Martyn’s Law receives Royal Assent

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, also known as Martyn’s Law, received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025.

This act delivers the government’s manifesto commitment to strengthen the security of public events and venues.

A tiered approach has been established under the act, with those responsible for premises and events in scope required to fulfil different requirements according to the number of individuals it is reasonable to expect may be present.

“It will ensure the public are better protected from terrorism by requiring those responsible for certain public premises and events to take reasonably practicable steps to be prepared and ready to keep people safe in the event of an attack. Certain larger premises will be required to consider and, where appropriate, take steps to reduce their vulnerability to acts of terrorism.” the Home Office wrote.

The Government has produced a number of fact sheets to accompany the new Act, including:

Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025: Overarching Factsheet
Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025: Scope (Premises)
Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025: Scope (events)
Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025: Assessment of the number of individuals expected to be present (formerly known as ‘capacity calculations’)
Terrorism (protection of premises) Act 2025: Responsible person factsheet
Terrorism (protection of premises) Act 2025: Standard duty requirements factsheet
Terrorism (protection of premises) Act 2025: Enhanced duty requirements factsheet
Terrorism (protection of premises) Act 2025: The regulator, sanctions and enforcement factsheet

It is expected that the implementation period will be at least 24 months.

The Government wrote:

“Whilst those that fall within scope of the Act may wish to begin considering the requirements, they should note that there will be no legal requirement to comply until the legislation comes into force. The Home Office will publish statutory guidance during the 24 month implementation period. This guidance will assist those responsible to understand the requirements set out in the legislation. It is being designed to be easy to follow, needing neither particular expertise nor the use of third-party products or services.”