Toggle menu

    Martyn's Law

    Terrorist attacks in the UK are rare, but the threat is real and often unpredictable. Public spaces and busy venues can be attractive targets, and incidents can happen with little or no warning. For this reason, the UK Government is introducing new measures to help protect the public and improve preparedness. 

    What Martyn's Law is 

    Martyn's Law, formally known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, aims to strengthen security and preparedness at certain public venues and events across the UK to reduce the risk of harm by terrorism.

    The Act received Royal Assent in April 2025 meaning it is now law. The specific duties will come into force following an implementation period set by government.

    The legislation is named in memory of Martyn Hett, who was killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack. Working alongside security partners, industry bodies, and families of victims, the Government has developed a new duty requiring certain venues and events to put proportionate safety measures in place. 

    What the Act aims to do

    Martyn's Law requires those responsible for certain premises and events to consider the risk of terrorism and take proportional steps to reduce harm.

    It focuses on preparedness, awareness, and practical planning.

    The aim is not to create unnecessary burden. It is to ensure that those responsible for publicly accessible locations have thought about the risk and know what to do in an emergency.

    Who the Act applies to 

    Martyn's Law applies to certain premises and qualifying events that: 

    • are open to the public 
    • meet defined capacity thresholds
    • fall within the scope set out in the legislation

    The requirements are tiered. This means obligations will depend on the size and nature of the premises or event.

    There are two levels: 

    Standard tier 

    For premises with a capacity of 200-799 people. 

    Responsible persons will need to: 

    • notify the regulator that their premises fall under Martyn's Law
    • put in place appropriate and reasonably practicable procedures to protect the public during a terrorist incident - this may include communication arrangements and plans to evacuate, invacuate, or lock down a site
    • raise staff awareness and ensure relevant procedures are understood

    Standard tier requirements do not include physical security measures. The focus is on staff preparedness and simple, effective planning. 

    Enhanced tier 

    For high‑capacity locations or qualifying events with 800 people or more (some exemptions apply, including most education settings, which will remain in the standard tier regardless of capacity. 

    In addition to standard tier expectations, enhanced tier venues must: 

    • document their protective security measures and submit this to the regulator
    • conduct an assessment of how these measures reduce vulnerability and risk
    • appoint a Designated Senior Individual (if the responsible person is an organisation) to oversee compliance

    Martyn's Law will be regulated by the Security Industry Authority (SIA), which has been formally appointed as the national regulator responsible for overseeing compliance with the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. The SIA will develop and run a new registration and notification system for premises in scope, issue statutory guidance, carry out inspections, and use a tiered approach to support organisations before taking enforcement action where needed. The regulator function is currently being built during the implementation period, with full regulatory powers expected to take effect in 2027, allowing venues sufficient time to understand and meet their new duties. 

    What organisations should do now 

    Early preparation helps organisations strengthen existing security, build staff awareness, and embed emergency procedures well ahead of the SIA's full regulatory role coming into effect in 2027, ensuring a smoother path to compliance without last minute pressure. 

    1. Risk assessment 

    2. Physical security 

    • CCTV 
    • access control 
    • hostile vehicle mitigation 
    • bag and screening policies 

    3. Staff awareness 

    4. Security planning 

    • lockdown procedures 
    • evacuation plans 
    • communication plans 

    How you can prepare 

    You and your staff can help reduce the likelihood and impact of an attack by: 

    • being aware of suspicious behaviour, such as unusual interest in your site, filming, or repeated questioning
    • reviewing vulnerabilities and taking practical steps to reduce risk
    • being security‑minded in online and public‑facing communications
    • encouraging a culture where staff feel confident reporting concerns
    • knowing how to respond to incidents both inside and near your premises

    Sector specific guidance

    Martyn's Law will affect organisations differently depending on the type of premises and how they operate. We have produced tailored guidance to help you understand what this may mean for your sector.

    Each page explains:

    • what the risk looks like in your sector
    • what Martyn's Law may require
    • practical steps you can take
    • training suggestions and links to national guidance where available

    Select the guidance relevant to you:

    Further guidance 

    Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025  (opens new window)
    Comprehensive guidance, factsheets, impact assessments, and consultation documents relating to Martyn's Law. 

    Home Office Martyn's Law MythBuster  (opens new window)
    Addresses common misconceptions around cost, compliance timelines, consultation, and what is considered "reasonably practicable". 

    ProtectUK Martyn's Law Hub  (opens new window)
    Central official resource for security preparedness, updates on legislation, and guidance for businesses and event organisers. 

    ProtectUK ELearning and Resources  (opens new window)
    Free national counter terrorism training and practical tools to strengthen organisational preparedness. 

    Close

    Martyn's Law