10 Apr 2025
Update on the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, also known as Martyn’s Law.
If you receive sales invites to attend or receive training on the new law and how to be compliant, the message from the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (counter terrorism) is don’t spend your money yet.
Why? Because official guidance is being drafted and until it is published, no one is in a position to offer training on the interpretation of the Act. There is no requirement to comply with the Act until the legislation comes into force.
The law received Royal Assent on Thursday 3 April. It is expected that the implementation phase will be at least 24 months. Preparation includes establishing the regulator function within the Security Industry Authority (SIA), as well as ensuring there is time for businesses, premises and events to prepare for the legislation coming into force.
Two sets of statutory guidance is being drafted. The first, to be published by the Home Office will assist those responsible to understand how they can meet the requirements of the legislation. The second, published by the SIA, will provide operational guidance as to how the regulator will discharge its duties.
Until the guidance is ready the Unit continues to signpost people to both Martyn’s Law | ProtectUK, Martyn’s Law Update – Government publish legislation draft | ProtectUK and Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025: factsheets – GOV.UK Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025: factsheets – GOV.UK These sites will provide updates as to when the requirements of the Act will come into force.
What can every business do to be aware of how to protect your business, staff and customers from acts of terrorism and how to respond in an emergency?
Give you and staff confidence to do what is needed as part of you everyday security activity.
Get your staff teams to do the short, free, online ACT training – Action Counters Terrorism: E-Learning | ProtectUK
Take the steps to protect:
- Read Advice & Guidance
- Complete Security Risk management
- Engage in the conversation