ProtectRM Ltd.

Proportionate, effective, counter terrorism risk management solutions.

Protecting the Future: Lessons from the Manchester Arena Inquiry & Martyn’s Law

The stakes for public safety have never been higher. The tragic events at Manchester Arena and the subsequent Inquiry have exposed critical vulnerabilities in how we approach security. The Kerslake Report’s findings and the proposed introduction of Martyn’s Law (Protect Duty) have reshaped the landscape, promoting stronger, more proactive measures to safeguard our communities.

Our services are designed not just to meet these new standards but to exceed them. We specialise in delivering besoke counter-terrorism strategies, risk management solutions, and tailored training programmes that address the real threats highlighted by these pivotal events. Learn how we can help you stay ahead of the curve and ensure a safer tomorrow.

The Manchester Arena Inquiry

The Manchester Arena Inquiry is an independent public inquiry established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the bombing at the Manchester Arena on May 22, 2017. This terrorist attack, carried out by Salman Abedi, resulted in 22 deaths and hundreds of injuries. The inquiry sought to assess:

  • The security arrangements at the Manchester Arena: Including how Salman Abedi was able to carry out the attack and whether there were any missed opportunities to prevent it.

  • The emergency response: Evaluating how emergency services reacted and whether lives could have been saved with a different response.

  • The actions of the perpetrator: Looking into Abedi's background, radicalization, and how he obtained the materials for the bomb.

The inquiry was published in three volumes, with different aspects being examined separately, such as security at the venue, the preparedness and actions of emergency services, and Abedi's radicalization. ProtectRM can support your venue or event to address the recommendations made in the report.

Martyn’s Law

Martyn’s Law, also known as the Protect Duty, is a proposed piece of legislation aimed at improving security measures in public venues and spaces across the UK. It is named after Martyn Hett, one of the victims of the Manchester Arena bombing. The campaign for Martyn’s Law has been led by Martyn's mother, Figen Murray. The key aspects of Martyn’s Law include:

  • Mandatory security measures: Public venues would be required to adopt specific security measures to protect against terrorist attacks. This includes risk assessments, training for staff, and appropriate counter-terrorism measures based on the venue's size and capacity.

  • Public awareness: Raising public awareness of the risks of terrorism and encouraging vigilance.

  • Support for businesses: Providing guidance and support to businesses and organizations to help them implement the required security measures.

Martyn’s Law aims to ensure that venues are better prepared for potential terrorist attacks, reducing the likelihood of future incidents and improving the safety of the public.

The Kerslake Report

The Kerslake Report followed an independent review led by former head of the Civil Service, Lord Bob Kerslake, commissioned by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham. The report was published in March 2018 and focused on the emergency services’ response to the Manchester Arena attack. Key findings of the Kerslake Report include:

  • Delays in emergency response: The report highlighted that communication issues and confusion led to delays in the response, particularly in getting paramedics to the scene.

  • Lack of coordination: There were problems with coordination among the emergency services, with the fire service notably arriving late to the scene.

  • Support for victims: The report praised the support provided to victims and their families but also pointed out areas for improvement, such as the initial handling of communication with families.

The Kerslake Report made several recommendations to improve the response to future incidents, focusing on better coordination, communication, and preparedness. ProtectRM can support with testing and exercising to enhance your preparedness in the event of an incident.