Jessica Bombasaro-Brady, Senior Lecturer in the School of Law, Policing and Social Sciences, discusses The King’s Speech this week which highlighted new legislation to keep people safe, reducing the risk to the public from terrorist attacks at public venues.

The King’s Speech on 7th November 2023 provided a long-awaited update on Martyn’s Law, also known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, named in honour of Martyn Hett, one of the 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in 2017. The King’s Speech signals the government’s intention to progress this legislation, which would require local authorities and all venues with a capacity of 100+ people to formally establish plans to prevent and respond to terrorist threats.

Martyn’s Law highlights the need for organisations to invest in employee’s education around terrorist threats and counter-terrorism responses. As terrorists’ tactics, targets, and motivations have shifted and evolved, so have counter-terrorism response methods. Canterbury Christ Church University’s accredited Terrorism & Counter-Terrorism Short Course helps professionals in law enforcement and public security sectors develop the skills to understand these changes and meet the counter-terrorism response demands.

Considering recent events in the Middle East and the knock-on effects for public order in the UK, understanding the differences between terrorism, extremism, hate crimes, and radicalisation are more important than ever in our liberal democracy. This 12week short course explores these areas and provides a space for professionals to critically analyse, debate, and even experience these controversial issues, including in real-life scenarios in our simulated decision-making suite. Designed in consultation with law enforcement and security organisations, the short course provides professionals with accredited knowledge and transferable skills in this specialist area.

Jessica Bombasaro-Brady is Course Director of the Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism Short Course.