The National Outdoor Events Association has issued a statement in its opposition to Martin’s Act being included in the King’s Speech. The Association has campaigned for the industry to build back better and bolder and will support legislation that strengthens spectator safety and protection and professionalises the industry. However, the Association also takes issue with the quality of the legislation as it stands:
“Progress on Martin’s Law was thwarted by the call for a general election in July, but both Labour and the Conservative parties included it in their manifestos,” the association said in a statement. The bill’s inclusion in the King’s Speech was merely mentioned, noting that “legislation will also be made to introduce measures to improve the safety and security of public places to protect British people from terrorism.”
NOEA commented: “However, there are many unanswered questions. The speech included around 40 other measures, so it remains to be seen when parliament’s time will be devoted to a new bill. Moreover, the draft bill published many months ago was heavily criticised (rightly so) by the parliamentary committee that scrutinised it. So far, no revised version has been opened for consultation and there is no concrete indication of a timeline.”
“NOEA will always support measures that increase public safety at venues and events, so long as they are appropriate, reasonable and achievable.”
Through liaison with relevant Ministers and the Home Office, we will continue to work to achieve an outcome that best serves both the public and the outdoor events industry.”
