Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Becomes Law 14 April 2025

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill also known as Martyn’s Law, received Royal Assent on April 3^rd 2025, marking a significant milestone in public safety legislation. This law mandates that venues with a capacity of 200 or more people must have plans in place to protect against potential terrorist attacks. Larger venues, with capacities of 800 or more, are required to implement more comprehensive measures. The creation of Martyn’s Law is a direct response to the tragic Manchester Arena bombing in 2017, which claimed the lives of 22 people.

The aim of Martyn’s Law is to enhance public safety by ensuring that venues are prepared to respond to terrorist threats. It should however be noted that the implementation of this legislation will present challenges.

One of the biggest challenges will be the need for additional training. Security staff who have frontline responsibilities under Martyn’s Law must possess the skills and knowledge to respond effectively to terrorism. This includes understanding emergency procedures, conducting risk assessments, and implementing preparedness plans.

Training will also be required to ensure that security staff are adequately prepared to handle a wide variety of incidents. This will be a huge ask, as it will require a comprehensive approach to training that covers a wide range of situations.

Another challenge is the shift in responsibilities from the police to security staff. Martyn’s Law aims to improve the initial response to terrorist incidents by empowering security staff to take immediate action. This shift requires changes in mindset and operational procedures. Security staff will need to be trained to take on these new responsibilities and to work closely with the police to ensure a coordinated response to terrorism. This change in responsibilities will require a cultural shift, as security staff will need to be confident in their ability to respond to terrorism and to take on a more proactive role in public safety.

The implementation of Martyn’s Law also presents operational challenges. Ensuring that all venues comply with the new regulations and that security staff are adequately prepared will be complicated. Venues will need to conduct risk assessments and develop plans to address potential terrorist threats. This will require significant investment of time and resources, as well as ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure that plans are effective and up-to-date. Venues will also need to work closely with the police and other partners to ensure a coordinated response to terrorist threats.

Despite these challenges, the security industry is known for its ability to adapt quickly. Security staff will be cross trained to respond to a wide range of threats and to work in high-pressure environments. With proper training and support venues should be able to meet the requirements of Martyn’s Law and enhance public safety.

Martyn’s Law represents a significant step forward in public safety legislation. By mandating that venues have plans in place to protect against potential terrorist attacks, the law aims to enhance the initial response to terrorist incidents and to improve public safety. The implementation of this law will present challenges that need to be addressed to ensure its effectiveness. Additional training, a shift in responsibilities, and operational limitations are all factors that need to be considered and addressed to ensure that Martyn’s Law achieves its intended goals.

Despite the many challenges, the security industry is known for its ability to adapt quickly, and with proper guidance, it is expected that venues will be able to meet the requirements of Martyn’s Law and enhance public safety.