Home Office publishes Section 27 Martyn’s Law guidance

The guidance sets out clear steps for businesses (including smaller premises such as shops and restaurants with a capacity for between 200 and 799 people) in order to ensure evacuation routes are in place and that staff know how to swiftly implement a lockdown in their building (as well as how to quickly communicate with customers should a terrorist attack occur).

Larger premises and events like concerts and sports stadiums, where 800 or more people could be present, will be required to take further steps to reduce their vulnerability to acts of terrorism (such as having surveillance systems in place, bag search policies or vehicle checks where appropriate).

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, widely known and referenced as Martyn’s Law, is named in tribute to Martyn Hett, one of the 22 victims of the horrific Manchester Arena terrorist attack that occurred in May 2017. It will come into effect after an implementation period of at least 24 months from the date of Royal Assent (granted in April last year), giving organisations time to understand their new obligations and prepare.

The major milestone comes as the threat from terrorism endures and evolves, with a rise in attacks from individuals who are not formally part of an existing terrorist group making it harder for the police to detect and investigate. Since the start of 2020, MI5 and the police service have disrupted 19 late-stage attack plots and intervened in many hundreds of developing threats.

Turning law into action

Security Minister Dan Jarvis observed: “Martyn’s Law will help to save lives by making sure venue teams are ready to act if the worst happens. The Section 27 guidance is a significant step towards turning the law into action, giving organisations clear and straightforward advice to protect the public.”

Jarvis added: “I pay tribute to Figen Murray OBE, whose dedication was instrumental in bringing this landmark law into existence.”

Figen Murray OBE, the mother of Martyn Hett, responded: “This represents another significant milestone for the Martyn’s Law campaign and will provide the clarity for venues and events within scope to begin to implement proportionate measures set out within Martyn’s Law. We must now ensure everyone’s aware of what’s required to make public spaces more secure from the impact of a terrorist attack such that no family has to endure the lasting pain that my own family and 21 others have gone through.”

By providing practical advice and clear instructions to meet the requirements set out in the Act of Parliament, the guidance empowers organisations to take proportionate steps to protect lives and improve emergency preparedness, in turn helping to keep both staff and visitors safe across the UK.

The guidance is designed to explain the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act’s requirements in a way that works for all and reflects the Government’s clear intent that those responsible for premises and events in scope can comply without needing to buy specialist or consultancy services. The guidance also provides advice and illustrative examples to help those with responsibilities under the legislation.

Important milestone

Michelle Russell, CEO of the Security Industry Authority (SIA), noted: “This is an important milestone. As the regulator of Martyn’s law, the SIA’s approach will be driven by public protection objectives. Our focus will be to ensure compliance with the requirements set out in the legislation and the Home Office’s Section 27 guidance.”

Russell added: “This guidance will enable us, as the independent regulator, to take decisions on whether premises and events in scope have taken the steps they need to comply and play our part in bringing about improvements to protective security across the UK.”

Jon Savell, Counter Terrorism Policing’s senior national co-ordinator for Protect and Prepare, explained: “This is legislation borne out of tragedy and from the tenacity of people personally affected by horrific events. We remain humbled by their drive to work with the relevant authorities to ensure what they went through will not happen to others.”

Further, Savell said: “Securing public spaces so that people can enjoy events and social activities free from the fear of the enduring threat of terrorism is something that Counter Terrorism Policing has long championed. As such, the new guidance from Government to help venues fulfil that legal duty is a welcome step forward.”

Savell concluded: “We know that it’s not a one-size-fits all when it comes to safety. Martyn’s Law takes account of that, with different measures depending on the size and type of venue. We will continue to support the implementation of this legislation as it’s introduced.”

Case Study

A Case Study for a 400-seater restaurant may resemble the following example:

*Evacuation: One route through the main entrance that leads on to a public pavement and another through a side door that leads into a different area.

*Invacuation: For example, bring individuals into the main restaurant area and, if needed, into a variety of staff areas.

*Lockdown: This could require nominated individuals knowing when (ie when their shift manager instructs them to) and how to quickly lock doors, close window shutters and turn off lights.

*Communication: This might be met by ensuring staff know who (eg the shift manager) will enact procedures and planning how to communicate with customers present at the restaurant should an attack occur.

*Training and awareness: Providing new members of staff with a short awareness briefing on the restaurant’s procedures at induction, alongside Health and Safety and fire safety inputs.

*Review: The procedures should be kept under appropriate review (for example, an annual review or when there’s any significant change in the restaurant’s set-up).

As the regulator for Martyn’s Law, the SIA will support, advise and guide those responsible for premises and events in meeting the requirements of this legislation, which delivers on the Prime Minister’s personal promise to Figen Murray OBE, who has very much been the driving force in campaigning for this legislation in her son’s memory.

Industry viewpoints 

Bob Eastwood, head of security and safety operations at the English Football League (EFL), stated: “We support this new guidance, which will play an important role in preparing EFL clubs and other organisations for compliance with the requirements of Martyn’s Law. We believe the guidance to be proportionate and deliverable for our clubs as part of their ongoing and vital work to prepare staff and keep attendees at their matches safe.”

Michael Kill, CEO of the Night-Time Industries Association and also chair of the UK Door Security Association, observed: “The release of the guidance for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, known as Martyn’s Law, marks an important step forward in strengthening the safety and resilience of public spaces across the UK. It provides a clear and proportionate framework to help venues better prepare for and respond to the evolving threat of terrorism.”

He continued: “The Night-Time Industries Association, alongside key stakeholders, has worked closely with the Home Office and Government partners to help shape guidance that’s both practical and accessible for businesses of all sizes. Ensuring the voice of the sector has been reflected throughout has been critical to making the framework workable on the ground.

We welcome this collaborative approach and the commitment shown across industry and Government to make this right.”

Kill concluded: “We will continue to support our members in understanding and implementing the requirements, in turn helping to build a safer and more prepared night-time economy while protecting the vibrancy that defines it.”

Lucy Whing, operations policy lead at the British Retail Consortium, noted: “Retailers are committed to keeping people safe. This new guidance is a valuable step in helping businesses to prepare for potential threats.”

Anne Marie Chebib, chair of the United Kingdom Crowd Management Association, said: “We’re pleased to have been so closely involved in this process, representing the perspectives and experiences of our members. We are grateful for the strong collaboration and engagement from both our members and industry partners, which has played a vital role in reaching this stage.”

Chebib added: “Looking ahead, we’re committed to continuing our work with both our membership and the wider industry to ensure the key outcomes and implications are fully understood. We recognise that these developments may bring both opportunities and challenges. That being so, we will play an active role in supporting stakeholders as they navigate and respond to the changes.”

*Read the Home Office’s Section 27 guidance online