Counter Terror Business - Martyn's Law

SIA provides update on Martyn's Law

Polly Jones — Thu, 27 Nov 2025 11:30:52 +0000

Michelle Russell, chief executive of the SIA has published an updated on the SIA's work on Martyn's Law.

Once Martyn’s Law received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025, and the Security Industry Authority (SIA) was confirmed as the new regulator, work began immediately to prepare for go-live.

Go-live will occur when Parliament, through statutory instruments, commences Martyn’s Law and the SIA’s role as regulator. While the timing of commencement is a decision for Parliament, preparations are being made for Spring 2027.

Russell explained the SIA's role as regulator, which she said is to regulate against Martyn’s Law, and the legal requirements and framework Parliament has set out in the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. These requirements are set to be clarified by the �鶹�� Office’s statutory section 27 guidance about the requirements.

The SIA has the responsibility of determining whether a premises or event is in compliance with those requirements as well as the responsibility to provide advice and guidance to them.

Since April 2025, the SIA has been attending events and conferences across the UK. Once the guidance is published by the �鶹�� Office, the SIA will say more.

Meanwhile, though, the Agency has been working at pace, building capability and capacity and exploring and testing with depth the things that need to be done in advance of go-live.

The SIA has been agreeing new, separate grant funding to be provided direct by the �鶹�� Office to the SIA to fund the SIA’s new Martyn’s Law work. This means the work will not be funded by SIA licence holders’ fees.

A new director will start in January and a blueprint design has been created for new functions and teams.

There will be over 100 new operational posts created in the SIA’s Martyn’s Law team, working on guidance and other educational and outreach work; the formal notifications that premises and events in scope of Martyn’s Law will make; desk-based casework on compliance issues, as well as scrutiny and assessment of compliance documents and plans submitted by enhanced tier premises; and inspections and formal investigations into concerns about non-compliance and follow up enforcement work.

Inspectors and inspection teams will be based regionally and locally across the UK. Other office-based roles will be mostly in a new SIA location in Manchester.

The SIA is currently working on draft section 12 guidance about how the Agency proposes to exercise its functions particularly the investigatory powers. A consultation will be launched on this, once �鶹�� Office guidance is published in 2026.

Joint engagements and events are being held with the �鶹�� Office to raise awareness of the new law and the SIA's role.

A new risk framework is being developed to ensure the SIA has clear priorities and to apply a consistent approach to decisions.

The SIA teams are actively progressing work on a new regulatory model, business plan, and internal processes and procedures. A critical focus is the development, implementation, and testing of the digital and caseworking systems required to support future casework. This programme involves extensive planning and design, alongside a robust procurement exercise that will take time to complete.

Russell said that the SIA's role as regulator will be primarily advisory from the start to give venues and events in scope the opportunity to get compliance right first. The SIA expects to find and highlight positive good practice and identify and advise those who are not doing enough.

When it comes to non-compliance, the regulator is expected to be robust, but fair and proportionate.

Russell concluded: "I, and my team, very much have the aim of Martyn’s Law at the centre of our thinking as we prepare for the Martyn’s Law responsibility we have been trusted with. We hold the memory of the 22 people who died, and all those who were injured and affected by the horrendous events on 22 May 2017 in the Manchester Arena inquiry, clearly in the forefront of our minds as we do.

"There are quite rightly high expectations for both the positive impact and success of Martyn’s Law and of the SIA as regulator; we absolutely want and expect to be held to account for effectively delivering on our role, not just by Parliament and ministers, but by those premises and events in scope, the public and of course Figen Murray, whose son, Martyn Hett, the new law is named after, and the campaign team, who fought so hard to make Martyn’s Law �鶹�� – we know and expect you to keep scrutinising our progress and timely delivery."

Martyn's Law receives Royal Assent

Polly Jones — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 10:34:39 +0000

Martyn's Law has received Royal Assent today, after six years of campaigns and almost eight years after the Manchester Arena attack.

Martyn's Law is named after Martyn Hett, who was killed in the Manchester Arena attack in May 2017.

Officially titled the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, the law will make it a legal requirement for public places to improve security measures.

A tiered approach will mean that venues with a capacity of 200-800 people will be required to put in place measures to reduce harm to the public in the event of an attack. This could include training staff to lock doors, close shutters and identify safe routes to cover.

The enhanced tier will mean that venues with a capacity of over 800 will need to put in places measures such as security staff and CCTV.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "Today is a landmark moment for our security as my government delivers on its promise to introduce Martyn’s Law and better protect the public from terrorism.

"Figen’s courage and determination in the face of such unimaginable loss is truly humbling and it is thanks to her campaigning that Martyn’s Law means her son’s legacy will live on forever.

"Security is the foundation of our Plan for Change and the first duty of any government. Martyn’s Law will ensure everyone can enjoy public events more safely and ensure venues across the country have clear, practical measures in place to protect people."

