Delivering public safety in an evolving landscape

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, known as Martyn’s Law, is expected to come into force in Spring 2027 to reduce the risk of harm at public premises and events in the event of a terrorist attack.

Named after Martyn Hett, one of the 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena attack, Martyn’s Law aims to make people safer by ensuring premises and events have appropriate plans in place to respond to acts of terrorism. We owe Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray OBE and her campaign team for their tireless efforts to get this landmark legislation.

As the regulator, we’ve been working closely with the Home Office to build awareness of the incoming legislation, the requirements for those in scope and the way in which we intend to operate. I’ve been struck by the positive levels of engagement from emergency services to whom improving public safety is clearly paramount.

While the obligation to comply rests with those responsible for premises and events, we’re acutely aware of the critical role those working across our emergency services play in the broader public protection ecosystem.

Understanding what Martyn’s Law will look like

The first thing to do is familiarise yourselves with how Martyn’s Law works for those in scope. This will help you understand what procedures and measures premises and events should be putting in place when you interact with them. The Home Office has produced guidance which helps identify if a specific premises or event is in scope and what they need to do to comply.

While there are some exemptions, for many public premises, including entertainment venues, community centres and visitor attractions, if it’s reasonably expected that at least 200 people, including staff, will be present at the busiest times, the premises will be in the standard tier. If at least 800 people will be present, it will be in the enhanced tier.

For events, there are four key considerations. Events will only be in scope if 800 or more people are expected at the busiest times, there are controls on entry, the event is open to the public, and the event is not being held at premises which are themselves in scope as enhanced tier premises.

All premises and events in scope have to notify the SIA and provide some information. The focus is on what’s appropriate and reasonably practicable for each premises or event. Those falling in the standard tier, will be expected to have appropriate public protection procedures in place and to have a plan in place for things like lockdown and communication. Those in the enhanced tier will need measures in place to reduce the risk of harm from an attack and reduce vulnerability to attack, implementing things like monitoring and movement control. This means when the Act comes into force, emergency services can expect to see premises and events that are better prepared to respond to terrorist incidents.

Forging partnerships

Compliance will be a legal expectation at the point of the new law going live. As the regulator, our role is not only to support those responsible to comply, but to assess compliance and identify non-compliance. Our casework will be guided by a new regulatory risk framework, and we will work closely with emergency services and other public bodies and regulators to build intelligence and assess risk to prioritise the use of our resources.

The SIA already has data sharing agreements with a range of partners, including all UK police forces, to share valuable risk intelligence and information. The exchange of information and intelligence is pivotal in supporting us to fulfil our statutory purpose and enhance public protection. We hope to extend existing agreements and establish new relationships to share information for Martyn’s Law.

As premises and events across sectors get ready for Martyn’s Law, there’s much we can all do to prepare. We want to work together to deliver on a collective ambition to make the public safer. Anyone interested in following our progress should sign up to find out more.

Continue the conversation at The Emergency Services Show

As Martyn’s Law moves closer to implementation, The Emergency Services Show will bring together campaigners, security professionals and frontline leaders to explore what the legislation means in practice. On 17 September, hear from Figen Murray OBE in a keynote conversation reflecting on the campaign that led to Martyn’s Law and why April 2027 marks a significant milestone for public safety. Following this, the panel session Is your building ready for Martyn’s Law? will examine the practical steps organisations can take to prepare, from training and emergency planning to the equipment and procedures needed to protect the public. Register here.

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