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Martyn's Law round-up: the regulator takes shape

Published

This week brings news on the SIA settling into its regulator role, its guidance consultation closing, and proposed tribunal rules. None of it changes the timeline — duties are still expected in spring 2027 — but it gives venues a clearer picture of what to prepare for.

The SIA as regulator

Several updates this week focus on the Security Industry Authority and its new job as the regulator for Martyn's Law. The SIA will oversee how the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 works in practice, including the notification process for premises in scope. That process is not yet live, so there is nothing to register today. There is also a profile of Debbie Bartlett OBE, reflecting leadership behind this work. For venues, the takeaway is simple: get to know who the regulator is and watch for official channels, so you recognise reliable information when the system goes live.

Guidance and consultation

The SIA's consultation on its Martyn's Law guidance has now closed. Consultations like this gather views before final guidance is published, so the wording and detail may still develop. Until that guidance is settled, treat what is available as a direction of travel rather than the final word. This is a good moment to familiarise yourself with the draft thinking and keep your preparation flexible, ready to align with the finished guidance when it arrives.

Proposed tribunal rules

There are proposed changes to tribunal rules covering applications under section 11 of the Act. This is part of building the legal and appeals machinery that sits behind the regime. It is process detail rather than something most venues need to act on now. It is worth noting only as a sign that the framework is being assembled steadily ahead of commencement.

What this means for the timeline

The Act received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025, but the duties are not in force yet. Commencement is expected in spring 2027, and the exact date is still to be confirmed. This week's developments are about setting up the system, not switching it on. The standard tier covers premises where 200 to 799 people may reasonably be expected at once, and the enhanced tier 800 or more, with staff included in the count. Use this period to understand which tier may apply to you and to build steady readiness, without any rush or pressure.

Sources

GOV.UK: Proposed Tribunal Rule changes for applications under section 11 of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/proposed-tribunal-rule-changes-for-applications-under-section-11-of-the-terrorism-protection-of-premises-act-2025

GOV.UK: SIA’s consultation on its Martyn's Law guidance closes https://www.gov.uk/government/news/sias-consultation-on-its-martyns-law-guidance-closes

GOV.UK: Martyn's Law and the SIA's role as regulator https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/martyns-law-and-the-sias-role-as-regulator

GOV.UK: Martyn's Law: what comes next and how to get involved https://www.gov.uk/government/news/martyns-law-what-comes-next-and-how-to-get-involved

GOV.UK: Martyn's Law: the SIA's new regulatory role https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/martyns-law-the-sias-new-regulatory-role

GOV.UK: The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-terrorism-protection-of-premises-act-2025

GOV.UK: Martyn's Law: guidance, consultation and progress https://www.gov.uk/government/news/martyns-law-guidance-consultation-and-progress

GOV.UK: Debbie Bartlett OBE https://www.gov.uk/government/people/debbie-bartlett

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What this is — and what it is not

martynslaw.app is a preparation and document-management tool. It is not legal advice, not official guidance, not official certification, not SIA approval and not a guarantee of compliance. The responsible person must review and approve all documents before use.

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