Written evidence submitted by Newbury Symphony Orchestra

I am writing to you on behalf of the committee of the Newbury Symphony Orchestra (NSO) to express our profound objection to the proposed Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2023, commonly referred to as "Martyn's Law."

The NSO, a community amateur orchestra with a rich history dating back to 1879, stands firmly against this legislation in its current form. Our orchestra consists of approximately 40 regular instrumental players, and our concerts typically attract audiences of up to 200. As an organization managed and run by unpaid volunteers, we have utilized various premises for our public events. It is highly likely that the provisions of the "Standard duty premises" (100-799 individuals) outlined in the proposed law will directly impact us and our activities across multiple venues, each requiring a separate risk assessment.

While we acknowledge the tragic loss suffered by Figen Murray, whose son Martyn Hett was a victim of the Manchester Arena attack, we must express our opposition to the burdensome requirements imposed by this legislation. By adding a very real burden of work, additional responsibility, almost certainly additional costs, and worrying legal jeopardy, these proposals are far worse than any ill they address. They will damage the type cultural activities we engage in.

The proposed legislation mandates that:

-          Our unpaid volunteers will be required to conduct and review and regularly update a terrorism risk assessment, for each of the several premises that we may use for different concerts.

-          Our unpaid committee will be required to administer a system to “ensure that relevant workers are given appropriate terrorism protection training”. This will include the time consuming activity of planning the training, participating in training and keeping appropriate records.

-          Our unpaid volunteers will be required to take and pass the appropriate training, and provide evidence to the committee that they have done so.              

-          Our unpaid volunteers will be subject to both civil and criminal sanctions if they fail to fulfil the requirements of the bill.

-          Our unpaid volunteers must administer a regular review of the terrorism risk assessment, and must be aware of any changes to the venue that may be relevant.

-          An unpaid volunteer must accept the position of designated senior officer, responsible for ensuring conformance, adequate record keeping and responsible for cooperation with the person responsible for each of the premises that we use. They will be financially liable for any penalties that are imposed should duties not be performed adequately and subject to possible criminal sanctions.

In short the provisions place an undue burden on an unpaid volunteers and exposes them to a level of legal and financial jeopardy that undermines the spirit of volunteering and community engagement.

Common sense tells us that events such as an NSO concert are highly unlikely to be the focus of a terrorist activity, and in any case the required level of safeguarding would fail to prevent even the most casually planned attack. By contrast the onerous duties and liabilities imposed on our volunteers by this bill will have a direct and adverse impact on the activities and risk the continuing existence of our orchestra. The proposed bill will have a chilling effect on all volunteers. If terrorists wish harm to our cultural life, this bill is doing their work for them.

June 2023