Martyn's mother, Figen Murray, the leading campaigner for the legislation met the Prime Minister in Downing Street to mark the occasion. She said: "My son Martyn Hett was murdered alongside 21 innocent victims in the Manchester Arena terror attack on 22 May 2017, and whilst nothing will bring Martyn back, I am determined to ensure nobody endures what my family has experienced.

"For the last 6 years I have campaigned to introduce measures that will improve security at public venues and how they respond to a terror attack - Martyn’s Law.

"I am grateful to the Prime Minister, the Security Minister and Lord Hanson for how quickly they’ve progressed Martyn’s Law through parliament. But this would not have happened without the tireless support of my co-campaigners Nick Aldworth, Brendan Cox, Nathan Emmerich, my husband Stuart, and my children.

"Over the implementation period it is vital that the government and Security Industry Authority provide all that is necessary for publicly accessible locations to implement Martyn’s Law."

CTP Senior National Coordinator for Protect and Prepare, Jon Savell, said: "Martyn’s Law will ensure that the public have additional protection from terrorist attacks while at events and public venues. We will continue to work with businesses and with the government to make sure premises have the support they need to prepare for the implementation of the act.

"Figen Murray has campaigned tirelessly for the introduction of this legislation and it’s thanks to her unwavering determination that it has achieved Royal Assent."

Martyn's Law reaches final stage in parliament

Polly Jones — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 10:02:18 +0000

Martyn's Law is set to become law, after reaching the final stage in parliament.

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill is to be sent for Royal Assent, after MPs approved amendments made by the House of Lords.

Under the Bill, staff at all UK venues with a capacity of more than 200 people would undergo evacuation training, and sites with more than 800 people would need extra measures such as CCTV or security staff.

The law is named after Martyn Hett, who was killed at the Manchester Arena attack in 2017. Since then, his mother Figen Murray has led a campaign for better security in public spaces.

The legislation is expected is become law ahead of the eighth anniversary of the attack in May.

Martyn’s Law progresses through second reading in House of Lords

Meghan Shaw — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 12:50:05 +0000

Martyn’s Law has progressed through the second reading in the House of Lords and will now undergo several days of scrutiny at the Committee stage. A full transcript of the hearing of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill can be found here.

The bill, which calls for certain premises and events to enforce better security and named after Martyn Hett, a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, received cross-party support in the House of Lords, and its introduction will be key in strengthening the UK against terrorism.

The government has responded by increasing standard tier requirements for venues with a capacity of more than 200, meaning that now only 154,600 premises fall into this category. Consequently, the cost to businesses has decreased over ten years to £1.83 billion. For standard tier premises, the cost in time and money is estimated at around £330, whereas for the enhanced tier the annual cost is approximately £5,210.

Other things raised in yesterday’s (7th January 2025) reading include debating the suitably and capability of the Security Industry Authority to be able to regulate the implementation of this legislation, uncertainties regarding civil and corporate liability, the use of technology and AI for facial recognition and to spot suspicious behaviours, as well as the suggestion of cross-departmental engagement in planning policy.

SIA publishes guidance on Martyn's Law

Polly Jones — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 08:33:45 +0000

The Security Industry Authority has published guidance on who to contact with questions about Martyn's Law.

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill will impose a legal duty on certain premises and events to take steps to reduce the likelihood of physical harm in the event of a terrorist attack.

The bill is currently on its way through parliament, and at this time, the �鶹�� Office is the government lead for the development of this legislation. Therefore, any queries on the scope and nature of the duty and the role of the regulator for the legislation should be directed to the �鶹�� Office at: MartynsLaw@homeoffice.gov.uk

Martyn's Law gets second reading in parliament

Polly Jones — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 09:25:12 +0000

Martyn's Law has had its second reading in parliament.

The law will require venues with a capacity of more than 200 people to have a plan in place should an attack occur. Staff will also be required to undertake training.

Bigger venues will have stronger requirements.

The law is named after Martyn Hett who was killed in the Manchester Arena attack.

During the debate in the Commons, �鶹�� Secretary Yvette Cooper said that the law should balance "protection of life with protection of our way of life".

More than 100 venues, including McDonald's have signed a letter supporting the law.

SIA confirmed as Martyn's Law regulator

Polly Jones — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 08:47:28 +0000

It has been revealed that the Security Industry Authority (SIA) will take on the responsibilities of the Martyn’s Law Regulator.

In a statement, the SIA welcomed the decision and said they fully appreciate the significance of Martyn’s Law and the important role the Martyn’s Law Regulator will have.

The statement highlighted that the new responsibility will be separately funded and emphasised that it must not compromise the SIA's existing regulatory role in public protection licensing regulated private security roles.

Heather Baily, chair, and Michelle Russell, chief executive, said: "We look forward to working with the �鶹�� Office on the implementation of Martyn’s Law, once the Bill and its content has been scrutinised and approved by Parliament."

Martyn's Law begins passage through parliament

Polly Jones — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 14:18:34 +0000

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill - Martyn's Law - has been introduced to parliament.

The bill aims to increase preparedness for and protection from, terrorist attacks at public venues.

