Home Office Releases Martyn’s Law Myth Buster: Clarity and Confidence for UK Venues
The Home Office has published an official Martyn’s Law Myth Buster, providing clear, factual guidance for venues, event organisers and public-facing businesses preparing for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 - legislation more widely known during consultation as the Protect Duty.
The document tackles common misconceptions about the new law; confirming timelines, costs, responsibilities and what the Act will (and will not) require once it comes into force.
A welcome step in clarity and reassurance
At imabi, we welcome the clarity and practical tone of this Home Office guidance. Since the Act received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025, many organisations have sought clear information on when they must comply and what proportionate preparedness means in practice.
The Myth Buster confirms that:
Implementation period – at least 24 months. The Act will not be legally enforceable until the implementation period has ended, giving businesses time to understand and plan.
New regulator – Security Industry Authority (SIA). The SIA will oversee compliance, with inspections and notifications free of charge.
Proportionate costs. Government impact assessment estimates average annual costs of around £330 for standard tier premises and £5,210 for enhanced tier, mainly reflecting staff time rather than physical upgrades.
Focus on simple protective measures. Standard-tier premises will be expected to have basic procedures in place — such as evacuation plans and communication arrangements — not expensive security infrastructure.
No requirement to buy specialist services or products. The Act is designed so that duty holders can comply without commercial consultants or equipment; official guidance will be self-explanatory and freely available.
Responsibility based on control. The “responsible person” is whoever controls the premises or event; additional senior oversight applies only to enhanced tier organisations.
This clarity reassures operators that Martyn’s Law is intended to be practical, proportionate and achievable.
Proportionate protection, not unnecessary cost
The Home Office emphasises that Martyn’s Law is about raising security standards sensibly, embedding a culture of preparedness across venues and public spaces without imposing unrealistic burdens.
Many organisations already have strong protective-security practices; the Act simply creates a consistent national baseline. During the implementation period, further guidance, webinars and training will be delivered through ProtectUK, helping duty holders build confidence and capability.
This balanced approach reflects imabi’s own mission - to help organisations proactively strengthen safety and wellbeing through clear communication, staff empowerment and responsible technology.
Access the official Home Office Myth Buster:
Download the Martyn’s Law Myth Buster on the ProtectUK website
imabi’s Perspective
We see this as a crucial and reassuring step for the thousands of venues and businesses preparing for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. The Home Office has set out a clear, proportionate framework that supports real-world planning without creating fear or confusion.
imabi will continue to share updates and practical resources to help organisations embed preparedness and resilience, ensuring staff, visitors and the public feel safe, informed and supported.
