The landscape of UK counter-terrorism legislation is undergoing its most significant shift in years, with the progression of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, widely known as Martyn’s Law.
The Act seeks to ensure that publicly accessible premises are better prepared for and protected against terror attacks.
On 15th April 2026, the government published its Section 27 statutory guidance. Organisations now enter a critical implementation phase where a diligent, focused review of Martyn’s Law’s requirements is needed, before any steps can be taken.
What is Martyn’s Law?
Martyn’s Law was developed to bring enhanced safety powers to public premises and events. It was spearheaded by Figen Murray, who has been campaigning for stronger security protocols in public spaces after the loss of her son, Martyn Hett, in the Manchester Arena terror attack in 2017.
In 2018, she worked with Nick Aldworth, former chief superintendent for the Metropolitan Police, and Brendan Fox, co-founder of Survivors Against Terror, to develop the white paper that eventually became the law.
Roughly 179,000 venues across the UK are expected to fall within its scope, including 155,000 in the standard tier for premises between 200 and 799 individuals, and 24,000 in the enhanced tier for premises that can hold 800 or more individuals.
In April 2025, Martyn’s Law received Royal Assent, beginning its 24-month implementation period. Full enforcement is expected in Spring 2027.
To support its enforcement, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) will support, advise, and guide those responsible for premises and events, and will take enforcement action against those non-compliant. That makes thoroughly understanding the scope of the law – and its impact on individual businesses that fall within it – vital.
The latest regulatory updates
The Section 27 guidance is a 129-page document, outlining the specific legal duties for those responsible for premises and events.
The guidance has nine chapters, providing background information, key terms, clarifications and a glossary, along with:
- What information is needed to qualify premises
- Where events fall under the Act’s requirements
- Who should be responsible within organisations, along with their roles and responsibilities
- The requirements of the Act under the standard duty/tier
- The requirements of the Act under the enhanced duty/tier
- The role of the SIA as regulator
It features examples to illustrate specific concepts, though these cannot directly apply to all premises and events that fall in scope.
Simultaneously, the SIA launched a public consultation on its draft Section 12 guidance, which explains how it intends to regulate and enforce the Act. This consultation remains open until 12 June 2026. It is also negotiating with the Home Office on a funding model to allow premises time to prepare.
Security companies and individual officers are not themselves subject to the legal duties. The responsibility sits with the venue or event owner and cannot be delegated away, but tasks that support compliance can involve security providers.
Understanding scope and responsibility
Now is the time to carefully review the full scope of Martyn’s Law, which our team is currently doing. The guidance is detailed, but some nuances require further examination.
For example, the guidance has a glossary of terms for its key concepts, but an “immediate vicinity” currently does not have a “fixed distance associated with the term”. Terminology like this is subject to interpretation and the risk profile of a premises.
Specific terminology is also outlined in the guidance, including the terms:
- Must – A legal requirement.
- Should – Not an express requirement in the Act, but strongly recommended and encouraged good practice.
- Could – Not a legal requirement, but an optional suggestion or example.
So rather than immediately trying to implement changes, organisations should use this period ahead of Spring 2027 to conduct bespoke assessments against the unique needs of their premises. What is reasonable and practicable for one site, like a shopping centre, could differ significantly from a museum or a nightclub.
The next stages
The coming months for Amulet will focus on education and support. Internally, we are ensuring our managers and officers understand the scope and responsibilities of the law, while our clients work through compliance decisions within their own legal and property management teams. Where clients need a sounding board during that process, we are available to support.
Ultimately, the responsibility for compliance can’t be delegated away – it firmly rests with each venue and event holder.
Martyn’s Law is a journey. It’s been in development for the better part of a decade, and we welcome the professionalisation and standardisation of enhanced safety measures that our officers on the ground always strive for.
Access the full Section 27 statutory guidance, and the SIA’s draft Section 12 guidance.
Currently, the SIA and government recommend reviewing the National Protective Security Authority and Protect UK for further guidance. Read more about Figen Murray’s work to develop Martyn’s Law from her keynote speech at our 2025 innovation day.
