Martyn’s Law History: Why the Law Exists
From the Manchester Arena attack to the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025
Martyn’s Law history begins with the Manchester Arena terrorist attack on 22 May 2017, the campaign led by Figen Murray after the death of her son Martyn Hett, and the later recommendation that legislation should improve preparedness at publicly accessible premises and events.
Current position: the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025. Its substantive duties are not yet in force. The SIA currently expects commencement in spring 2027, with the exact date still to be confirmed.
The Manchester Arena attack and the origins of Martyn’s Law
On 22 May 2017, a terrorist detonated a bomb at Manchester Arena as people were leaving an Ariana Grande concert. Twenty-two people were killed, including Martyn Hett.
Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray, went on to campaign for legislation that would place clearer preparedness duties on qualifying publicly accessible premises and events. The law that ultimately followed is commonly known as Martyn’s Law in tribute to her son.
The legislation was also developed in the context of the Manchester Arena Inquiry. The Home Office has stated that the Protect Duty consultation and later draft legislation responded in part to the Inquiry’s recommendation for legislation to improve the safety and security of public venues.
Martyn’s Law timeline
The law developed over several years through campaigning, consultation, draft legislation, Parliamentary consideration, Royal Assent and implementation guidance.
Manchester Arena terrorist attack
Twenty-two people were killed in the attack, including Martyn Hett. Figen Murray subsequently campaigned for stronger preparedness requirements at public venues.
Protect Duty consultation opens
The Home Office opened a public consultation on proposals for a Protect Duty. The consultation ran until 2 July 2021.
Draft Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill published
The Government published draft legislation known as Martyn’s Law for pre-legislative scrutiny.
Further consultation and revised legislation
The Government consulted further on the proposed Standard Tier requirements and continued to revise the legislative approach before the Bill proceeded through Parliament.
Royal Assent
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 received Royal Assent, placing Martyn’s Law on the statute book.
Statutory guidance published
The Home Office published statutory guidance under section 27 of the Act to help Responsible Persons determine scope and understand their duties. The guidance has since been updated, including in August 2026.
SIA regulator guidance published
The Security Industry Authority published guidance explaining its role as the regulator and how organisations can prepare during the implementation period.
Substantive duties expected to commence
The SIA currently expects commencement in spring 2027. The exact date has not yet been confirmed, so organisations should not describe the duties as already in force.
What was the legislation designed to change?
The central idea is preparedness: qualifying premises and events should have proportionate arrangements that can be put into action if a terrorist attack is suspected or taking place.
Clear responsibility
The Act identifies a Responsible Person for premises or events in scope, rather than leaving preparedness as an undefined shared responsibility.
Practical procedures
Public protection procedures cover evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication, so far as is reasonably practicable.
Proportionate duties
Standard Tier and Enhanced Tier have different requirements. Enhanced Tier premises and qualifying events have additional duties for public protection measures, documentation and governance.
A regulator
The Act establishes the Security Industry Authority as the regulator responsible for overseeing the Martyn’s Law regime once the relevant provisions commence.
What Martyn’s Law does not mean
Understanding the history also helps separate the purpose of the Act from claims that go beyond what the legislation actually requires.
- It does not require every public venue to buy a dedicated lockdown alarm.
- It does not prescribe one commercial training course for all organisations.
- It does not mean Standard Tier and Enhanced Tier have identical paperwork requirements.
- It does not require organisations to advertise detailed security arrangements to the public.
- The substantive duties are not yet in force as of September 2026.
What should organisations do during the implementation period?
The implementation period gives organisations time to understand whether they are in scope and prepare without pretending that the statutory duties have already commenced.
- Check whether the premises or event is within scope and which tier applies.
- Identify the Responsible Person and any co-ordination required with others.
- Review evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication procedures.
- For Enhanced Tier, consider the additional measures, documentation and governance requirements.
- Make sure people with responsibilities understand what they are expected to do.
- Review any equipment relied on to support the procedures.
For a practical step-by-step version, see Martyn’s Law Responsibilities: From Legislation to Action .
Official sources for the Martyn’s Law history
For legal status and dates, use current government and regulator material rather than relying on older draft-Bill summaries.
From the history to practical preparation
The history explains why the legislation was created; the next question is what it means for an individual premises or event. Camelott® has separate guidance covering scope, responsibilities, planning and the role of lockdown communication.
General information only. Timeline and legal status checked against current Home Office and SIA material available in September 2026. This is not legal advice.