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Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025

Background

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, also known as Martyn’s Law, received Royal Assent on Thursday 3 April 2025.

The new Act will ensure the public are better protected from terrorism by requiring certain public premises and events to be prepared and ready to keep people safe in the event of an attack.

The Government had said there will be an implementation period of at least 24 months before the Act comes into force. This period will enable those responsible for premises and events to have sufficient time to understand their new obligations, and to plan and prepare accordingly.

Whilst those that fall within scope of the Act may wish to consider the requirements, there is no requirement to comply with them until the legislation comes into force.

 

 

Home Office Guidance

The Home Office has published statutory and non-statutory guidance to explain core concepts and enable those responsible for premises and events to determine whether they fall within the scope of the legislation and how to comply with legal duties.  This guidance can be viewed online here.

The Home Office has also released a myth buster and a one-page leaflet aimed at clarifying the Act’s scope and dispelling common misconceptions.  These are available to download under Documents.

Security Industry Authority (SIA) Role

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) will be responsible for fulfilling the regulatory functions set out in the Act.  The SIA is a Home Office arm’s length body established by the Private Security Industry Act 2001 (PSIA) as the regulator of the private security industry.

The SIA will have powers to authorise individuals to inspect premises and events, and to obtain information. It will use these powers to determine whether responsible persons are complying with the requirements of the Act.

The SIA is required to publish guidance under section 12 of the Act, setting out how it intends to oversee and support compliance.

The SIA is currently consulting on a draft of the guidance it intends to publish under section 12.  To read the draft guidance and respond to the consultation, please visit the SIA website here:  Martyn’s Law: draft section 12 statutory guidance

Further information

Those responsible for premises and events may wish to visit the Protect UK website.  Here you will find more information on Martyn’s Law alongside free advice, guidance and learning to help you understand protective security and improve your response to the risk of terrorism.

Further detailed information can be found in the factsheets available on the Home Office website.

Links to the Protect UK website and the Home Office factsheets are provided under “Useful Links.”