Martyn’s Law gained Royal Assent and has become law as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer invited campaigner Figen Murray into Downing Street to mark the occasion.
Sir Keir described it as a ‘landmark moment for our security’ and to better protect the public from terrorism. He said: “Figen’s courage and determination in the face of such unimaginable loss is truly humbling and it is thanks to her campaigning that Martyn’s Law means her son’s legacy will live on forever. Security is the foundation of our Plan for Change and the first duty of any government. Martyn’s Law will ensure everyone can enjoy public events more safely and ensure venues across the country have clear, practical measures in place to protect people.”
Figen Murray, mother of Martyn Hett said: “My son Martyn Hett was murdered alongside 21 innocent victims in the Manchester Arena terror attack on May 22, 2017, and whilst nothing will bring Martyn back, I am determined to ensure nobody endures what my family has experienced. For the last six years I have campaigned to introduce measures that will improve security at public venues and how they respond to a terror attack – Martyn’s Law.
“I am grateful to the Prime Minister, the Security Minister [Dan Jarvis] and Lord Hanson [Home Office minister who took the Bill through the House of Lords] for how quickly they’ve progressed Martyn’s Law through Parliament. But this would not have happened without the tireless support of my co-campaigners Nick Aldworth, Brendan Cox, Nathan Emmerich, my husband Stuart, and my children.
“Over the implementation period it is vital that the government and Security Industry Authority [SIA] provide all that is necessary for publicly accessible locations to implement Martyn’s Law.”
What now
As Figen suggested, now the SIA, which has already engaged the advisory firm KPMG, must set to work in earnest to work out the details (‘guidance’ and ‘advice’ in the letter of the law) of how hundreds of thousands of premises must comply with the law, and the inspection regime. Briefly, a ‘standard’ tier of premises with a capacity of 200 and more will have to show basic measures; probably such as requiring staff to take the online terrorism awareness ACT training. Premises of 800 or more will be in an ‘enhanced’ tier, and have to take more measures (the authorities suggest that might include video surveillance, bag search policies or vehicle checks) and document them.
Premises
Among the types of premises covered are pubs and clubs, museums, schools and colleges, hotels and hospitals, and railway and bus stations.
Not until 2027
As was stated during the Bill’s passage through Parliament, the country will have a 24-month ‘implementation period’. Besides the drawing up of regulations and hiring of inspectors, the other job of work necessary will be the accrediting of those qualified as ‘competent persons’ to assess and sign off premises as complying with the law, on the lines of a fire safety ‘responsible person’. That, and a register of those qualified assessors, is work for counter terrorism police.
Some more details
Among exceptions, places of worship no matter how large come under the ‘standard tier’. If premises want to query that they fall under the law, or are enhanced or standard, a tribunal will decide. The SIA will have the power to restrict or prohibit use of premises (appeals can go to a tribunal). The SIA will have the power to give fines for non-compliance (and appeals against a penalty can go to tribunal).
For official advice visit https://www.protectuk.police.uk/martyns-law.
