We’re pleased to provide you with a significant update on Martyn’s Law, which has made tremendous progress over the past year and represents a watershed moment for UK security legislation.
Royal Assent: The Law is Now Official
The most significant development came on 3rd April 2025, when the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 – officially known as Martyn’s Law – received Royal Assent. This marks the culmination of years of campaigning by Figen Murray, mother of Martyn Hett, who was tragically killed in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017.
What This Means for UK Venues
Martyn’s Law will fundamentally change how public venues and events across the UK prepare for and respond to terrorist threats. The legislation requires certain public premises and events to:
- Implement enhanced security measures that reduce vulnerability to terrorist attacks
- Develop comprehensive preparedness plans to protect individuals from physical harm
- Ensure better organisational readiness for potential terrorist incidents
The SIA’s New Regulatory Role
A crucial development is that the Security Industry Authority (SIA) will take on regulatory responsibilities under Martyn’s Law starting in April 2025. This represents a significant expansion of the SIA’s remit and demonstrates the government’s commitment to professional oversight of security measures.
Current Threat Context
The legislation comes at a critical time. Since March 2017, the UK has experienced:
- 15 terrorist attacks as defined by Counter Terrorism Policing
- 43 late-stage terrorist plots that have been disrupted by agencies and law enforcement
- An ongoing elevated threat level that necessitates enhanced protective measures
Implementation Timeline
While the Act has received Royal Assent, its provisions are not yet in force. Venue operators and event organisers should use this transition period to:
- Assess current security arrangements against the new requirements
- Begin developing compliance strategies for when the law comes into effect
- Engage with security professionals to understand their obligations
- Review and update existing emergency procedures
What’s Next for the Industry?
The security industry is preparing for significant changes as Martyn’s Law implementation approaches. Key areas of focus include:
- Training and certification for security personnel
- Risk assessment methodologies specific to terrorist threats
- Technology solutions that support compliance requirements
- Partnership approaches between venues, security providers, and authorities
Looking Forward
Martyn’s Law represents more than just legislation – it’s a commitment to learning from tragedy and ensuring better protection for the public. As we move towards full implementation, the security industry must rise to meet these new challenges with professionalism, innovation, and dedication.
For businesses operating public venues or managing events, now is the time to begin preparation. The law may not be in force yet, but proactive planning will ensure smoother compliance when it does take effect.
At Mango Solutions, we’re committed to helping our clients navigate these evolving security requirements. Our comprehensive security services and expert consultancy can support your organisation in preparing for Martyn’s Law compliance.
