Martyn's Law

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, known as 'Martyn's Law,' aims to improve public safety by requiring certain premises and events to enhance their preparedness and response to potential terrorist attacks.

It introduces a tiered system, with different requirements for venues based on size and activity, and emphasises proportionate measures for risk reduction. The law is named after Martyn Hett, who died in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing.

Although the Act became law on 3 April 2025, the Government intends an implementation period of "at least 24 months" before the Act comes into force. In April 2026, the Home Office said the Act "is expected to come into force in Spring 2027".

Whilst those that fall within scope of the Act may wish to consider the requirements, there is no requirement to comply with them until the legislation comes into force.

During the 24-month implementation period, the Home Office published statutory guidance on 15 April 2026. More detail is in our news story here: https://www.fbhvc.co.uk/news/article/martyn39s-law-consultation-starts-as-official-guidance-published

The Home Office statutory guidance is here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-terrorism-protection-of-premises-act-2025 . This guidance will assist those responsible to understand the requirements set out in the legislation.

In conjunction with the Statutory Guidance publication, on the same day the regulator, the Security Industry Authority (SIA), published a consultation on its draft section 12 statutory guidance (about how it intends to carry out its role): https://www.gov.uk/government/news/sia-launches-consultation-on-section-12-guidance-for-martyns-law

The FBHVC examined both sets of guidance and responded to the consultation (which closed on 12 June 2026): https://fbhvc.co.uk/consultations

Responsibilities

A tiered approach is established under the new Act, with those responsible for premises (buildings, or buildings with land) and qualifying public events within the scope of the Act, required to fulfil different requirements according to the number of individuals it is reasonable to expect may be present.

Smaller premises where 200-799 individuals may be present will be in the ‘standard tier.’

The original draft bill proposed that the standard tier would for 100 or more people, but the FBHVC's lobbying influenced a change to raise this threshold to 200 people.

The requirements in this tier are centred on simple, low-cost activities designed to ensure those working at premises or events are better able to reduce harm, and save lives, in the event of an attack.

These could be as simple as locking doors, closing shutters and identifying safe routes to cover. There is no requirement to put in place physical measures in the standard tier.

Larger premises – and qualifying public events (such as in a field with no associated buildings) – where 800 or more individuals may be present will be in the ‘enhanced tier.’

In addition to the requirements for the standard tier, these larger premises and events will have further requirements placed upon them. This includes having in place, so far as is reasonably practicable, appropriate public protection measures to reduce their vulnerability to acts of terrorism and the risk of physical harm if one were to occur.

For example, appropriate measures for enhanced duty premises and events could include bag search policies, CCTV or other monitoring and vehicle checks.

When the Home Office guidance is published, the impact on the historic vehicle movement for running such events, e.g. classic vehicle rallies on a farmer's field, will become clearer.

Notifying the SIA

Martyn’s Law is expected to come into force in spring 2027. You do not need to notify the SIA about your premises or event until then.

When the law comes into force, you’ll be able to use the SIA's website to notify it and submit any compliance documents.

The website is not yet live. From early 2027, the SIA will be inviting volunteers to help test it before it launches - the FBHVC has already volunteered for this. The SIA and the Home Office will let you know when it’s open for everyone to use.