The legislation is named after Martyn Hett, who along with 21 other people was killed in the Manchester Arena attack. His mother, Figen Murray, has been campaigning for legislation and recently walked from Manchester to London to raise awareness.

The law will require those responsible for premises and public events to take appropriate action to strengthen public safety, with requirements reflecting the size of the venue and the activity taking place.

�鶹�� Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said: "Martyn’s Law has been a long time coming.

"I want to pay tribute to Figen Murray and her campaign team who have tirelessly worked to make this happen.

"This legislation will strengthen public safety, help protect staff and the public from terrorism and ensure we learn the lessons from the terrible Manchester Arena attack and the inquiry that followed. It is important we now take this forward through Parliament in Martyn’s memory and to help keep people safe.

Figen Murray, mother of Martyn Hett, said: "I want to thank everyone who has played a part in getting the bill to this stage, and especially the Prime Minister, who gave me his word that he would act quickly to introduce Martyn’s Law. He said he would act quickly and he has.

"Today means we are one step closer to making public spaces safer for everyone. It is also hugely important for my family that Martyn’s Law will be on the statute book ahead of the next anniversary of Martyn’s death."

As expected, the law includes a tiered approach, linked to the size of the venue, how many people will be there and the activity taking place.

Standard tier will apply to locations with a capacity of more than 200 people but under 800. Those falling into this tier will be asked to undertake simple yet effective activities to put in place procedures to reduce harm to the public in the event of an attack. This could include training staff to lock doors, close shutters and identify a safe route to cover.

The enhanced tier will apply to to premises and events with a capacity of more than 800 individuals. Measures required here will include CCTV or hiring security staff.

Once the bill has completed its journey through parliament, business will be provided support and time to understand and implement the new regulations. This will also allow time for the new regulator to be established. Dedicated guidance will be available for those affected, so that they have the required information on what they need to do and how best to do it.

Security minister, Dan Jarvis, said: "We are determined to strengthen security at public events and venues and passing Martyn’s Law will be vital step forward in this objective.

"Today’s bill is the result of a considerable amount of consultation, consideration and collaboration. I look forward to working with colleagues in Parliament to deliver this important legislation."

Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Matt Jukes, said: "Through Martyn’s Law we can ensure that the public have additional protection from terrorist attacks while at events and public venues. Counter Terrorism Policing welcomes today’s bill and we look forward to seeing it progress through Parliament.

"We’re all inspired by and motivated by the experience of victims and survivors. Figen Murray has campaigned tirelessly for Martyn’s Law and it’s thanks to her unwavering determination that we are one step closer to ensuring the public has additional protection in the form of this legislation.

"We will continue to work with the public, with businesses, and with the government to ensure that when a terrorist attack takes place we have the right mitigations in place that will prevent other families from experiencing those tragedies."

Martyn's Law listed in King's Speech

Polly Jones — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 15:31:51 +0000

King Charles has set out the new government's plans in a speech to Parliament.

39 bills were outlined in the speech which the government plans to pass in the next parliamentary session.

Martyn's Law has been listed as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill and it will require venues to put measures in place to deal with the threat of terrorism.

Police will be able to use counter-terror powers to handle gangs smuggling people to the UK, through the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill.

The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill is aimed at protecting critical infrastructure from attackers.

A bill is included to set up an Armed Forces Commissioner, which would have powers to inspect faulty kit and military accommodation.

Sir Keir Starmer promises to introduce Martyn's Law

Polly Jones — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 09:31:18 +0000

With most of the general election results declared, Labour are set to win a landslide victory.

At the time of writing, with five seats left to declare, Labour have won 411 seats, a gain of 210 seats, with the Conservatives dropping to 199, with a loss of 249. The Lib Dems have gained 63 seats bringing their total to 71.

While polling third in terms of number of votes across the country, Reform UK have only won four seats - the same number as the Green Party and Plaid Cymru. Nigel Farage has become an MP for the first time.

Former Prime Minister Liz Truss has lost her seat, along with Penny Mordaunt and Jacob Rees-Mogg.

Defence secretary Grant Shapps and veterans minister Johnny Mercer have lost their seats, while security minister Tom Tugendhat held on to his.

Prior to the general election, leader of the Labour Party, Sir Keir Starmer wrote to Martn's Law campaigner Figen Murray promising to introduce Martyn's Law at the earliest possible opportunity.

In the letter, he said: "Having met with you and many of the other survivors of terror attacks, I know how personal and deeply felt this campaign is.

"The bravery and dedication you have shown in campaigning for changes to the law, so that others do not have to go through what you have, is incredible.

"Labour have been consistent in supporting the government in bringing forward Martyn's Law. So it is shameful that, five years on from the legislation first being proposed, it has still not been brought forward.

He continued: "I promised you when we met that I would make good on my commitment that a Labour Government will introduce Martyn's Law at the earliest possible opportunity. I meant that and I will honour that promise.

"This is a manifesto commitment and a personal pledge from me."