Member

Amendment 22, tabled by my noble friend Lord De Mauley, proposes the introduction of a new clause to allow public protection procedures to be waived by the Secretary of State or the Security Industry Authority under specific circumstances. This amendment represents a pragmatic and sensible approach to ensuring that security regulations are proportionate, fair and effective. This is a neat and well-drafted amendment that would give the Government greater flexibility when implementing security measures under the Bill. The Bill rightly seeks to enhance public safety by mandating security measures at qualifying premises and events. However, as with all regulations, there must be room for flexibility to address situations where compliance would be unreasonable or ineffectual. This amendment achieves precisely that balance, by allowing a waiver where the cost of implementation is disproportionate or where the prescribed measures would offer no tangible benefit in reducing the threat of terrorism.