The anti-terror legislation, dubbed Martyn’s Law, has gained Royal Assent and has been made law in the United Kingdom.
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 will require public premises where 200 or more individuals may be present, to have plans in place to keep guests safe in the event of an attack. Additionally, larger premises and events where there may be upwards of 800 attendees will be required to take further steps such as having CCTV, bag search policies, or vehicle checks where appropriate.
The legislation was drafted in 2023 and is named in tribute to Martyn Hett, who was killed alongside 21 others in the Manchester Arena (pictured) terrorist attack in 2017. A further 1,017 people were injured and the arena’s foyer was destroyed following the attack at a concert by US singer Ariana Grande.
A 2021 public inquiry into the 2017 Manchester Arena attack criticised venue operator SMG and security provider Showsec for the measures put in place. SMG went on to merge with AEG Facilities to become ASM Global, and the venue is also now known as AO Arena.
In 2022, the second volume of the inquiry found that one of the victims could have survived if the response from the emergency services had been quicker.
The third volume of the inquiry also found that there was a significant missed opportunity by MI5 to take action that might have presented the disaster.
“This is a landmark moment for our securing as my government delivers on its promise to introduce Martyn’s Law and better protect the public from terrorism,” said Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
He was joined by Figen Murray, Martyn Hett’s mother, to mark the occasion. Murray has campaigned for new security measures for the last six years.
“Figen’s courage and determination in the face of such unimaginable loss is truly humbling and it is thanks to her campaigning that Martyn’s Law means her son’s legacy will live on forever,” Starmer continued.
“Security is the foundation of our Plan for Change and the first duty of any government. Martyn’s Law will ensure everyone can enjoy public events more safely and ensure venues across the country have clear, practical measures in place to protect people.”
Murray added: “My son Martyn Hett was murdered alongside 21 innocent victims in the Manchester Arena terror attack on 22 May 2017, and whilst nothing will bring Martyn back, I am determined to ensure nobody endures what my family has experienced.”
The bill was further supported by those across the live entertainment industry, including chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), Michael Kill.
“The passing of Martyn’s Law into legislation is a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to public safety,” Kill commented.
“This law will ensure that venues and events across the UK take appropriate and proportionate steps to protect the public from the evolving threat of terrorism. The NTIA has long supported measures that enhance security while remaining practical for businesses to implement.”
Jon Collins, CEO of LIVE – an umbrella organisation for live music industry associations – also welcomed the news.
“We are pleased the Bill has completed its passage through Parliament and look forward to working with the Home Office to develop the detailed operating plans and guidance to ensure clarity in the ways of working of the new inspectorate and how our venues, events and festivals can demonstrate compliance,” said Collins.
“As we have noted throughout this process, the licensing requirements under which those venues and festivals operate provide a certainty and regulatory connection that should support this work. We will continue to work closely with businesses within the live music industry to prepare for the rules to come into force over the next few years.”
There will be a 24-month implementation period to allow the industry to prepare for the changes. The government is set to outline guidance in due course, and the Security Industry Authority (SIA) will take on the function of regulator for the law.