Martyn's Law round-up: the regulator, the paperwork, and the road to 2027
Published
This week brought fresh detail on the SIA's role as regulator, new factsheets, and proposed tribunal rules — useful signposts as venues keep preparing for duties expected in spring 2027.
The SIA and the regulator's role
Several updates set out how the Security Industry Authority will act as the regulator for Martyn's Law. There is material explaining the SIA's role and how it fits into the wider Act. For venues, the key point is that the SIA will oversee how premises meet their duties once these come into force. Its notification process is not yet live, so there is nothing to submit today. This is a good moment to get familiar with who the regulator is and what it will expect, so nothing comes as a surprise later.
New guidance and factsheets
The government has published factsheets on the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, along with the core overview of the Act itself. These are plain summaries of how the law is structured, including the standard and enhanced tiers. As a reminder, standard tier covers premises where 200 to 799 people may reasonably be expected at the same time, and enhanced tier covers 800 or more — and the count includes staff. Reading these now helps you work out which tier your venue is likely to fall into. Remember this is background reading, not a substitute for professional advice.
Tribunal rules and the notification process
There is a consultation on proposed tribunal rule changes for applications under section 11 of the Act. There is also an economic note on the notification requirement. These are more technical, but they signal that the machinery behind the Act is being built out — how notifications will work and how appeals or applications might be handled. Nothing here requires action from venues yet. It simply shows the framework is taking shape ahead of commencement.
Keeping up the momentum
One update encourages everyone to keep up the momentum on preparation. That reflects where we are: the Act received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025, but the duties are not yet in force. Commencement is expected in spring 2027, and the exact date is still to be confirmed. The sensible approach is steady, unhurried preparation — understanding your likely tier, getting to know the regulator, and keeping an eye on new guidance as it appears. There is time, and no reason to rush or worry about penalties that do not yet apply.
Sources
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 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: keeping up the momentum https://www.gov.uk/government/news/martyns-law-keeping-up-the-momentum
GOV.UK: Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025: factsheets https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/terrorism-protection-of-premises-act-2025-factsheets
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: Understanding Martyn's Law and the SIA's role as regulator https://www.gov.uk/guidance/understanding-martyns-law-and-the-sias-role-as-regulator
GOV.UK: Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025: notification requirement economic note https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/terrorism-protection-of-premises-act-2025-notification-requirement-economic-note
GOV.UK: Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/terrorism-protection-of-premises-act-2025