Martyn’s Law (Protect Duty)
Clear, proportionate guidance for duty holders
Martyn’s Law (Protect Duty)
Clear, Proportionate Guidance for Duty Holders
Martyn’s Law, formally the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, places a legal duty on those responsible for certain publicly accessible premises and qualifying events to take reasonable and proportionate steps to reduce vulnerability to terrorism and protect people in those spaces.
The legislation is intentionally risk-based, recognising that protective measures must be appropriate to the size, nature, and use of each premises or event.
Who the Duty Applies To
Martyn’s Law applies to organisations and individuals responsible for publicly accessible premises and qualifying events where people may reasonably be expected to be present.
This includes:
Local authorities and public bodies
Sports, leisure, and entertainment venues
Places of worship and community buildings
Education and healthcare settings
Retail, hospitality, and visitor attractions
The duty applies to the responsible person or duty holder—the individual or organisation with control over the premises or event.
Standard and Enhanced Duties
The Act introduces a tiered framework based on expected occupancy.
Standard Duty
Applies where 200–799 people may be present.
Focuses on:
Understanding relevant terrorism risk
Implementing simple, proportionate procedures
Improving staff awareness and preparedness
Enhanced Duty
Applies where 800 or more people may be present.
Requires:
More formal risk assessment and security planning
Documented protective measures
Clear governance and senior-level accountability
The Enhanced Duty reflects the increased risk and potential impact associated with larger or more complex premises and events.
What Martyn’s Law Requires in Practice
Martyn’s Law does not mandate specific security equipment or intrusive measures.
Instead, duty holders are expected to demonstrate that they have:
Considered relevant terrorism risks
Implemented reasonable and proportionate mitigations
Prepared staff to respond effectively
Established governance and documentation to show defensible decision-making
The emphasis is on good judgement, not over-securitisation.
How This Aligns With AR Advisory’s Services
AR Advisory provides independent security risk and governance advice aligned directly to Martyn’s Law requirements.
We support organisations to:
Understand Applicability
Clarify whether Martyn’s Law applies
Identify whether the Standard or Enhanced Duty is likely to apply
Assess Risk & Threat
Site-specific security risk and threat assessment
Consideration of people, place, activity, and environment
Plan Proportionate Measures
Protective security planning for public-facing settings
Advice on physical security, layout, access, deterrence, and resilience
Strengthen Governance
Policies, procedures, and governance documentation
Senior accountability and defensible decision-making
Prepare People
Executive, management, and staff awareness training
Clear roles, responsibilities, and escalation arrangements
Our approach is lawful, proportionate, and practical—protecting people while preserving openness and public trust.
Why Independent Advice Matters
Martyn’s Law places responsibility on decision-making, not just security measures.
Independent advice helps duty holders:
Avoid unnecessary or disproportionate controls
Demonstrate reasoned, auditable decisions
Stand up to regulatory, legal, and post-incident scrutiny
This is particularly important for councils, churches, community venues, and organisations operating publicly accessible premises.
Official Legislation
The full legislation is available via the UK Government:
Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2025/10/contents
Need Clarity on Your Responsibilities?
Unsure whether Martyn’s Law applies to your organisation?
Need confidence that your measures are proportionate and defensible?