Important step forward for Martyn’s Law as guidance published

The government has published new guidance that explains how those responsible for premises and events can determine whether they fall within the scope of Martyn’s Law and how to comply with their legal duties.

Named after Martyn Hett, who was one of the 22 victims of the Manchester Arena attack in 2017, the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 intends to improve organisational preparedness and protective security across the UK.

The guidance sets out clear steps for businesses. The government said that this empowers organisations to take proportionate steps to protect lives and improve emergency preparedness. It added that it sets out how businesses can comply without needing to buy specialist or consultancy services.

The 129 page document includes guidance for smaller premises like shops and restaurants with 200-799 people, to ensure evacuation routes are in place, staff know how to swiftly implement a lockdown in their building, and staff know how to quickly communicate with their customers were an attack to occur.

Larger premises and events like concerts and sports stadiums, where 800 or more people will be present, will be required to take further steps to reduce their vulnerability to acts of terrorism – such as having CCTV, bag search policies, or vehicle checks where appropriate.

The act is due to come into effect in April 2027 and the publication of this guidance is what Security Minister Dan Jarvis, said is a “significant step toward turning the law into action.” He paid tribute to Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray, who campaigned tirelessly for this change to legislation.

This represents another significant milestone for the Martyn’s Law campaign and will provide the clarity for venues and events within scope to begin to implement proportionate measures set out within Martyn’s Law.

We must now ensure everyone is aware of what is required and to make public spaces more secure from the impact of a terrorist attack, so no family has to endure the lasting pain that mine and 21 others have gone through.

Figen Murray OBE.

Read in full – The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 section 27 statutory guidance.

At the same time, the Security Industry Association has launched a consultation on guidance that sets out how the SIA intends to carry out its role as a regulator for Martyn’s Law. The draft Section 12 guidance sets out how the regulator will take a ‘proportionate and risk-based approach’ to its operations and use of its powers under the 2025 act.

Michelle Russell is the Chief Executive of the SIA. She said: “the SIA’s approach will be driven by public protection objectives. Our focus will be to ensure compliance with the requirements set out in the legislation and Home Office section 27 guidance published today.” She added that the guidance will enable the SIA as the regulator “to take decisions on whether premises and events in scope have taken the steps, they need to comply and play our part in bringing about improvements to protective security across the UK.”

The section 12 guidance consultation is now open and runs until 12 June 2026.

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Figen Murray will be speaking at The Emergency Services Show on 17 September as part of the show’s Protecting the Protector Stage programme. Register your interest to attend here.