CIEH welcomes the passing of ‘Martyn’s Law’ in fight to make venues better prepared to respond to terrorist attacks

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) has welcomed the passing of ‘Martyn’s Law’ into legislation which will help strengthen security at public events and venues.

Officially known as The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 it will require public premises where 200 or more individuals may be present, to be better prepared and have plans in place to keep people safe in the event of a terrorist attack.

The Act was named as ‘Martyn’s Law’ after Martyn Hett. who was one of the 22 people killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing attack and whose mother Figen Murray has been instrumental in campaigning for the new security measures.

As the Bill progressed through Parliament, CIEH argued that the event safety expertise of environmental health professionals will be central to the operational success.

A regulator will be established through a new function of the Security Industry Authority (SIA), which will support, advise and guide those responsible for premises and events in meeting the requirements of this legislation.

While welcoming the Bill being given royal assent, CIEH is continuing its call for a commitment from the Government that it will require the SIA ensure ongoing communication with other regulators in the safety sector such as Environmental Health Practitioners, whom CIEH represents.

Mark Elliott, President of CIEH, said:

“The passing of Martyn’s Law into legislation is a milestone in the work to ensure everyone can enjoy public events more safely and that venues across the UK have the necessary measures in place to keep people protected from harm.

“Environmental health professionals play a key role in ensuring that events are conducted safely, working alongside event organisers to develop comprehensive plans, ensuring regulatory compliance.

“Their expertise will be vital in making sure this critical piece of legislation is delivered effectively, and we look forward to hearing more from the SIA about how this will be implemented in the coming months.”