With Martyn’s Law slated to come into force in 2027, regular updates from the SIA and the Home Office are paving the way for implementation. The conversation is now moving beyond legislative intent to the practical realities of compliance, inspection and support. This feature examines the latest developments, the role of the Security Industry Authority, and what the guidance signals for organisations beginning to plan their response
In April, the Home Office published its most detailed guidance yet to support the implementation of Martyn’s Law.
The guidance sets out steps for businesses to ensure evacuation routes are in place, staff know how to swiftly implement a lockdown in their building, and staff know how to quickly communicate with their customers were an attack to occur.
For larger premises and events like concerts and sports stadiums, where 800 people or more will be present, further actions will need to be taken. This includes having CCTV, bag search policies or vehicle checks.
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, also known as Martyn’s Law, is named after Martyn Hett who was killed in the Manchester Arena attack.
Then security minister, Dan Jarvis, said: “Martyn’s Law will help to save lives by making sure venues are ready to act if the worst happens.
“Today’s guidance is a significant step toward turning the law into action, giving organisations clear, straightforward advice to protect the public.
“I pay tribute to Figen Murray, whose dedication was instrumental in bringing this landmark law into existence.”
Figen Murray, mother of Martyn Hett said: “This represents another significant milestone for the Martyn’s Law campaign and will provide the clarity for venues and events within scope to begin to implement proportionate measures set out within Martyn’s Law.
“We must now ensure everyone is aware of what is required and to make public spaces more secure from the impact of a terrorist attack, so no family has to endure the lasting pain that mine and 21 others have gone through.”
The government hopes that by providing practical advice and clear instructions, organisations will be empowered to take proportionate steps to protect lives and improve emergency preparedness.
The guidance highlights that those responsible for premises and events in scope can comply without needing to buy specialist or consultancy services.
It also provides advice and illustrative examples to help those with responsibilities under the legislation.
Jon Savell, Counter Terrorism Policing Senior National Coordinator for Protect and Prepare said: “This is legislation borne out of tragedy, and from the tenacity of people personally affected by horrific events, and we remain humbled by their drive to work with authorities to ensure what they went through won’t happen to others.
“Securing public spaces so people can enjoy events and social activities free from the fear of the enduring threat of terrorism is something Counter Terrorism Policing has long championed – the new guidance from government to help venues fulfil that legal duty is a welcomed step.
“We know that it’s not a one-size-fits all when it comes to safety; Martyn’s Law takes account of that, with different measures depending on the size and type of venue. We will continue to support the implementation of this legislation as it’s introduced.”
The regulator
As the regulator, the Security Industry Authority will support, advise and guide those responsible for premises and events in meeting the requirements of this legislation.
Michelle Russell, Chief Executive of the Security Industry (SIA) said: “Today is an important milestone. As the regulator of Martyn’s law, the SIA’s approach will be driven by public protection objectives. Our focus will be to ensure compliance with the requirements set out in the legislation and Home Office section 27 guidance published today.
“This guidance will enable us as the independent regulator to take decisions on whether premises and events in scope have taken the steps, they need to comply and play our part in bringing about improvements to protective security across the UK.”
The SIA’s draft section 12 guidance explains how the regulator plans to operate and use its powers, taking a supportive, proportionate and risk-based approach.
The guidance sets out that the SIA’s regulatory approach will be driven by its public protection objectives. It explains how the SIA will provide guidance to help premises comply with the law; when the SIA may provide tailored regulatory advice in response to specific compliance concerns; and how the SIA’s powers to obtain and share information will work.
It also includes how the SIA will carry out inspections and assessments of compliance documents and how the SIA will address non compliance, including how it will make compliance decisions, when it may use enforcement powers and how financial penalties will be set.
At the beginning of June, the SIA published a further update.
In May, Gibb visited the Glade of Light memorial commemorating the victims of the Manchester Arena attack, which she described as “a beautiful tribute and serves as a critical reminder of why our work matters so much and why we must be relentless in our pace as we work towards Martyn’s Law coming into force”.
Gibb said the SIA is making good progressing recruiting inspectors and assessors and building regional inspection teams across Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England.
Work is ongoing to develop the SIA’s inspection and assessment approach with the first pilot inspections completed.
The SIA is onboarding its digital partner and starting work to build a user-focused and secure digital platform for notifications.
Members have been travelling around the UK, speaking at events and engaging with those in scope through those first pilot inspections and a series of webinars.
Martyn’s Law is expected to go live in spring 2027.
Businesses and organisations are urged to identify whether they are in scope and to build an understanding of what compliance will look like.
What to do now
With Martyn’s Law scheduled to take effect in 2027, further operational detail from the Home Office and the SIA can be expected over the coming year, including additional guidance, examples of proportionate measures and clarification of inspection processes. The regulator will continue to build its inspection teams, develop its digital notification system and refine its assessment approach as pilot activity expands.
For organisations, the immediate requirement is to establish whether they fall within scope and to review the published guidance against their current arrangements. This includes identifying evacuation routes, confirming lockdown procedures, assessing communication capabilities during an incident and, for larger venues, considering measures such as CCTV, search policies and vehicle checks. Early familiarisation with the duties, participation in consultations and preparation for the notification process will place organisations in a stronger position ahead of the law’s commencement.