Today (Thursday 3 April 2025) the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 – Martyn’s Law – has received Royal Assent.
In welcoming the news, Heather Baily, Chair of the SIA, said:
This is a watershed moment for public safety in the UK. Martyn’s Law will improve protective security and security standards at venues across the UK. The SIA has been confirmed as the new Martyn’s Law regulator. We have been entrusted with this important role, alongside our existing role regulating private security, which we will discharge with due care, proportion and diligence. We are working closely with the Home Office to prepare for this and look forward to reporting on progress to Home Office ministers.
Our thoughts are with all the families who lost loved ones in the Manchester Arena terror attack as well as all those whose lives have been affected by other acts of terrorism.
We would like to pay tribute to Figen Murray, and the rest of the campaign team, who have worked tirelessly to make the new duty a reality; we know they will be watching closely to ensure it is having the change intended.
Michelle Russell, Chief Executive of the SIA, said:
As the new independent regulator, our role will be to educate, support, and guide those covered by the new duty into compliance. This is to empower them to strengthen the protection and preparedness of premises and events across the UK and reduce the risk of harm from acts of terrorism.
We will ensure in a robust and proportionate way premises and events in scope of this duty comply with the requirements.
We are working with the Home Office on the preparation work for this new role and we will be setting up a new programme of work in due course.
There will be a period of time prior to the legislation being commenced. We expect this to be at least 24 months to allow for the set-up of the regulator. This will also ensure sufficient time for those responsible for premises and events in scope to understand their new obligations before they come into force, being able to plan and prepare accordingly. We look forward to engaging with those in scope and other stakeholders during this period as the preparation work progresses.
In the meantime, premises and events seeking advice on preparing for Martyn’s Law should continue to look for Home Office updates. They can also access free technical guidance and operational advice on protective security on the government partner websites of the National Protective Security Authority and ProtectUK.
Read the Home Office press release: Landmark anti-terror legislation gains Royal Assent.
