Landmark anti-terror legislation gains Royal Assent

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 will require public premises where 200 or more individuals may be present, to be better prepared and have plans in place to keep people safe in the event of an attack.

Larger premises and events where 800 or more people will be present will be required to take further steps to reduce their vulnerability to acts of terrorism – such as having CCTV, bag search policies or vehicle checks where appropriate.

‘Martyn’s Law’ is named in tribute to Martyn Hett who was killed alongside 21 others in the Manchester Arena attack in May 2017.

It delivers on the Prime Minister’s personal promise to Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray, who has been the driving force in campaigning for this legislation in her son’s memory, to bring in this law.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, said: “Today is a landmark moment for our security as my government delivers on its promise to introduce Martyn’s Law and better protect the public from terrorism.

“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.

“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.”

Ms Murray said: “My son Martyn Hett was murdered alongside 21 innocent victims in the Manchester Arena terror attack on May 22, 2017, and whilst nothing will bring Martyn back, I am determined to ensure nobody endures what my family has experienced.

“For the last six years I have campaigned to introduce measures that will improve security at public venues and how they respond to a terror attack – Martyn’s Law.

“I am grateful to the Prime Minister, the Security Minister and Lord Hanson for how quickly they’ve progressed Martyn’s Law through parliament. But this would not have happened without the tireless support of my co-campaigners Nick Aldworth, Brendan Cox, Nathan Emmerich, my husband Stuart, and my children.

“Over the implementation period it is vital that the Government and Security Industry Authority provide all that is necessary for publicly accessible locations to implement Martyn’s Law.”

Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said: “Martyn’s Law will significantly strengthen public safety across our country, I’d like to thank Figen Murray for her tireless work to make this law a reality.

“As the eighth anniversary of the attack approaches, this new law delivers upon the lessons from the Manchester Arena Inquiry to keep people safe.”

CTP Senior National Coordinator for Protect and Prepare, Jon Savell, said: “Martyn’s Law will ensure that the public have additional protection from terrorist attacks while at events and public venues. We will continue to work with businesses and with the government to make sure premises have the support they need to prepare for the implementation of the act.

“Figen Murray has campaigned tirelessly for the introduction of this legislation and it’s thanks to her unwavering determination that it has achieved Royal Assent.”

Mike Kill chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), added: “The passing of Martyn’s Law into legislation is a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to public safety. 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.

“We appreciate the Government’s recognition of the challenges businesses face and the commitment to a 24-month implementation period, allowing time for preparation and adaptation. As an industry we will continue working closely with the Home Office, the SIA, and key stakeholders to provide clear guidance and support.

“Ensuring the safety of our night-time economy and public spaces remains our priority, and we fully support this crucial legislation.”

Mike Bullock, chief executive officer of Corps Security, commented: “Martyn’s Law, otherwise known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill has now received Royal Assent. The law will require venues with a capacity for 200 or more people to prepare for and protect individuals from potential terrorist attacks. This is a huge step forward in bringing a vital piece of legislation into law.

“Nearly eight years ago, the Manchester Arena bomb attack took the lives of 22 people, including Martyn Hett, the son of Figen Murray. For the past six years, Figen has tirelessly campaigned for this Bill to become law.

“We have always supported Figen’s mission. On its seventh anniversary in May 2024, members of Corps, including Corps Consult executive director Mike Bluestone, joined Figen in Hertfordshire for 12 miles of her 200 mile walk from Manchester to London, to raise awareness for the cause.

“Bringing in these changes has not been easy. Figen’s determined campaigning means that finally, we will see the promise of Martyn’s Law honoured, for the safety of our nation.”

Kieran Mackie, managing director of Amulet, said: “We welcome the announcement that Martyn’s Law, or the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, has received Royal Assent.

“Figen Murray and industry leaders have tirelessly campaigned for six years to enhance the safety powers of venues across the UK. This law will help us ensure that events like the attack at Manchester Arena or the Brixton O2 Academy crowd crush could never happen again.

“The law will require venues capacity for 200 or more people to proactively prepare for potential attacks. That makes situational awareness technology a fundamental aspect in sharing intelligence and responding to threats, knitting together the various elements of a security solution. Organisations need to prioritise technological integration to prepare themselves for this new law.

“Martyn’s Law is a significant step in the right direction – it is essential that all public venues and security providers are committed to ensuring protection that is tailored to the needs of the spaces we operate in.”