Martyn's Law: New UK Terrorism Legislation to Bolster Public Safety Measures
- Catch A Thief UK
- Apr 5
- 2 min read
Martyn’s Law: New UK Terrorism Legislation to Bolster Public Safety Measures
A landmark piece of legislation known as Martyn’s Law, formally titled The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, has been introduced by the UK Government in a bid to strengthen the country’s defences against terrorist threats in public spaces.
The law, named in honour of Martyn Hett, one of the 22 victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, marks a significant step forward in national counter-terrorism efforts. It aims to ensure that venues and event organisers are better prepared to respond to potential terrorist incidents and mitigate harm.
What Does the Law Require?
Under the new legislation, those responsible for certain premises and public events will now be legally required to assess terrorism risks and implement proportionate security measures. The law applies to a wide range of premises, including entertainment venues, retail centres, stadiums, and places of worship.
Martyn’s Law introduces a two-tier system based on venue capacity:
Standard Tier: Applies to locations with a capacity of 100 to 799 people. These venues must undertake basic preparedness activities, such as terrorism awareness training for staff and the creation of an emergency response plan.
Enhanced Tier: For venues capable of holding 800 people or more. These premises will be required to conduct detailed risk assessments, implement robust security measures, and maintain comprehensive incident response protocols.
Enforcement and Support
A new inspection and enforcement regime will be established to ensure compliance. Authorities will have the power to conduct inspections and impose penalties for non-compliance.
To assist venues in meeting their obligations, the government has pledged to provide guidance, training materials, and support tools through the ProtectUK platform.
A Long-Fought Campaign
The introduction of Martyn’s Law follows years of tireless campaigning by Martyn Hett’s mother, Figen Murray, who has been a leading voice for stronger protective legislation since the Manchester Arena attack.
“This is about making sure people are as safe as they can be when they go out to enjoy themselves,” Murray said. “We can’t stop every attack, but we can be better prepared to respond and save lives.”
National Reaction
The law has been welcomed by counter-terrorism experts, victims’ families, and many members of the public, who view it as a necessary evolution in how the UK protects its citizens in a rapidly changing threat landscape.
However, some business groups have raised concerns about the potential costs and logistical challenges associated with compliance, particularly for smaller venues. The Home Office has said it will work closely with affected organisations to ensure a smooth implementation process.
Martyn’s Law is expected to be phased in over the coming months, with detailed timelines for compliance to be announced shortly. The legislation serves as a solemn reminder of past tragedies, while offering a proactive framework to help prevent future ones.
If you are an independent retailer with a large customer base and would like help with Martyn's Law contact Catch a Thief UK and we will be happy to help.
Comentarios