Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
What is Martyn's Law?
Martyn's Law, officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, represents a significant piece of UK security legislation aimed at ensuring that publicly accessible venues comply with Protect Duty requirements. This law mandates that these venues take proportionate and practical measures to safeguard the public from potential terrorist threats.
Origins of the Legislation
Martyn’s Law is named in honour of Martyn Hett, one of the 22 victims of the tragic Manchester Arena bombing in 2017. Following his death, his mother, Figen Murray OBE, championed the need for robust security measures at public venues, advocating for what are now referred to as Protect Duty requirements to avoid similar tragedies in the future. Her relentless efforts resulted in the establishment of Martyn’s Law, ensuring that every venue across the UK, regardless of size, is equipped with the essential systems, training, and communication tools necessary to safeguard the public from terrorist threats. This UK security legislation embodies a legacy of love, resilience, and responsibility, transforming heartbreak into meaningful change. Discover more about Figen Murray's inspirational journey at www.figenmurray.co.uk.
The 5 Key Fundementals of Martyn’s Law
At its core, Martyn's Law aims to enhance safety in public spaces by establishing a framework that aligns with the Protect Duty requirements outlined in UK security legislation. This law ensures that all publicly accessible locations, regardless of their size or sector, are equipped with the necessary tools, training, and systems to effectively protect the public from potential acts of terrorism or mass emergencies.
Awareness
To ensure that every organisation understands the nature of the threat from terrorism and takes proactive steps to mitigate it, it is essential to align with Martyn's Law and the Protect Duty requirements. This includes educating staff on situational awareness, identifying suspicious behaviour, and following the response protocols outlined in UK security legislation.
Preparedness
To ensure that venues comply with Martyn's Law and the Protect Duty requirements, they must have well-rehearsed emergency plans in place to respond quickly and effectively in a crisis. Staff should clearly understand their roles, communication channels must be established, and systems should be tested regularly in line with UK security legislation.
Communication
To enable real-time coordination and alerts during incidents, especially in light of Martyn's Law and the Protect Duty requirements outlined in the UK security legislation, clear communication channels between venue staff, the public, and emergency services can save lives. AV and digital communication systems, such as MAVAS, play a vital role in this area.
Responsibility
To instill accountability within each organization by designating a responsible person to oversee compliance with Martyn's Law and Protect Duty requirements, ensuring that procedures are up to date, documented, and regularly reviewed in accordance with UK security legislation.
Proportionality
To ensure that safety measures align with the size and type of venue, Martyn's Law establishes a flexible framework that accommodates the Protect Duty requirements. Smaller premises will not face the same level of obligations as larger venues, making this UK security legislation fair and encouraging participation rather than punishment.
Venues and organisations with a capacity of under 800 people fall within the Standard Tier as outlined by Martyn's Law. These smaller public premises, including cafes, community centres, and local retail spaces, are subject to specific Protect Duty requirements under UK security legislation.
To comply, venues must:
- Complete the free, government-provided terrorism protection training.
- Develop basic emergency response plans.
- Implement straightforward, proportionate security procedures (e.g., bag checks, controlled access points).
- Assign a responsible person to oversee compliance and ensure safety readiness.
- Maintain up-to-date staff awareness on recognising and responding to potential threats.
Section 27: Statutory Guidance
Martyn’s Law is named in honour of Martyn Hett, one of the 22 victims of the tragic Manchester Arena bombing in 2017. Following his death, his mother, Figen Murray OBE, championed the need for robust security measures at public venues, advocating for what are now referred to as Protect Duty requirements to avoid similar tragedies in the future. Her relentless efforts resulted in the establishment of Martyn’s Law, ensuring that every venue across the UK, regardless of size, is equipped with the essential systems, training, and communication tools necessary to safeguard the public from terrorist threats. This UK security legislation embodies a legacy of love, resilience, and responsibility, transforming heartbreak into meaningful change. Discover more about Figen Murray's inspirational journey at www.figenmurray.co.uk.
The Consequences of Non-Compliance
Financial Penalties
Financial Penalties
Financial Penalties
Venues and organisations with a capacity of under 800 people fall within the Standard Tier as outlined by Martyn's Law. These smaller public premises, including cafes, community centres, and local retail spaces, are subject to specific Protect Duty requirements under UK security legislation.
To comply, venues must:
- Complete the free
Venues and organisations with a capacity of under 800 people fall within the Standard Tier as outlined by Martyn's Law. These smaller public premises, including cafes, community centres, and local retail spaces, are subject to specific Protect Duty requirements under UK security legislation.
To comply, venues must:
- Complete the free, government-provided terrorism protection training.
- Develop basic emergency response plans.
- Implement straightforward, proportionate security procedures (e.g., bag checks, controlled access points).
- Assign a responsible person to oversee compliance and ensure safety readiness.
- Maintain up-to-date staff awareness on recognising and responding to potential threats.
Legal Liability
Financial Penalties
Financial Penalties
Venues and events with a capacity of 800 or more people are classified as Enhanced Tier under Martyn's Law, which addresses the Protect Duty requirements outlined in UK security legislation. This classification applies to larger, high-footfall spaces such as stadiums, shopping centres, cinemas, and transport hubs.
Key requirements includ
Venues and events with a capacity of 800 or more people are classified as Enhanced Tier under Martyn's Law, which addresses the Protect Duty requirements outlined in UK security legislation. This classification applies to larger, high-footfall spaces such as stadiums, shopping centres, cinemas, and transport hubs.
Key requirements include:
Conducting detailed risk assessments and security plans.
Implementing robust communication and alerting systems.
Providing regular staff training and live scenario drills.
Documenting and auditing compliance to ensure ongoing preparedness.
Coordinating closely with local authorities and emergency services.
Enforcement Notices
Financial Penalties
Enforcement Notices
Under Martyn's Law and the Protect Duty requirements, authorities will now have the power to issue improvement or prohibition notices, mandating venues to take immediate action to comply with UK security legislation. Continued non-compliance could result in a temporary closure until safety requirements are fulfilled.
Reputation Damage
Financial Penalties
Enforcement Notices
Public trust is paramount. Failing to adhere to Martyn's Law or the Protect Duty requirements set forth by UK security legislation — or worse, failing to prevent an incident that could have been mitigated — can cause irreparable harm to a brand’s reputation and public relations, resulting in a loss of customers, contracts, and credibility.
“Whilst nothing can bring Martyn back, this much needed law will secure his legacy and help to prevent more families enduring the pain and loss that mine, alongside 21 others, have experienced since the Manchester Arena terror attack.”
Figen Murray
