Risk press flags the case for rehearsing your terror response — start thinking now

A risk-focused publication has picked up on Martyn's Law and the idea that businesses should test how they would respond to a terrorist incident. It is comment and analysis aimed at risk managers, not new rules or new dates. The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025, but its duties have not yet started.

Once the duties commence, premises in scope will be expected to think through their procedures for a terrorist event — things like moving people to safety, locking down, and getting clear information to staff and the public. Standard tier covers places where 200 to 799 people may be present at once; enhanced tier is 800 or more, and the count includes staff. Walking through and practising those steps is a sensible way to check they actually work for your building and your team.

The duties are expected to begin in spring 2027, with the exact date still to be confirmed. The Security Industry Authority will be the regulator, but its notification process is not live yet. Nothing is enforceable today, so there is no rush — only time to get familiar.

Estimate how many people could be in your venue at peak, so you know which tier you are likely to fall into. Talk through your existing fire and emergency plans with staff and note what a security incident might need that is different. Keep an eye out for official SIA guidance as it appears. Treat all of this as readiness and preparation, not a legal checklist.