The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, commonly referred to as Martyn’s Law, is intended to improve protective security and organisational preparedness across the UK. The Act requires certain premises and events to ensure steps have been taken to prepare for potential terrorist attacks and get ready to help keep people safe in the event of an attack. In addition, certain larger premises and events will be required to consider and, where appropriate, take steps to reduce their vulnerability to acts of terrorism.
This page offers an overview of the Act’s scope and outlines the criteria for premises and events to be in scope.
Which premises are in scope?
The criteria for ‘qualifying premises’ are set out in section 2 of the Act. Premises that satisfy the following four criteria fall within scope of the Act:
- The site meets the definition of premises within the Act
- The premises are wholly or mainly used for one or more of the uses specified in schedule 1 to the Act
- It is reasonable to expect that from time to time 200 or more individuals may be present on the premises at the same time
- The premises are not excluded from being in scope of the Act, as specified in part 1 of schedule 2 to the Act.
For more detailed information on qualifying premises please refer to chapter 4 of the statutory guidance.
Which premises are excluded under Schedule 2, and why?
Schedule 2 excludes for certain types of premises, such as certain transport premises and premises occupied by Parliament and the devolved legislatures both of which have different protective security frameworks in place. It also excludes some open-air premises, which might otherwise be captured within scope, e.g. parks. Premises that meet the conditions set out in Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Act are not ‘qualifying premises’ under the legislation.
What events are within scope?
An event that satisfies the following criteria falls within scope of the Act:
- It will take place at a premises as defined in section 3(1) of the Act, i.e. a building, other land or a building and other land. This is a wider definition than that applied to qualifying premises as it also includes land without buildings, such as parks;
- The event is accessible to the public;
- The event takes place at premises that are not already covered by the Act as enhanced tier premises;
- It is reasonable to expect at some point during the event that 800 or more individuals may be present on the premises at the same time;
- There will be access control measures in place to check entry conditions are met, such as a ticket checks; and
- The event is not taking place at premises excluded under Schedule 2 to the Act.
For more detailed information on qualifying events please refer to chapter 5 of the statutory guidance.