The safety of publicly accessible spaces is no longer a matter of choice or convenience; it is a responsibility that must be firmly embedded in our approach to security. This is the driving force behind Martyn’s Law, officially known as The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, which received Royal Assent in April. This landmark legislation is a critical step in bolstering the safety of public spaces and ensuring UK venues are better prepared to address the evolving threat of terrorism.
The Act is named in memory of Martyn Hett, one of the victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing. The attack exposed substantial gaps in security preparedness, leading to the tireless campaigning of Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray, to make public spaces safer. With Royal Assent secured, this law lays the groundwork for tangible safety improvements by compelling landlords and organizations to take proportionate measures to protect the public.
Since 2017, 15 domestic terror attacks have been executed in the UK, with 43 late-stage plots thwarted by counter-terrorism agencies. In the UK, 245 people were arrested for terrorism-related activity in the 12 months before 30 September 2024, a 41% increase from the previous 12-month period. MI5 and the Counter Terrorism Police have more than 800 ongoing investigations into thousands of ‘subjects of interest’ who are suspected of direct involvement in terrorism. These numbers underline the persistent threat that necessitates this decisive action. The Act prioritizes prevention and preparedness, holding those responsible for public-facing venues and events accountable for reducing security vulnerabilities.
Why Martyn’s Law matters for security professionals
Prior to the Act, counter-terrorism preparedness often took a backseat to priorities like health and safety. The false assumption that terrorism is either infrequent or ‘unlikely to happen here’ left glaring gaps in the security of our public spaces and events. Martyn’s Law directly addresses this imbalance, mandating that premises adopt proportionate measures based on the size and scale of their operations.
For security professionals, this law offers clarity. It brings defined responsibilities and removes the ambiguity about what is expected of organizations. This enables security teams and venue operators to move from reactive to proactive approaches, making public safety a foundational part of their operations.
How the Act safeguards the public
Martyn’s Law introduces a tiered framework based on the number of people present at a venue or event. This ensures that security measures are proportionate and practical.
1. Standard tier premises
For premises where 200–799 individuals may reasonably be expected at the same time, the Act requires that they develop clear public protection procedures. These include evacuation, invacuation, or lockdown plans. Staff must also receive basic training to handle potential incidents.
Importantly, the focus for standard tier premises is on procedural readiness, not costly physical enhancements. These requirements aim to encourage smaller venues to prioritize safety without creating an undue financial burden.
2. Enhanced tier premises and qualifying events
For larger venues or events expecting over 800 attendees, an enhanced set of duties applies. These venues must not only implement public protection procedures but also take specific steps to reduce vulnerabilities.
This includes measures such as documented risk assessments, stronger physical security protocols (like surveillance systems and bag search policies), and plans to mitigate crowd risks. A facility’s senior management will also be accountable for compliance, creating a clear chain of responsibility under the law.
The enhanced tier requirements reflect the potential impact of an attack on large crowds, by ensuring that safeguards are robust enough to protect the public while remaining reasonable and practical.
Exemptions under the Act
Certain premises are exempt from the Act, as outlined in Schedule 2. This ensures that obligations do not overlap with existing security arrangements or apply where practical application is difficult. Exempt premises include government buildings, transport hubs such as airports and national rail stations, and open public spaces like parks unless used for large events.
While exemptions exist, the Act is comprehensive in its scope and ensures that most places where crowds gather fall under its remit.
The role of the Security Industry Authority (SIA)
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has been designated as the regulator of the Act because of its expertise in licensing and security compliance. The SIA will oversee the implementation of the law, maintain a register of duty holders, and issue guidance to support businesses in meeting their obligations.
Enforcement measures by the SIA include compliance notices and financial penalties, with criminal prosecution possible for serious or repeated failures. However, the government intends for the SIA’s role to be primarily supportive during the 24-month implementation period, helping organizations adapt gradually to the new requirements.
Why this legislation has widespread support
The Protect Duty consultation revealed overwhelming public support for this initiative, with seven in ten respondents backing proportionate security measures for venues. The Act not only reflects this sentiment but also ensures it is actionable without becoming overly burdensome for businesses.
For smaller venues, the emphasis is on simple, cost-effective measures like staff training and communication strategies. Larger venues are required to take more extensive steps, but only as far as is reasonably practicable. This balance between practicality and responsibility ensures the legislation achieves meaningful improvements in public safety.
Supporting Martyn’s Law compliance
At Everbridge, we’ve long championed proactive security measures that embed resilience into organizations’ daily operations. Our critical event management solutions are specifically designed to help public-facing premises secure their spaces, enabling compliance with Martyn’s Law through real-time threat intelligence, enhanced communication, and risk reduction strategies.
Now that the Act has received Royal Assent, organizations must act swiftly to understand how the requirements apply to their premises. By integrating innovative solutions and adopting robust emergency planning, venues can rise to the challenge posed by this law while building public trust.
Stay prepared
Martyn’s Law stands as a milestone in public safety, offering a vital framework to counter the dangerous realities of terrorism. For security professionals and decision-makers, preparing for its requirements is no longer optional; it is a legal and moral duty.
The time to act is now. By implementing the necessary changes today, you can safeguard your organization and create spaces where safety and security are paramount. Together, we can honor the lives lost to past tragedies and build a safer future for all.