Martyn’s Law: A Turning Point for the Health and Safety Industry

Martyn’s Law—formally known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025—represents a landmark shift in how the UK protects people in public spaces. Introduced to Parliament in September 2024 and formally passed into law in April 2025, the Act is currently in its preparation phase. It is expected to become enforceable from April 2027, giving venue owners, employers, and event organisers a minimum of 24 months to prepare.

This legislation was a key focus of the King’s Speech and was brought forward by the campaigning efforts of Figen Murray, whose son, Martyn Hett, tragically lost his life in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack. The law’s core purpose is to reduce the risk of harm from terrorism by embedding proportionate security and preparedness measures into the planning of public venues and events.

What Martyn’s Law Means for Health and Safety

Martyn’s Law extends beyond traditional security measures—it places a clear legal responsibility on organisations to incorporate terrorism threat planning into their existing health and safety management systems.

Health and Safety professionals will now be expected to:

Conduct terrorism-specific risk assessments.
Develop and maintain clear, rehearsed emergency response plans.
Establish protocols for evacuation, invacuation, and lockdown.
Ensure staff training and preparedness, not just in fire safety or first aid, but in identifying suspicious behaviour and managing terror-related incidents.

This goes far beyond a ‘tick box’ approach. It demands a cultural change in how we view public safety.

Tiered Approach to Responsibilities

Martyn’s Law introduces a tiered framework, based on the size and type of premises or events:

Standard Duty (200+ people)

Organisations must implement basic but effective measures:

A written risk assessment considering terrorism threats.
Staff awareness training (e.g. ACT e-learning).
Clear plans for communication, evacuation, and emergency roles.
Health and safety professionals will guide this process and ensure plans are practical, accessible, and proportionate to the size of the event.

Enhanced Duty (800+ people)

Larger venues or events must go further:

Produce a comprehensive and formally documented security plan.
Establish layers of security control, potentially including search regimes or CCTV monitoring.
Submit documentation to the Security Industry Authority (SIA) to demonstrate compliance.
Conduct training, drills, and joint exercises with security staff.

Role of the Health and Safety Practitioner

Martyn’s Law directly expands the remit of health and safety professionals. Their role now includes:

Integrating counter-terrorism planning into existing event or workplace safety plans.
Collaborating with security teams to align risk assessments and joint responses.
Designing accessible communication systems to function during emergencies, ensuring people with disabilities or access needs are properly accounted for.
Leading behavioural awareness training, so staff can recognise and respond to early warning signs.
Acting as a bridge between stakeholders, from venue owners to volunteers, ensuring unified and consistent emergency planning.

This is not optional or symbolic—it’s an operational necessity.

When Does Martyn’s Law Take Effect?

Passed: April 2025
Enforcement begins: April 2027 (earliest) – pending formal implementation regulations and SIA rollout.

This two-year window is a critical opportunity for organisations to:

Build understanding.
Complete training.
Test and refine emergency plans.
Embed terrorism preparedness into the organisational culture.

What’s Next for the Industry?

Martyn’s Law marks a major step forward in public safety regulation. It compels a shift in mindset—from reactive to preventative security planning.

For health and safety professionals, the challenge is clear: embed these new duties in a way that’s realistic, effective, and scalable. That means using your expertise to engage senior leaders, upskill frontline teams, and ensure that venues and events of all sizes are genuinely ready—not just on paper, but in practice.

Ultimately, Martyn’s Law reinforces what the health and safety community already values: protecting people through planning, leadership, and responsibility.