SIA launches consultation on section 12 guidance for Martyn’s Law

Image courtesy SIA

The guidance sets out how the SIA intends to carry out its role as regulator for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, known as Martyn’s Law. The new law is expected to come into force in Spring 2027.

Martyn’s Law – named in memory of Martyn Hett, who was one of 22 people killed in the horrific Manchester Arena terrorist attack – aims to keep people safe by ensuring that publicly accessible premises and events are better prepared and protected in the event of an attack. It also requires certain larger premises to take appropriate steps to reduce their vulnerability to a potential terrorist attack. The new law follows extensive campaigning by Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray OBE.

The SIA’s draft section 12 guidance explains how the regulator plans to operate and use its powers, taking a supportive, proportionate and risk‑based approach. It sets out:

• that the SIA’s regulatory approach will be driven by its public protection objectives
• how the SIA will provide guidance to help premises comply with the law
• when the SIA may provide tailored regulatory advice in response to specific compliance concerns
• how the SIA’s powers to obtain and share information will work
• how the SIA will carry out inspections and assessments of compliance documents
• how the SIA will address non‑compliance, including how it will make compliance decisions, when it may use enforcement powers and how financial penalties will be set

The SIA’s draft guidance is being published alongside the Home Office’s final section 27 statutory guidance, also released today.

The Home Office’s section 27 guidance – not part of the SIA’s consultation – explains what those responsible for premises and events must do to comply with the Act.

The SIA’s section 12 guidance complements this by setting out how the regulator intends to oversee and support compliance.

The SIA intends to publish further practical information about its operational processes, including how and when responsible persons should notify the SIA that they are in scope of Martyn’s Law, which is one of the Act’s requirements, once its online notification system has been built, nearer to commencement.

Laura Gibb, Executive Director for Martyn’s Law at the SIA, said: "This consultation is an important opportunity for all premises and events in scope of Martyn’s Law to engage with us directly and understand how we intend to regulate when Martyn’s Law comes into force in Spring 2027.

"We would like your views on the elements of the SIA’s guidance that set out our intended approach and how we propose to operate against the framework set out in the legislation. We would also welcome views on whether the guidance is understandable and easy to follow."

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 3rd April 2025. The Home Office has confirmed there will be an implementation period of at least 24 months. The Home Office will confirm the exact date of commencement of Martyn’s Law via Parliament.

The SIA consultation on section 12 guidance for Martyn’s Law will close at 11:59pm on Friday 12th June. To take part, please visit the SIA’s consultation webpage: www.gov.uk/government/consultations/martyns-law-draft-section-12-statutory-guidance