Anti-terror legislation, known as Martyn’s Law, gained Royal Assent today (3 April) and has been written into British law.
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 requires venues where 200 or more individuals may be present, to be better prepared and have plans in place to keep people safe in the event of an attack.
Larger premises and events where 800 or more people will be present are required to take further steps to reduce their vulnerability to acts of terrorism – such as having CCTV coverage of all public areas, all events assessed against risk, bag checking and access monitoring in place for all public events, Action Counter Terrorism training for all staff, and all floor management staff to be Security Industry Authority trained by the end of 2025.
This landmark new legislation follows six years of determined campaigning by Figen Murray OBE (pictured) to ensure lessons are learned from the 2017 Manchester Arena terror attack in which her son, Martyn Hett, was one of the 22 victims who tragically lost their lives.
ICC Wales has been a strong advocate for Martyn’s Law since early 2022, supporting Murray’s mission for venues to step up their security provision to keep staff and visitors safe from harm.
Julie Hammond, chief executive of ICC Wales and The Celtic Collection welcomed today’s news. She said: “At ICC Wales we have always placed security at the heart of our operations, and we are proud to have supported Figen Murray in her quest to bring about this change. Her unwavering dedication has been truly inspirational and today marks a momentous achievement for her and for public safety across the UK.”
Now Martyn’s Law has been signed by the King, venues will have a two-year implementation period to become fully compliant.
