Tuesday June 30th 2026
Glasgow City Chambers
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Catherine Hunter
The safety and security of people attending large-scale events in Glasgow is an “enormous priority” for the council as the city prepares to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
During the most recent full council meeting, council leader Susan Aitken claimed it was one of the reasons why Glasgow “has such a strong global reputation” when it comes to hosting big events.
It comes after councillor John Daly asked for assurances to show that it is properly prepared for Martyn’s Law ahead of the 2026 Games.
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, also known as Martyn’s Law, ensures the public are better protected from terrorism, by requiring public premises and events to be prepared and ready to keep people safe in the event of an attack.
Councillor Daly said: “It is vital that Glasgow takes its role in protecting those visitors and residents who wish to attend the Commonwealth Games and make sure that they are safe.
“Can I ask, am I correct in thinking that the removal of the preparedness for Martyn’s Law from the 2025 -26 audit plan, does that mean we are not giving perhaps the preparedness or the illusion of the preparedness of the authority it needs?”
Councillor Aitken agreed that this was a very important question given the scale once again of the major event that the city is about to host.
She said: “The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, which is commonly referred to as Martyn’s Law, came into force as an act of law in 2025, and organisations have at least two years – until April 2027 – to be compliant with the Act.
“That does take us beyond 2026 and the Commonwealth Games which will start next month.
“However, having said that, the principles underpinning the legislation absolutely have been considered as part of the joint planning among partners who are tasked with delivering the Commonwealth Games and an approach that reflects the relevant best practice in relation to public safety and security will be followed.
“In many respects this authority is already prepared and significantly prepared for Martyn’s Law precisely because of the experience and expertise and the deep levels of knowledge that exist within our city council and staff about delivering safe events.
“I can give you re-assurance that the safety and security of people attending events in this city is not only an enormous priority but is part of the reason why Glasgow has such a strong global reputation as well as an events host city.”
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