VENUES have welcomed plans for new legislation to protect the public from terrorist attacks.

An 18-week consultation has been examining the security arrangements of venues following the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017.

The proposed Protect Duty was drawn up after 22 people were killed and hundreds more injured when Salman Abedi detonated a bomb at the end of an Ariana Grande concert.

The report on the consultation was published yesterday, Monday 10.

Home Secretary Priti Patel is expected to set out the proposals today.

This means that venues of different sizes will have a legal duty to provide specific security plans for a terror attack.

The Brighton Dome says it welcomes the new legislation.

A spokeswoman said: "Brighton Dome already has a counter terrorism plan in place and staff receive regular training from the local counter terrorism officers.

"Any new government legislation that comes into force would be implemented in the plan and we'd take advice from the authorities."

The Protect Duty has been championed by victims' groups.

These include the Martyn's Law campaign, which was started by Figen Murray, after the loss of her son, 29-year-old Martyn Hett, in the attack.

Mrs Murray welcomed the report on the consultation and said she hoped the legislation would be introduced as quickly as possible "to avoid the further unnecessary loss of innocent lives".

The government will seek to introduce the legislation to Parliament at the earliest opportunity, the Home Office said.

There is currently no legislative requirement for organisations or venues to consider security measures at the vast majority of public places.

Priti Patel said: “My number one priority is keeping the people of the UK safe.

"Following the tragic attack at the Manchester Arena, we have worked closely with Figen Murray, victims’ groups and partners to develop proposals to improve protective security around the country.

"I am grateful for their tireless commitment to the duty and those who responded to the consultation; the majority of whom agreed tougher measures are needed to protect the public from harm.

"We will never allow terrorists to restrict our freedoms and way of life, which is why we are committed to bringing forward legislation this year, that will strike the right balance between public safety, whilst not placing excessive burden on small businesses."

Ministers have previously suggested the government could support measures called for by the Martyn's Law campaign, including airport-style checks and counter-terror attack action plans for large venues.

However, full details are expected to be laid out in a written ministerial statement today.