A new law aimed at ensuring stronger protections against terrorism in venues across the UK is set to be introduced, the Home Office has announced.
It will be known as ‘Martyn’s Law’.
The new law will be named in tribute of Martyn Hett, who was one of 22 people tragically killed in the Manchester Arena attack back in 2017 – and will be introduced following the tireless campaigning of his inspirational mother, Figen Murray.
By working closely with security partners, business and victims’ groups – including Figen Murray and the Martyn’s Law Campaign Team, as well as Survivors Against Terror – the Home Office said the new law will require venues across the UK to “take steps to improve public safety”.
It adds that measures will be dependent on the size of the venue and the activity taking place.
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Describing the terror threat level as “complex and ever-evolving”, with recent attacks having shown that terrorists may choose to target a broad range of locations, the Home Office explained that Martyn’s Law will ensure that security preparedness is delivered “consistently” nationwide to ensure better protection of the public.
The plans for the introduction of the new law have been developed following what the government has called “extensive engagement” across the industry, charities, local authorities, security experts, and with survivors.
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It’s also been developed through public consultation – with 70% of the thousands who responded agreeing that those responsible for venues and publicly-accessible locations in the UK should take measures to protect the public from potential attacks.
Today, we announced how #MartynsLaw will help protect public spaces from terror attacks.
Named in of honour of Martyn Hett, who lost his life in the Manchester Arena attack, this is what the law will do ⤵️
“Martyn’s Law isn’t going to stop terrorism,” Figen Murray said on the news of the law’s introduction.
“But common-sense security, and making sure venues are doing all they can to keep people safe, could mean fewer suffer what myself and the families of Manchester have had to endure [so] I welcome the government’s commitment to including smaller venues and working quickly on this legislation.
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“It is vital we now take the necessary steps to protect ourselves and others wherever possible and I hope other countries learn from this ground-breaking legislation.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says he is “committed” to improving security measures at public venues and spaces.
“The way the city of Manchester came together as a community in the wake of the cowardly Manchester Arena attack, and the amazing work of campaigners like Figen Murray who have dedicated their lives to making us safer and promoting kindness and tolerance, is an inspiration to us all,” Mr Sunak commented.
“I am committed to working with Figen to improve security measures at public venues and spaces and to delivering this vital legislation to honour Martyn’s memory and all of those affected by terrorism.”
I spoke to @FigenMurray last week to thank her for her tireless work to make venues safer through Martyn's Law.
She is an inspiration and I am committed to delivering this vital legislation in tribute to Martyn's memory. https://t.co/JhwxGOHCtW
According to the Home Office, Martyn’s Law will follow a tiered model linked to the nature of the activity that takes place at a location and its capacity – which is aimed at preventing “undue burden” on businesses.
Martyn’s Law will extend to and apply across the whole of the UK.
The government says it will publish draft legislation in early Spring 2023 to ensure the law “stands the test of time”.
Featured Image – Family Handout / gov.uk
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The simple hack that can save healthcare workers and teachers money on their holidays
Danny Jones
With cost-of-living pressure ever-present in the background of most everyday lives, finding some spare pennies for a getaway feels more difficult than ever, and if there’s anyone who deserves discounts on a holiday, it’s healthcare workers.
That’s why, when we became aware of the simple hack that can save those working in healthcare services money on holidays, we thought we’d help spread the word.
We’re sure lots of you working within the sector already know plenty about this booking strategy, but for anyone who doesn’t, how do you fancy saving up to half a grand on your next jolly?
In fact, even those working in education can cut their costs, too.
With searches for ‘holiday voucher code’ up by 73% on Google, and even the likes of TikTok seeing ‘money saving tips’ up by 45%, travel agency TUI have decided to team up with the Health Service Discounts platform for 2026.
Providing those who work for the NHS with a ‘Holidays for Heroes’ (HfH) access code on various popular peak-season trips, this exclusive discount can be added on top of all other seasonal TUI deals, including the company’s ‘First Choice’ package holidays.
With the HfH code alone guaranteeing workers an extra £100 off their bookings, play your cards right, and you could get up to £500 in total discounts overall.
How to access the healthcare ‘Holidays for Heroes’ deal
Separate from standard Blue Light card savings, here’s how it works, and don’t worry, it’s all very simple:
As mentioned, education workers can also benefit from similar money off, with an extra £50 per person through the TUI x Discounts for Teachers partnership, as well.
Ella Foden-Lynch, Partnerships Manager for TUI, said in a statement: “Getting away is absolutely vital for wellbeing, especially for those working in high-stress healthcare and education roles.
“With the cost-of-living crisis still putting a strain on household budgets, we know how hard it is to stretch your pay to cover a much-needed family break. By unlocking these exclusive TUI deals, we hope to give our key workers the realistic recovery time they deserve without the financial worry.”
So, for those of you healthcare heroes and teachers looking for a well-deserved break, we urge you to find an affordable holiday that suits you very soon. With cheaper airport pints also inbound later this year, here’s hoping you save even more spends for when you’re away.
New ‘cutting-edge’ cancer treatment to be rolled out on NHS from next week
Emily Sergeant
A new ‘cutting-edge’ cancer treatment is set to be rolled out on the NHS from next week.
Thousands of men with prostate cancer are to be offered high-powered ‘precision’ radiotherapy on the NHS to target the disease more effectively – helping reduce side-effects and spare them 15 courses of treatment.
The highly targeted SABR (stereotactic ablative radiotherapy) delivers radiotherapy to the tumour from many different directions to help reduce the risk of cancer spreading or returning.
SABR has been proven to be effective at far fewer doses than conventional radiotherapy.
Standard radiotherapy can often be a major burden for patients and loved ones, due to the substantial treatment and travel time involved, but SABR is typically delivered in just five doses within a fortnight, compared to at least 20 doses with external beam radiotherapy.
Thousands of men with prostate cancer are to be offered high-powered ‘precision’ radiotherapy on the NHS to target the disease more effectively, helping reduce side-effects and spare them 15 courses of treatment.
Around 17,500 men are diagnosed with low or intermediate risk prostate cancer in England each year and could be offered the option of SABR radiotherapy.
It is expected that the cutting-edge technique for localised prostate cancer will be offered at all 48 radiotherapy providers across England in the coming days – with the first centres making it available on the NHS from next week.
The roll-out could free up around 50,000 appointments for prostate cancer treatment each year, helping the NHS continue to bring down waiting times for patients.
NHS chief executive, Sir Jim Mackey, said the news will ‘transform’ treatment for thousands of men with localised prostate cancer.
“This cutting-edge approach will transform treatment for thousands of men with prostate cancer, helping the NHS provide far more powerful and convenient care to stop their cancer spreading,” Sir Mackey commented.
“Having been proven effective in keeping cancer under control, this technology will not only help reduce the risk of certain side effects but also the major ‘to-and-fro’ burden of hospital treatment, which can be really draining for so many patients and their families.”
Emily Sergeant -
20th December 2022 
