Protective security
What is Protect?
Protect is part of the government’s CONTEST counter-terrorism strategy.
It is designed to reduce vulnerabilities and defend against terrorist threats. Its goal is to protect people and public spaces by implementing safeguards. For example, barriers in crowded areas and increasing security at events.
Key Objectives:
- reduce physical risks
- safeguard infrastructure
- control access to dangerous materials and technology
- strengthen border security
- raise public awareness with campaigns like “See it. Say it. Sorted.”
Protect works through collaboration with government agencies, private sectors and international partners. It identifies threats. It implements measures like surveillance, security staff training, and concrete barriers.
Martyn’s Law
The UK has faced several recent terror attacks in public spaces. This includes major incidents like the Manchester Arena attack. While rare, terrorism remains a real and unpredictable threat. Public areas are often chosen as targets, making it difficult to prevent attacks. This has led the Government to consider stronger public safety measures.
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, known as Martyn’s Law, was announced in The King’s Speech on 17 July 2024. It was introduced to Parliament on 12 September 2024 and is under review. The Bill strengthens security at public places and events.
Martyn’s Law honours Martyn Hett, one of 22 people killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack.
The law was developed with input from security experts, businesses, and victims’ groups. This included Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray and Survivors Against Terror. It requires venues to take steps to improve public safety, based on their size and activities.
Why do we need Martyn’s Law
Since 2017, there have been 15 domestic terror attacks and 43 disrupted plots in the UK. Terrorists target a wide range of locations, making the threat complex and ever-changing.
Counter-terrorism measures often lag behind basic safety rules. Most people think public spaces should take simple steps to prevent attacks. Martyn’s Law addresses these gaps. It ensures venues are better prepared and can respond effectively to attacks. It introduces steps to reduce harm and improve readiness.
What Martyn’s Law will do
The Bill creates a tiered system based on venue size and activity:
- Standard Tier: For venues expecting 200 to 799 people at once. Requirements include:
- Registering with the regulator.
- Establishing basic safety plans, such as evacuation or lockdown procedures.
- Enhanced Tier: For venues expecting 800 or more people. Extra requirements include:
- Reducing the risk of attacks and limiting harm if one occurs.
- Documenting safety plans and submitting them to the regulator.
- Appointing a senior person to ensure compliance.
Guidance and support will help venues meet these rules. Enhanced tier venues may need measures like CCTV or upgraded security systems.
Enforcement and implementation
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) will oversee enforcement as the regulator. It will provide advice and support. After the law is passed, there will be a 24-month period for setup and preparation.
Support for businesses
The law is designed to be fair. Smaller venues will focus on simple, low-cost measures like staff training. Larger venues will carry out detailed risk assessments and security planning. The Government worked with businesses and experts to keep things practical and manageable.
How to prepare
Businesses can start preparing for Martyn’s Law by:
- watching for suspicious behaviour
- identifying and addressing security risks
- promoting a culture of security among staff and visitors
- creating response plans for incidents
Training, guidance, and resources will be available on the ProtectUK platform. The Bill is not yet law and details may change during Parliament’s review. Organisations should stay updated through GOV.UK and the ProtectUK platform.
How can I sign up to counter-terrorism training?
Act Awareness
ACT Awareness eLearning is a free online training tool for UK companies and organizations. It helps them understand and reduce the risks of terrorist threats.
The following eLearning modules are available:
- Introduction to terrorism
- Identifying security vulnerabilities
- How to identify and respond to suspicious behaviour
- How to Identify and Deal with a Suspicious Item
- What to do in the Event of a Bomb Threat
- How to Respond to a Firearms or Weapons attack
Find out more about the free online training.
See, Check and Notify (SCaN)
SCaN helps businesses and organisations improve safety and security using their current resources. It trains staff to spot suspicious activity, respond effectively and enhance customer experiences.
Key steps:
- See: Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is.
- Check: Stay vigilant and use good customer service. Friendly interactions, like saying “Hello, can I help you?” can deter threats while improving customer experience.
- Notify: Learn your site’s security procedures and how to report suspicious activity. If unsure, ask your supervisor.
SCaN features:
- Free training with six modules taught by qualified trainers.
- Focuses on using existing resources, not spending more on extra security.
SCaN boosts safety and strengthens security. It can prevent your organisation from becoming a target. For more details, visit the See, Check and Notify (SCaN) NPSA website.
How to develop a counter terrorism security plan for your event
Event planning should combine safety, security, and incident response. This is in addition to regular operations to manage terrorism risks effectively.
Legal obligation
Event organizers must keep employees and visitors safe under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Assessing terrorism risks should be part of this process. It requires a competent person to address these specific threats.
Key principles of protective security
A good security plan should include:
- Deter: discourage attackers by making their goal appear too difficult. For instance, using visible security patrols.
- Detect: identify suspicious behaviours early, like reconnaissance or planning. Utilising trained staff or behavioural detection techniques.
- Delay: slow attackers by using barriers like strong perimeter fencing. This is to prevent easy access to vulnerable areas.
- Mitigate: reduce the impact of attacks, e.g., hostile vehicle mitigation systems. This is to block unauthorised vehicles.
- Respond: minimise harm by training response staff and having a clear, actionable incident response plan.
Not every measure is needed for every event. Understanding how these principles work together ensures a strong, tailored security plan.
What should I do in the event of an attack?
Know what steps to take to keep you safe in the rare event of a firearms or weapons attack.
For more information and video on what to do in the event of an attack, please visit Protect UK guidance.
London Shield App
The London Shield app gives you the latest updates from the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism team. It keeps you informed about events, news and terrorism-related information. It was developed through strong partnerships with London businesses.
The London Shield app is available to download from on
Guidance documents
Useful contact
Tower Hamlets is in a unique position of having a Protective Security Manager employed by the council. They provide security advice and support to local businesses, faith institutions, and the council.
To find out more information on the referral process, please view the Protective Security Referral Flowchart.
To get in touch, please fill in the Protective Security/Crime Prevention referral form and send to:
Artur Pankowski
Protective Security and Crime Prevention Manager
Email: Artur.Pankowski@towerhamlets.gov.uk