Initiator of Martyn's Law backs City Police’s call for businesses to install trauma packs ahead of World Cup

The mother of Martyn Hett and initiator of Martyn’s Law is backing City of London Police’s call for businesses across the Square Mile to equip their venues with Emergency Trauma Packs this Summer.

The City of London Police are telling business premises across the Square Mile to be equipped with Emergency Trauma Packs ahead of the World Cup, many venues showing live football will be expecting increased demand and customer numbers.

The need for enhanced protective security for certain premises is prescribed by the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, due to be implemented from 2027. This is also known as Martyn's Law, after Martyn Hett, one of 22 people killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing. 

The goal of the new legislation is to enhance security and preparedness at public venues and events by helping organisers to better prepare for and minimise the impact of potential terrorist attacks. It encourages venues to take proactive steps to safeguard the safety of members of the public.

As thousands of people are expected to come into the City to watch one of the biggest footballing events of the year, the City of London Police are advising businesses to consider their preparations ahead of the tournament.

So far, 35 businesses have registered their packs with the City of London Police and the force is calling for more businesses to be stocked with Emergency Trauma Packs and have them registered.

This will enable responding emergency service personnel and members of the public to be directed to the nearest pack in order to provide life-saving urgent medical assistance, alongside staff from the owning organisation in the event of a major incident.

The responsibility to keep the packs correctly stocked and up to date will sit with the business or organisation owning the packs.

The City of London Police and the City of London Corporation have purchased and placed these packs across their respective estates to ensure the equipment is readily available in the event of a major incident. 

Figen Murray OBE, the mother of Martyn Hett and initiator of Martyn's Law, said:

“It’s great to see City of London Police proactively championing the use of these trauma kits which will ultimately save lives. I strongly encourage every business to have these kits readily available in case of an incident.

“For the first time ever, venues and events which meet the threshold for Martyn’s Law must consider the threat posed by terrorism and implement proportionate measures that will better protect the public in the event of a terror attack, such as evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication protocols.  

“While Martyn’s Law isn’t going to stop terrorism, common-sense security measures, and ensuring venues prioritise safety, could mean fewer suffer what the families of those who lost their lives at the Manchester Arena terror attack and I have had to endure.”

Commander Amanda Horsburgh, City of London Police, said:

“I’m very grateful to Figen Murray OBE and her tireless work in campaigning for Martyn’s Law to improve security measures at public venues and spaces. The City of London Police’s priority is always to support the safety and wellbeing of everyone in the City and these Emergency Trauma Packs could potentially save a life.

“The World Cup is nearly here, and the City of London is a great place for people to come to support and cheer on their team, so we’re calling on businesses to be ready for that.

“Those with relevant skills can play an important role in those critical early moments, and we are committed to supporting first responders and the public to have access to the right equipment to act safely and effectively if needed.”

The force recently launched the Safer City Streets initiative, an approach to prevention, partnership and problem solving. The initiative focuses on offences that matter to communities, like anti-social behaviour and phone snatching.

City of London Police are using intelligence-led hotspot policing to target areas where crime and anti-social behaviour have taken place, as well as identifying offenders through extensive, advanced CCTV network and new identification technology.

As we approach the World Cup 2026, officers will remain highly visible across the City, providing reassurance and support to the public. Alongside this, Project Servator and Counter Terrorism officers will be operating using both visible and discreet tactics, all with the clear aim of keeping people safe and ensuring that everyone can enjoy events across the City with confidence.

Tijs Broeke, Chair of the City of London Police Authority Board, said:

“Many businesses will already be thinking about how to keep staff and customers safe during busy periods like the World Cup. Having an emergency trauma pack in place is a straightforward, practical step that could make a real difference in a critical moment.

“We are committed to ensuring all our communities are safe when they come into the Square Mile. Creating that environment means supporting businesses to take simple, effective measures that help protect the public.”

To register your Emergency Trauma Pack or to find out more information, click here: https://www.cityoflondon.police.uk/police-forces/city-of-london-police/areas/campaigns/emergency-trauma-packs/