What is Martyn's Law?
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, known as Martyn's Law, received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025. It follows the 2017 Manchester Arena attack and is named after Martyn Hett, one of the 22 people killed, whose mother Figen Murray campaigned for it. For the first time, it sets a legal minimum for how public premises and events prepare for a terrorist attack, across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) will regulate it.
Who does it apply to?
- Standard tier: premises where 200 to 799 people can reasonably be expected at the same time, such as many schools, places of worship, community halls, shops, pubs and smaller venues.
- Enhanced tier: premises and events with 800 or more people, such as larger venues, stadiums and big events.
- Schools and colleges: early years, primary, secondary and further education settings stay in the standard tier, even if 800 or more people are on site.
Not sure if your site is in scope? We can talk it through during a free survey.
What you will need to do
Standard tier premises must tell the SIA they are responsible for the premises and have public protection procedures covering evacuation, invacuation (bringing people inside to safety), lockdown and communicating with people on site. Enhanced tier premises must also put public protection measures in place, such as monitoring, controlling movement and physical security, and document how they comply.
How we help
- Lockdown alert systems: a distinct alarm, different from your fire alarm, triggered from push buttons, fobs or an app, so everyone knows to lock down rather than evacuate.
- Invacuation and evacuation signals: clear, separate tones or voice messages for each response.
- Door locking and access control: lock doors across the site from one button, and control who comes in.
- PA and voice announcements: tell people exactly what to do and where to go.
- CCTV: see what is happening and where, to guide your response.
- Mobile alerts: send instant alerts to staff phones.
Schools and Martyn's Law
Schools are expected to have lockdown procedures already, and many will fall within Martyn's Law. A lockdown signal must never be confused with the fire alarm: staff and pupils need to know instantly whether to get out or stay in. Because we also install fire alarms, access control, CCTV and visitor management, we plan everything together so the signals and doors work as one. See also security for schools.
How it works
- Survey: we visit your site and review entrances, buildings and your current procedures.
- Design: we recommend a lockdown and alert system to match your procedures and tier.
- Install: fitted around your working or school day.
- Train and test: we show staff how to trigger and respond, and help you test it.
