Charities’ views wanted on protecting public places from terrorist attacks

Charities are being urged to take part in a government consultation on how public places can ensure they are prepared and protected from potential terrorist attacks.

The consultation is around the proposed Protect Duty, which sets out a legal requirement for all public places to ensure they are prepared for a terrorist attack.

This is for all sectors and the Home Office is keen to hear the views of more from the charity sector before the deadline, which is 2 July.

Public places that charities manage include charity shops and community centres.

The Protect Duty was a manifesto commitment from the Conservative Party and aims to draw on lessons learned from previous terrorist attacks. Those backing the Duty include the Martyn’s Law campaign, set up by Figen Murray who lost her son Martyn in the Manchester Arena attack four years ago.

She said that making the duty a reality would be a “huge relief”. She is also calling on charities to take part. Other sectors where views are needed include finance and transport, added Murray.

Eleven days left to complete the consultation! I would encourage in particular the Finance, Charity, and Transport sectors to respond to the consultation asap. This is too important not to complete it.

Link to the consultation: https://t.co/pXemJso8Xv.
— Figen Murray (@FigenMurray) June 22, 2021

Questions the consultation asks includes who the duty should apply to, what those in public places need to do, how compliance should work and what support the government should offer.

Minister for Security, James Brokenshire, said: “The first duty of the government is to protect the public, and we continue to strengthen our response to the developing threats the UK faces from terrorism.

"The proposed Protect Duty is an essential part of this; a legal requirement for public places to ensure preparedness for and protection from terrorist attacks.

“We want those organisations responsible for public places to consider and implement appropriate security measures. I would encourage all those who have something to contribute to the consultation to do so before it closes on 2 July.”