Martyn’s Law has officially become law after receiving Royal Assent, following a six-year campaign.
The landmark legislation means that venues and events will be better prepared to respond to terrorist attacks. It follows six years of determined campaigning by Figen Murray OBE to ensure lessons were learned from the 2017 Manchester Arena terror attack in which her son, Martyn Hett, was one of the 22 victims who tragically lost their lives.
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 will require public premises where 200 or more individuals may be present, to be better prepared and have plans in place to keep people safe in the event of an attack.
Larger premises and events where 800 or more people will be present will be required to take further steps to reduce their vulnerability to acts of terrorism – such as having CCTV, bag search policies or vehicle checks where appropriate.
Now Martyn’s Law has been signed by the King, venues will have a two-year implementation period to become fully compliant.
Personal promise
The prime minister made a personal promise to Murray that he would bring in the law, and invited her into Downing Street on Thursday (3 April) to thank her for her work in creating a lasting legacy for her son.
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.
"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."
Figen Murray, mother of Martyn Hett, 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 six 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."
Inspirational
Home secretary Yvette Cooper said: "Martyn’s Law will significantly strengthen public safety across our country, I’d like to thank Figen Murray for her tireless work to make this law a reality.
"As the eighth anniversary of the attack approaches, this new law delivers upon the lessons from the Manchester Arena Inquiry to keep people safe."
Security minister Dan Jarvis said: "I am proud that we have delivered Martyn’s Law as part of our commitment to strengthen the security at public events and venues.
"I would like to pay tribute to Figen Murray, who has been nothing short of inspirational in her campaign for this legislation and a driving force in making it happen."
ICC Wales has welcomed the passing of Martyn’s Law and commended Murray on her tireless work. The venue has been a strong advocate for Martyn’s Law since early
2022, supporting Murray’s mission for venues to step up their security provision
to keep staff and visitors safe from harm.
The venue has led industry-wide initiatives to educate and
advocate for safety measures, including chairing working groups, organising
masterclasses, and developing resources to close knowledge gaps.
“Martyn’s Law is a significant step forward in making venues
safer for everyone, and we wholeheartedly welcome this new legislation,” said
Julie Hammond, chief executive of ICC Wales and The Celtic Collection.
“At ICC Wales we have always placed security at the heart of
our operations, and we are proud to have supported Figen Murray in her quest to
bring about this change. Her unwavering dedication has been truly inspirational
and today marks a momentous achievement for her and for public safety across
the UK.”
