and events, provided that these are both proportionate, reasonable and achievable. Through our contacts with the relevant Ministers and the Home Office we will continue to work to achieve an outcome that best serves both public and the Outdoor Event Industry.