Hugo SousaSenior representatives of the UK’s security industry have welcomed the news that ‘Martyn’s Law’, The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 introduced following the Manchester Arena terror attack, has gained Royal Assent.
The legislation requires certain public venues to implement security measures to protect against terrorist attacks, and aims to ensure that venues with a capacity of 200 or more people are prepared and have plans in place to keep the public safe during security incidents.
Heather Baily, Chair of the Security Industry Association (SIA), says: “This is a watershed moment for public safety in the UK. Martyn’s Law will improve protective security and security standards at venues across the UK. The SIA has been confirmed as the new Martyn’s Law regulator. We have been entrusted with this important role, alongside our existing role regulating private security, which we will discharge with due care, proportion and diligence. We are working closely with the Home Office to prepare for this and look forward to reporting on progress to Home Office ministers.
“Our thoughts are with all the families who lost loved ones in the Manchester Arena terror attack as well as all those whose lives have been affected by other acts of terrorism.
“We would like to pay tribute to Figen Murray, and the rest of the campaign team, who have worked tirelessly to make the new duty a reality; we know they will be watching closely to ensure it is having the change intended.”
Michelle Russell, SIA Chief Executive, says: “As the new independent regulator, our role will be to educate, support, and guide those covered by the new duty into compliance. This is to empower them to strengthen the protection and preparedness of premises and events across the UK and reduce the risk of harm from acts of terrorism.
“We will ensure in a robust and proportionate way premises and events in scope of this duty comply with the requirements.
“We are working with the Home Office on the preparation work for this new role and we will be setting up a new programme of work in due course.
“There will be a period of time prior to the legislation being commenced. We expect this to be at least 24 months to allow for the set-up of the regulator. This will also ensure sufficient time for those responsible for premises and events in scope to understand their new obligations before they come into force, being able to plan and prepare accordingly. We look forward to engaging with those in scope and other stakeholders during this period as the preparation work progresses.
“In the meantime, premises and events seeking advice on preparing for Martyn’s Law should continue to look for Home Office updates. They can also access free technical guidance and operational advice on protective security on the government partner websites of the National Protective Security Authority and ProtectUK.“
Mike Bullock, CEO of Corps Security, comments: “Martyn’s Law, otherwise known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill has now received Royal Assent. The law will require venues with a capacity for 200 or more people to prepare for and protect individuals from potential terrorist attacks. This is a huge step forward in bringing a vital piece of legislation into law.
“Nearly eight years ago, the Manchester Arena bomb attack took the lives of 22 people, including Martyn Hett, the son of Figen Murray. For the past six years, Figen has tirelessly campaigned for this bill to become law.
“We have always supported Figen’s mission. On its seventh anniversary in May 2024, members of Corps, including Corps Consult executive director Mike Bluestone, joined Figen in Hertfordshire for 12 miles of her 200 mile walk from Manchester to London, to raise awareness for the cause.
“Bringing in these changes has not been easy. Figen’s determined campaigning means that finally, we will see the promise of Martyn’s Law honoured, for the safety of our nation.”
Kieran Mackie, managing director of Amulet, adds: “We welcome the announcement that Martyn’s Law, or the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, has received Royal Assent.
“Figen Murray and industry leaders have tirelessly campaigned for six years to enhance the safety powers of venues across the UK. This law will help us ensure that events like the attack at Manchester Arena or the Brixton O2 Academy crowd crush could never happen again.
“The law will require venues capacity for 200 or more people to proactively prepare for potential attacks. That makes situational awareness technology a fundamental aspect in sharing intelligence and responding to threats, knitting together the various elements of a security solution. Organisations need to prioritise technological integration to prepare themselves for this new law.
“Martyn’s Law is a significant step in the right direction – it is essential that all public venues and security providers are committed to ensuring protection that is tailored to the needs of the spaces we operate in.”
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