Martyn’s Law will deliver increased protection by ensuring public premises and events are better prepared in the event of a terrorist attack
In a bid to enhance public safety, the UK has seen the passing of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, commonly known as Martyn’s Law. The legislation, which gained Royal Assent, aims to bolster the preparedness of public premises and events to respond to potential terrorist attacks.
The new law mandates that public premises, where 200 or more individuals may be present, must have comprehensive plans in place to ensure the safety of attendees in the event of an attack. This includes measures such as emergency response protocols and staff training. Larger premises and events, accommodating 800 or more people, are required to take additional steps to mitigate their vulnerability to terrorism. These measures may include the installation of CCTV, implementation of bag search policies, and vehicle checks where deemed necessary.
Martyn’s Law is named in honour of Martyn Hett, one of the 22 victims of the Manchester Arena attack in May 2017. The legislation is a testament to the tireless campaigning of Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray, who has been the driving force behind its introduction. The Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, had personally promised Figen that he would bring in this law, and today’s event marked the fulfilment of that promise. Figen was invited to Downing Street to witness this landmark moment and to recognise her selfless dedication in turning unimaginable pain into a lasting legacy for her son.
The Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, expressed his sentiments, saying, “Today is a landmark moment for our security as my government delivers on its promise to introduce Martyn’s Law and better protect the public from terrorism. Figen’s courage and determination in the face of such unimaginable loss is truly humbling, and it is thanks to her campaigning that Martyn’s Law means her son’s legacy will live on forever. Security is the foundation of our Plan for Change and the first duty of any government. Martyn’s Law will ensure everyone can enjoy public events more safely and ensure venues across the country have clear, practical measures in place to protect people.”
Figen Murray, reflecting on her journey, said, “My son Martyn Hett was murdered alongside 21 innocent victims in the Manchester Arena terror attack on 22 May 2017, and whilst nothing will bring Martyn back, I am determined to ensure nobody endures what my family has experienced. For the last 6 years, I have campaigned to introduce measures that will improve security at public venues and how they respond to a terror attack – Martyn’s Law. I am grateful to the Prime Minister, the Security Minister, and Lord Hanson for how quickly they’ve progressed Martyn’s Law through parliament. But this would not have happened without the tireless support of my co-campaigners Nick Aldworth, Brendan Cox, Nathan Emmerich, my husband Stuart, and my children. Over the implementation period, it is vital that the government and Security Industry Authority provide all that is necessary for publicly accessible locations to implement Martyn’s Law.”
The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, also acknowledged the significance of the new law, stating, “Martyn’s Law will significantly strengthen public safety across our country. I’d like to thank Figen Murray for her tireless work to make this law a reality. This government is securing Britain’s future through the Plan for Change, and as the eighth anniversary of the attack approaches, this new law delivers upon the lessons from the Manchester Arena Inquiry to keep people safe.”
The legislation has garnered support from various quarters. Jon Savell, the CTP Senior National Coordinator for Protect and Prepare, said, “Martyn’s Law will ensure that the public has additional protection from terrorist attacks while at events and public venues. We will continue to work with businesses and with the government to make sure premises have the support they need to prepare for the implementation of the act. Figen Murray has campaigned tirelessly for the introduction of this legislation, and it’s thanks to her unwavering determination that it has achieved Royal Assent.”
The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) also welcomed the passing of the law. Mike Kill, the CEO of NTIA, said, “The passing of Martyn’s Law into legislation is a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to public safety. This law will ensure that venues and events across the UK take appropriate and proportionate steps to protect the public from the evolving threat of terrorism. The NTIA has long supported measures that enhance security while remaining practical for businesses to implement. We appreciate the government’s recognition of the challenges businesses face and the commitment to a 24-month implementation period, allowing time for preparation and adaptation. As an industry, we will continue working closely with the Home Office, the SIA, and key stakeholders to provide clear guidance and support. Ensuring the safety of our night-time economy and public spaces remains our priority, and we fully support this crucial legislation.”
