Federation poised to respond to Martyn’s Law consultation
The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) is now examining a large sheaf of newly-published documents, in preparation for its formal response to a consultation about the implementation of ‘Martyn’s Law’.
Published on 15 April, in total the six documents comprise 263 pages and 83,090 words. For full details with background and links see the FBHVC’s dedicated page: https://www.fbhvc.co.uk/martyns-law
This new legislation – according to the Home Office is expected to come into force in “Spring 2027” – places new requirements on everyone who runs events or meetings (indoors or outdoors) where more than 200 people in total will be present at any one time. The law also covers other premises, such as shops and restaurants.
It means that organisers will need to take specific new steps to prevent terrorism.
The government intends that the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, aims to improve public safety by requiring certain premises and events to enhance their preparedness and response to potential terrorist attacks.
The Act is known as ‘Martyn’s Law, in tribute to Martyn Hett, one of the 22 fatalities in the 2017 Manchester Arena suicide bomber attack.
FBHVC Legislation Director Lindsay Irvine comments: “We have contributed to the policy development of this legislation since 2023 and whilst succeeding in some mitigation of the impact on vehicle club activities, we have recorded our concerns over remaining aspects.
“We will take our time to thoroughly examine and absorb the contents of both the Statutory Guidance for those responsible for events (which is not open for consultation) and the s.12 draft operational guidance for the Regulator, which is.
“In any response, we will be robust in our support of all the 500+ members clubs who hold events which may come within the scope of this legislation.”
The Home Office has published its section 27 Statutory Guidance on the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, known as ‘Martyn’s Law’. This guidance will assist those responsible to understand the requirements set out in the legislation. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-terrorism-protection-of-premises-act-2025
At the same time the regulator, the Security Industry Authority (SIA), published a consultation on its draft section 12 statutory guidance (about how it intends to carry out its role): https://www.gov.uk/government/news/sia-launches-consultation-on-section-12-guidance-for-martyns-law
Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, says: “Martyn’s Law will help to save lives by making sure venues are ready to act if the worst happens. Today’s guidance is a significant step toward turning the law into action, giving organisations clear, straightforward advice to protect the public.”
The SIA’s draft section 12 guidance explains how the regulator plans to operate and use its powers, taking a supportive, proportionate and risk-based approach. It sets out:
- that the SIA’s regulatory approach will be driven by its public protection objectives
- how the SIA will provide guidance to help premises comply with the law
- when the SIA may provide tailored regulatory advice in response to specific compliance concerns
- how the SIA’s powers to obtain and share information will work
- how the SIA will carry out inspections and assessments of compliance documents
- how the SIA will address non-compliance, including how it will make compliance decisions, when it may use enforcement powers and how financial penalties will be set
The Home Office’s section 27 guidance – not part of the SIA’s consultation – explains what those responsible for premises and events must do to comply with the Act. The SIA’s section 12 guidance complements this by setting out how the regulator intends to oversee and support compliance.
The SIA intends to publish further practical information about its operational processes, including how and when responsible persons should notify the SIA that they are in scope of Martyn’s Law, which is one of the Act’s requirements, “once its online notification system has been built, nearer to commencement.” No dates or timescales have been provided for this aspect.
Laura Gibb, Executive Director for Martyn’s Law at the SIA, says: “This consultation is an important opportunity for all premises and events in scope of Martyn’s Law to engage with us directly and understand how we intend to regulate when Martyn’s Law comes into force in Spring 2027.”
In a previous statement, Laura Gibb had promised that the SIA will take a “will take a proportionate, supportive approach as the regulator.” https://fbhvc.co.uk/news/article/a-proportionate-approach-to-martyn39s-law-regulation
The FBHVC is now examining both sets of guidance and will respond to the consultation (which closes on 12 June 2026). If you have any comments, please email [email protected]
For more information, see our dedicated page: https://www.fbhvc.co.uk/martyns-law
