Martyn’s Law: Enhancing Public Safety Across the UK
While such attacks are rare, the threat of terrorism remains real and increasingly unpredictable. Crowded public spaces are often seen as attractive targets, and attacks can happen anywhere, making prevention complex and urgent.
Martyn's Law, officially the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, was enacted to strengthen security in public premises and events, particularly in light of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing. This legislation, named in memory of victim Martyn Hett, places a legal duty on certain venues and event organizers to take steps to reduce the risk of harm from terrorist attacks. The law aims to improve security preparedness across the UK, with different requirements based on the size and type of venue.
In response to a number of recent low-sophistication terrorist attacks in public spaces, as well as large-scale incidents such as the Manchester Arena attack, the UK Government has developed new legislation to improve public protection.
Who Does Martyn’s Law Apply To?
Once fully enacted, Martyn’s Law will apply to those responsible for venues and public spaces used for:
Entertainment and leisure;
Retail and hospitality;
Museums, galleries, and visitor attractions;
Sports venues;
Government buildings (e.g., town halls);
Temporary events;
Places of Worship; and
Health and education settings.
Application to Schools
For schools and other education settings within the Standard Tier, the focus is on reasonable and practical measures that could mitigate harm in the event of an attack. There is no requirement for physical modifications to premises. Instead, schools should develop plans that are effective, tailored, and outcome-focused.
Key Obligations for Schools
Develop procedures for evacuation, invacuation, lockdown, and communication; and
Focus on:
o Guide – directing people safely and efficiently.
o Shelter – securing the site and providing refuge.
o Communicate – relaying critical information to staff and students quickly.
Given that students and staff may be spread across multiple areas, schools must create systems that support rapid and authoritative communication during emergencies.
Recommended Security Measures for Schools
Clear evacuation and invacuation plans;
Monitoring of national/local threat levels;
Training for staff and students;
24/7 security monitoring (if applicable);
Site perimeter controls and vehicle access management;
Comprehensive risk assessments;
Regular search and screening protocols;
Visible ID and access control policies;
Intruder alarm systems and CCTV surveillance;
Data protection and cyber security practices;
Presence of uniformed and plain-clothes police officers; and
Qualified and trained security personnel.
What Does Martyn’s Law Require?
Standard Tier
For venues with a capacity between 100 and 799 people
Key responsibilities:
Conduct a basic terrorism risk assessment;
Provide staff with emergency response training;
Develop simple protective procedures, such as securing doors and guiding people to safe areas; and
Create and practice evacuation, invacuation, and lockdown plans.
Even for venues over 800 in capacity, childcare, primary, secondary, or further education settings will fall into the Standard Tier.
Enhanced Tier
For venues with a capacity of 800 or more people, or qualifying large events
Key responsibilities:
Carry out in-depth risk assessments, potentially with expert input;
Implement advanced security measures such as CCTV, physical barriers, or trained security personnel; and
Create detailed, documented security response plans.
Implementation Timeline and Enforcement
Martyn’s Law received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025. Organisations now have a 24-month window to fully comply with the legislation. An inspection and enforcement framework will support compliance and promote a positive security culture, with appropriate sanctions for non-compliance.
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