What councils need to know about Martyn’s Law

Written by Nathan Emmerich for The MJ, February 2026

The introduction of counter terrorism legislation - Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 -  commonly referred to as Martyn’s Law, will strengthen the way venue owners and event organisers safeguard the public against potential terrorist threats. 

Martyn’s Law mandates a proactive approach to security, requiring venues to implement proportionately robust measures. It establishes a two-tiered system for venues to better understand and respond to terrorist threats. Standard tier requirements apply to venues with a capacity between 200 and 799 and require baseline security protocols, such as bag searches. Enhanced tier requirements apply to venues with a capacity greater than 800 and require comprehensive safety protocols. 

The legislation will apply to all councils which operate venues within the remits of standard and enhanced tiers, including leisure centres, libraries, theatres and village halls. It is important to note that venues with a capacity less than 200 or events located outdoors, such as Christmas Markets, do not come under the remit of the legislation. 

The Government has set out an implementation period of 24 months for venue owners and event organisers to prepare for the enactment of Martyn’s Law, which is expected to take effect from April or May 2027. 

Since Royal Assent was received on 3 April 2025 there has been a swathe of businesses and rogue operators claiming to provide “Martyn’s Law compliant” training or products. Whilst it is important that councils and local authorities are proactively considering measures to strengthen security, there is not yet any requirement to pay consultants for services until the Home Office provides further clarity on the mandated requirements. 

In the coming months the Home Office will publish its Section 27. guidance which will set out details including who constitutes as a ‘responsible person’ for the venue, public protection procedures, and the documentation and training requirements.

At the same time, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) will publish its Section 12. guidance which will provide advice on compliance with Martyn's Law. The SIA will be launching a consultation for those working in and around the security sector to contribute to. 

In the meantime, there is much to be done at no cost. Council staff can complete free ACT e-learning training via ProtectUK, or by conducting simple risk assessments at venues. Martyn’s Law will require plans to invacuate, evacuate and lockdown premises in the event of an attack. In many instances, councils will already have similar plans aligning with fire safety and health and safety regulations. 

Martyn’s Law will save lives and make the spaces our communities enjoy safer. Councils already lead the way on safeguarding their communities and many councils have already established local partnerships to train businesses. 

It is important to add context to the terrorist threat in Britain. Last year we witnessed another horrific terror attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester, which resulted in the death of two innocent Jews. In this instance the bravery of people attending the synagogue saved lives when they locked the building, preventing further casualties. 

The subsequent conviction of two individuals following plans to commit what could have been "the UK's most deadly terrorist attack", as described by Greater Manchester Police, also demonstrate the evolving threats facing our local communities, especially religious minorities. 

While central government funding reductions since 2010 have posed significant challenges to the delivery of services, councils continue to play a central and critical role in safeguarding communities and local businesses. 

The success of Martyn’s Law depends on the collective efforts of the Government, local authorities, businesses, and community organisations working together to prepare and respond effectively to potential threats. 

The Home Office is actively seeking engagement with local authorities ahead of enactment. It will be important for organisations such as the Local Government Association to step up and use their platform to share best practice and to inform councils on the latest developments. 

Clear details on Martyn’s Law can be found via the gov.uk Home Office website, including a factsheet and guidance for different sectors, including education and local government.