Following a campaign by Figen Murray OBE, whose son Martyn was killed alongside 21 others in the 2017 Manchester Arena terror attack, Martyn’s Law became UK legislation on 3rd April 2025. The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act:2025 places a mandatory obligation on qualifying premises and events with a capacity of 200 people or more to take proportionate steps to mitigate the risk of harm in the event of a terror attack and implement reasonable levels of preparedness. Martyn’s Law is currently in the implementation phase, which the government expects to take at least 24 months from the date the Act was passed. This means that the requirements set out in Martyn’s Law are not yet mandatory.

What does Martyn’s Law mean for your event or location?

Martyn’s Law distinguishes between two tiers of ‘duty’; ‘Standard Duty’ applies to events and venues with a capacity of 200-799 people, while ‘Enhanced Duty’ applies to events and venues with a capacity of 800+.

The UK government expects there to be a 24-month implementation period before the stipulations contained within the new legislation become mandatory, which means that Martyn’s Law is likely come into force in April 2027. However, it is advisable to understand your specific risk factors and take steps to improve your resilience and preparedness so that you are fully compliant when your new obligations become mandatory.

Guide to Martyn’s Law

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The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act: 2025 has two standards of Duty:

Standard Duty
  • Applies to locations and events with a capacity of 200 – 799
  • Requires appropriate training for key personnel
  • Stipulates a need for understanding risk and having a plan in place to respond to a terrorist attack
Enhanced Duty
  • Applies to locations and events with a capacity of 800 or more
  • Requires a senior person to be designated with responsibility for counter terrorism risk assessment and planning
  • Requires a risk assessment, which should be regularly reviewed
  • Requires that ‘reasonably practicable’ actions should be taken to reduce risk
  • Requires a security plan, which must be regularly reviewed and provided to the relevant regulator

Our services to help you get ready for Martyn’s Law

At SAFECROWDS GROUP, we are already working with venues, stadiums and event organisers to help them understand their risk factors and take steps to protect people against terror attacks. Martyn’s Law is now UK legislation and we can help you navigate your new obligations and develop a plan for understanding the specific risk factors you may need to mitigate, along with the steps you should consider to enhance preparedness for your business and your team.

Our services include:

  • Threat, Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (TVRA).
  • Vehicle Dynamics Assessment (VDA).
  • Counter terrorism training and desk top exercises.
  • Evacuation and lockdown planning.
  • Scenario planning and specialist event consultancy.
  • HVM specification & supply.
  • HVM installation.
  • Behavioural detection teams.
  • Canine explosives detection teams.
  • First Aid training.
  • RAPAID emergency bandage kits.

Frequently asked questions about Martyn’s Law

Do I have to comply with Martyn’s Law?

All premises or events accessible to the public with a capacity of 200 people or more will need to comply with the new legislation. Those with a capacity of 200-799 people will fall into the ‘Standard Duty’ tier of Martyn’s Law, while those with a capacity of 800 or more will fall into the ‘Enhanced Duty’ tier. It is important to understand the obligations for each tier of duty and take proportionate steps to comply.

When will Martyn’s Law take effect?

Martyn’s Law became UK legislation on 3rd April 2025 but there is expected to be an implementation period, which means that your obligations are likely to be mandatory by 2027. However, it will take time to understand the threat and vulnerability specific to your premises or event and to put a plan together to mitigate risk, so it is advisable to start considering what steps you will need to take now.

Will it be expensive to comply with Martyn’s Law?

A significant part of your Martyn’s Law obligations for both tiers of ‘duty’ involve carrying out a risk assessment, and improving preparedness through training and operational considerations. Both ACT training (Action Counters Terrorism) and risk assessment templates can be accessed for free from Protect UK. If you fall into the ‘Enhanced Duty’ category, the measures you take to mitigate the risk of terror attacks will depend on your TVRA and VDA. We can work with you to help you mitigate risk while taking into account your commercial and operational needs.