Martyn's Law

Martyn’s Law is the common name for the UK’s Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. The legislation received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025 and is intended to improve preparedness and protective security at publicly accessible premises and events across the United Kingdom. The law was introduced following sustained campaigning after the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, in which 22 people were killed, including Martyn Hett, after whom the legislation is informally named.

Key Principles

Martyn’s Law is built around several key principles:

Proportionate Security

The legislation is designed so that security expectations are proportionate to the size and nature of a venue or event. Smaller venues are expected to adopt basic preparedness procedures, while larger venues must consider wider protective security measures. ([Home Office Media][1])

Preparedness Rather Than Prediction

The Act does not require organisations to predict specific terrorist threats. Instead, it requires responsible persons to think in advance about how they would respond if an attack occurred.

Public Protection

Those responsible for qualifying premises and events must ensure that procedures are in place to help reduce harm to the public during a terrorist incident. This includes planning for evacuation, invacuation, lockdown, and communication with emergency services.

Risk Reduction at Larger Venues

Larger premises and events falling within the “enhanced tier” are expected to consider additional reasonably practicable security measures to reduce vulnerability to attack and limit physical harm if an incident occurs.

Scope of the Legislation

Martyn’s Law applies to certain publicly accessible premises and qualifying public events where people gather. The legislation introduces a tiered structure based primarily on the number of people reasonably expected to be present at the same time.

Standard Tier

Generally applies to premises with a capacity of 200 to 799 individuals. Organisations in this category are expected to implement straightforward public protection procedures and ensure relevant staff understand them.

Enhanced Tier

Generally applies to premises and qualifying events with a capacity of 800 or more individuals. These locations are subject to additional requirements relating to protective security measures and ongoing assessment of risks.

Regulation

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has been designated as the regulator for Martyn’s Law. Its role includes providing guidance, supporting compliance, and enforcing the legislation where necessary.

The Government has indicated that there will be an implementation period of at least 24 months (to April 2027) following Royal Assent to allow organisations time to prepare before enforcement begins.