Why Martyn’s Law Exists (history & purpose)

Legislative History • UK Protect Duty

Why Martyn’s Law Exists

Martyn’s Law exists because lives were lost and venues were unprepared. It is now law in the UK — officially passed in April 2025 as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act. This timeline tracks the journey from advocacy to full enforcement.

The Origins

The story begins on 22 May 2017 during the Manchester Arena bombing, where 22 people lost their lives, including Martyn Hett. His mother, Figen Murray, began campaigning so this kind of unpreparedness would never happen again. If you want to know what businesses must do today, see From Legislation to Action.

Roadmap to Full Law Enforcement
May 2017 Manchester Arena attack occurs.
2018–2020 Public campaign for “Martyn’s Law” begins.
Feb 2021 UK Government confirms intent to introduce Protect Duty.
May 2023 Draft Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill published.
April 2025 Passed as Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025.
Late 2025 Standard Duty guidance released (venues 200–799 capacity).
2026 Enhanced Duty guidance finalized (venues 800+ capacity).
By 2027 Full enforcement and penalties for non-compliance active.

From Advocacy to Legislation

What began as a public petition turned into official policy. Survivors, security experts, and campaigners worked closely with the government to ensure the law was practical, effective, and focused on saving lives.

Core Objectives

  • Mandate venues to plan for evacuation, invacuation, and lockdown.
  • Ensure staff are trained to communicate and act quickly under extreme stress.
  • Reduce potential harm through preparation, rather than heavy policing.

The Responsibility of Business

The law does not target the general public; it places the legal responsibility on the organisations and venues that invite the public onto their premises. To see the specific actions required for your venue, visit From Legislation to Action.

Looking Toward 2027

By 2027, the public will expect visible safety measures in the same way they expect to see fire exits and extinguishers. This evolution is about more than just compliance—it’s about building a culture of safety. See Beyond Fines and Reputation.

© 2026 Camelott® Digital Ltd | Compliance V2.1

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