Martyn’s Law making significant progress through Parliament

This week marked significant progress for the safety and security of public spaces, as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, informally known as Martyn’s Law, progressed through the Report Stage in the House of Lords.

Martyn’s Law was introduced in September 2024, after more than five years of campaigning by Figen Murray OBE, the mother of Martyn Hett, one of 22 victims brutally murdered in the Manchester Arena terror attack, 22 May 2017.

Martyn’s Law essentially mandates that public premises with a capacity greater than 200 are better prepared for terrorist attacks and ready to respond. Currently in the UK, public venues are mandated to provide a specific number of lavatories, to implement fire protocols, or to uphold the necessary hygiene ratings but there are no requirements for venues to prepare for a terrorist attack.

Martyn’s Law, which is now likely to receive Royal Assent ahead of the 8^th anniversary, on 22 May 2025, establishes a proportional and tiered approach:

• Venues with a capacity between 200 and 799 will fall under the ‘Standard Tier’ requirements; and
• Venues with a capacity of more than 800 will fall under the ‘Enhanced Tier’ requirements.

The legislation has cross-party support, and its urgent implementation is recognised by parliamentarians, businesses, and members of the public.

As stated by Lord Hanson, the legislation intends to provide a framework for businesses and venues to implement the measures that will proportionately and practicably protect the public in the event of a terrorist attack. It is not designed to punitive.

While this marks a significant milestone for the campaign team, led by Figen Murray OBE (the initiator), Nick Aldworth, Brendan Cox, and me, there is still much more to do.

The government has appointed the Security Industry Authority (SIA) as the regulator, responsible for implementing Martyn’s Law. Once enacted, businesses and venues will look to the government and the SIA to provide the guidelines to ensure they meet the statutory requirements, which will come into effect after 24 months, in 2027.

Our work is not complete and the next stage of Martyn’s Law requires a dedicated and collaborative effort, from government, industry and wider businesses, to foster a safer and more secure country.

It is important to note that after multiple years of consultation with the sector, the Home Office estimates that costs to businesses (annually) will be £330 for the standard tier and up to £5,210 for enhanced tier premises – this is calculated in the time spent training colleagues and cash terms.

Martyn’s Law is not designed to prevent a terror attack. Its aim is to equip public venues and security professionals with the tools to better protect the public in the event of a terror attack – just as we saw during the London Bridge terror attacks.

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Read more about Figen Murray’s campaign to change legislation – Long-awaited Martyn’s Law begins passage through Parliament.