The draft Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill (aka “Martyn’s Law”) will impose requirements in relation to certain premises and events to increase their preparedness for, and protection from, a terrorist attack by requiring them to take proportionate steps to deal with any terrorist threat, depending on the size and nature of the activities that take place at the premises. Almost all of the provisions of the Bill, once enacted, will apply to the whole of the UK. The detailed requirements will be set out in Regulations under the legislation: at the current rate of progress, I would expect to see them at some point in 2025.

On 5 February, the Home Office launched a further consultation on smaller premises which would fall within the standard tier under the draft Bill, targeted at organisations, businesses, local and public authorities and individuals that own or operate publicly accessible premises or events that the Bill will potentially affect. The ProtectUK website has a helpful explainer on the current state of play, here. Continue reading →