March 15, 2025
Martyn’s Law: Enhancing Public Safety
Comprehensive guide to the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025
What Is Martyn’s Law?
Martyn’s Law, officially called the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, was introduced following the tragic Manchester Arena bombing in 2017, in which 22 people lost their lives, including Martyn Hett. The law aims to ensure publicly accessible venues are better prepared to deal with the risk of terrorism and attacks.
The legislation applies to venues across the UK and introduces security requirements based on the size and nature of a premises. Whether it’s a stadium, shopping centre, hospital, theatre, or school making those responsible to take appropriate steps to keep the public safe whilst using their venue and facilities and avoid further attacks and harm to the public including loss of life.
Timeline of Martyn’s Law
- May 2017: Manchester Arena attack
- 2019–2023: Figen Murray campaigns for new legislation
- April 2025: Martyn’s Law receives Royal Assent
- Expected Enforcement: April 2027 (24-month implementation period)
Martyn’s Law is now law and venues and public spaces have until April 2027 to have their plans and solutions in place.
Who Must Comply?
Martyn’s Law applies to publicly accessible premises across all sectors with a capacity of 100 people or more, including:
Covered Venues
The law establishes two compliance tiers:
Standard Tier (200–799 capacity)
- Conduct terrorism risk assessments
- Develop and implement security plans
- Provide staff training on emergency procedures
Enhanced Tier (800+ capacity)
- All Standard Tier requirements
- Implement advanced security measures, such as CCTV and controlled access
- Establish clear communication systems for incident response
Education Settings: What You Need to Know
Schools, nurseries, colleges, and other educational premises have specific treatment under the law:
Special Consideration for Education
Even if a school or college has less than 100 or more than 800 people on site, it remains in the Standard Tier. This decision reflects the practical and safeguarding realities of education settings.
Education Premises Must:
- Complete a basic terrorism risk assessment
- Develop and maintain an emergency plan (e.g. lockdown, evacuation, invacuation)
- Train staff on how to respond to an incident
- Communicate effectively with staff and pupils during emergencies
These measures are designed to be practical and proportionate. The government has confirmed that schools will not be required to hire security consultants or install specialist infrastructure unless deemed necessary by their own assessments.
Be prepared. Be compliant. Protect what matters.
At Netgenium, we support organisations in meeting the requirements of Martyn’s Law through intelligent, network-based safety and communication solutions.
Our IP Lockdown Solutions
Our solutions include:
- Real-time lockdown alerts via IP speakers, screens, and beacons
- Zoned audio messaging and automated instructions
- Integration with existing infrastructure for rapid deployment
- Easy-to-use interfaces for staff across all types of venues
Whether you’re preparing for Standard or Enhanced Tier compliance, Netgenium can provide a tailored approach to support your readiness.
Ready to Get Started?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called “Martyn’s Law” instead of a generic terrorism law?
It’s named after Martyn Hett, one of the victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing. His mother, Figen Murray, led a national campaign to introduce the legislation, making this a rare example of victim-led counterterrorism law in the UK.
Who enforces Martyn’s Law and what are the penalties for non-compliance?
Enforcement is expected to be handled by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or a newly established authority. Venues that fail to comply may face fines, improvement notices, or legal action, similar to fire safety legislation enforcement.
Will fire alarms or existing PA systems be enough for compliance?
Not necessarily. Most fire alarms only signal evacuation and can’t differentiate between types of emergencies. Martyn’s Law encourages clear, tailored instructions (e.g. lockdown or invacuation), which require systems capable of targeted and varied messaging.
Are physical building changes required, like installing barriers or security doors?
Generally no. Martyn’s Law is focused on planning, communication, and training — not physical infrastructure. However, Enhanced Tier venues with high public footfall may choose to upgrade physical security where proportionate to the risk.