The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, also referred to as Martyn’s Law, is a significant piece of legislation aimed at strengthening the UK’s resilience against terrorism. Named in honour of Martyn Hett, a victim of the Manchester Arena attack, it pays tribute not only to him but also to the resilience shown by the city of Manchester and campaigners like Figen Murray, Martyn's mother, who tirelessly advocated for improved security measures.
This law mandates public venues and spaces to enhance their security preparedness, acknowledging the ongoing and evolving threat of terrorism in the UK. It reflects a proactive approach to security and safety, aiming to offer better protection to the public.
Key aspects of Martyn's Law include a tiered model of compliance tailored to the capacity and activities of venues. For venues with a capacity of over 200 people, the law mandates simple measures such as staff training and the creation of preparedness plans. Larger venues accommodating more than 800 people face more stringent requirements, including conducting risk assessments and developing comprehensive security plans.
To ensure compliance, the government plans to establish an inspection and enforcement regime, supporting a cultural shift towards security and delivering fair sanctions for breaches. Additionally, statutory guidance and tailored support will be provided to assist venues in fulfilling their duties effectively. Venues can also access expert advice and training through ProtectUK, the online protective security hub.
Martyn's Law sets a precedent for action against terrorism worldwide, highlighting the government's commitment to protecting the public and the collective responsibility of communities and businesses to enhance safety measures in public spaces.
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 is now law. However, compliance is not intended to be onerous and is designed to align with existing health and safety obligations.











