Protect Your Premises from Terrorism - Martyn's Law

On 22nd May 2017 a terrorist attack on the Manchester Arena killed 22 people and seriously injured many more.

The subsequent public enquiry identified shortcomings in relation to the legal responsibilities of organisers of events to provide for public safety, notably from terrorism. 

After a campaign led by Figen Murray, the mother of one of the victims, the government published the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Draft Bill in May 2023.  It is also known as Martyn’s law. This received Royal Assent on Thursday 3rd April 2025.

The Act is intended to ensure public premises and events are better prepared for, and protected from, terrorist attacks; requiring them to fulfil necessary but proportionate steps according to their capacity size to mitigate the impact of a terrorist attack and reduce harm. 

The Government intends for there to be an implementation period of at least 24 months before the Act comes into force.  This will ensure those responsible for premises and events in scope have sufficient time to understand their new obligations.  This will enable them to plan and prepare appropriately.