Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill 2025-03-25

25 March 2025 · 4 other contributors

Opened by Dan Jarvis Lab Labour

Crime & Law Enforcement

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Dan Jarvis raised concerns about terrorism (protection of premises) bill 2025-03-25 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, also known as Martyn's law, has been returned to the House after consideration in the Lords.
  • Only a small number of amendments were made there, mostly by the Government, with all but one accepted.
  • Key changes clarify that private events like weddings and office parties are out of scope for the legislation.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Dan Jarvis

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, also known as Martyn's law, has been returned to the House after consideration in the Lords. Only a small number of amendments were made there, mostly by the Government, with all but one accepted. The key changes clarify that private events like weddings and office parties are out of scope for the legislation. Additionally, amendments ensure proper consultation before guidance publication, strengthen safeguards on Henry VIII powers to prevent misuse, and require consultations before exercising certain powers. These measures provide an extra level of assurance and ensure appropriate use of these powers if needed.

Other contributors (4)
  • Tim Roca Lab Macclesfield

    Question

    The MP thanked the minister for his work with others to bring the Bill forward, acknowledged the campaign team's efforts and expressed support for the Bill. He believes it will be a good law that saves lives.

  • Lisa Smart Lib Dem Hazel Grove

    Question

    The MP praised the Lords amendments for their clarity, technical nature and crucial improvements such as private events being out of scope. She also welcomed stronger safeguards around delegated powers and transparency in implementation.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    I wish to ask two questions in relation to the Bill. First, will the Minister confirm that removing polygraph licence conditions for terrorist offenders will not leave the PSNI without means to watch and assess terrorists closely? Secondly, will the Minister confirm that provisions can continue to apply to restricted transfers between Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland?

    Minister reply

    I appreciate the hon. Member's questions. I will write to him in detail addressing these issues to ensure a thorough response. The government is committed to ensuring seamless security measures across all nations of the UK.

Shadow Comment

Katie Lam

The shadow minister acknowledges the Bill's noble goal of ensuring public spaces are better prepared for future attacks, but expresses concerns about adding to the regulatory burden on small hospitality venues. She welcomes changes from invitations to tickets and clarity that private events are out of scope. However, she urges the Minister to keep thresholds under review and continue assessing the impact on community institutions. The amendments in the Lords provide sensible and proportionate improvements.

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