Martyn’s Law comes into action for safer gigs and events after Ariana Grande Manchester terror attack

‘Martyn’s Law’ – legislation that will enforce more anti-terror laws to protect live music venues –  has now come into action for safer gigs and events.

The new law will require staff at entertainment venues to have more training and better safeguarding against terrorists and potential terror attacks.

It comes following the devastating mass attack that took place at a 2017 Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena that left 22 people dead and over 1000 injured.

It has been pushed to become law by Figen Murray, whose son Martyn Hett was killed in the attack. According to The Mirror, Murray attended Westminster recently to witness the final stage of the bill and there was speculation in recent weeks that MPs were expected to usher the law through the House Of Commons.

Now, a new press statement has revealed that Martyn’s Law has come into action, receiving Royal Assent. This fulfils a key manifesto pledge of the Labour government and a personal promise from Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Figen Murray. The Prime Minister also met Figen Murray in Downing Street to mark the new law following her tireless campaigning in her son Martyn’s memory – including a 200 mile walk to Downing Street to demand the law be enacted.

A statement from the government said: “The Law will deliver increased protection by ensuring public premises and events are better prepared in the event of a terrorist attack. Premises and events will be better prepared to respond to attacks as landmark legislation known as Martyn’s Law gained Royal Assent and became law today.

“The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 will require public premises where 200 or more individuals may be present, to be better prepared and have plans in place to keep people safe in the event of an attack. Larger premises and events where 800 or more people will be present will be required to take further steps to reduce their vulnerability to acts of terrorism – such as having CCTV, bag search policies or vehicle checks where appropriate.”

Speaking exclusively to NME, Security Minister Dan Jarvis said: “Events and concerts are at the heart of UK culture but creating unforgettable moments shouldn’t come at the cost of safety.

“Through Martyn’s Law, we’re strengthening existing practices by setting clearer standards for preparedness and providing venues with the tools they need to plan effectively and ensuring that everyone can enjoy live events. These measures, delivered as part of our Plan for Change, will help us support the UK’s vital cultural and nighttime industry to thrive whilst ensuring we fulfil our most important duty to keep the public safe.

“I pay tribute to Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray, and her campaign team for their tireless work inspiring a new generation of security standards. We owe Figen a debt of gratitude. We will be judged by our actions, not by our words, and I am proud to be the Security Minister in a government that has, at long last, delivered this legislation.”

In a statement, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, added: “Today is a landmark moment for our security as my government delivers on its promise to introduce Martyn’s Law and better protect the public from terrorism.

“Figen’s courage and determination in the face of such unimaginable loss is truly humbling and it is thanks to her campaigning that Martyn’s Law means her son’s legacy will live on forever.

“Security is the foundation of our Plan for Change and the first duty of any government. Martyn’s Law will ensure everyone can enjoy public events more safely and ensure venues across the country have clear, practical measures in place to protect people.”

Figen Murray, mother of Martyn Hett also responded to the news. “My son Martyn Hett was murdered alongside 21 innocent victims in the Manchester Arena terror attack on 22 May 2017, and whilst nothing will bring Martyn back, I am determined to ensure nobody endures what my family has experienced,” she said.

“For the last six years I have campaigned to introduce measures that will improve security at public venues and how they respond to a terror attack – Martyn’s Law.

“I am grateful to the Prime Minister, the Security Minister and Lord Hanson for how quickly they’ve progressed Martyn’s Law through parliament. But this would not have happened without the tireless support of my co-campaigners Nick Aldworth, Brendan Cox, Nathan Emmerich, my husband Stuart, and my children. Over the implementation period it is vital that the government and Security Industry Authority provide all that is necessary for publicly accessible locations to implement Martyn’s Law.”

Also speaking about the law was Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, who added: “Martyn’s Law will significantly strengthen public safety across our country, I’d like to thank Figen Murray for her tireless work to make this law a reality.

“This government is securing Britain’s future through the Plan for Change and, as the eighth anniversary of the attack approaches, this new law delivers upon the lessons from the Manchester Arena Inquiry to keep people safe.”

Mike Kill CEO of the Night Time Industries Association also added: “The passing of Martyn’s Law into legislation is a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to public safety. This law will ensure that venues and events across the UK take appropriate and proportionate steps to protect the public from the evolving threat of terrorism. The NTIA has long supported measures that enhance security while remaining practical for businesses to implement.

“We appreciate the government’s recognition of the challenges businesses face and the commitment to a 24-month implementation period, allowing time for preparation and adaptation. As an industry we will continue working closely with the Home Office, the SIA, and key stakeholders to provide clear guidance and support. Ensuring the safety of our night-time economy and public spaces remains our priority, and we fully support this crucial legislation.”

The attack at the Ariana Grande gig took place when fans were leaving the show. At the site, a bomb was detonated by a suicide bomber in a public foyer. The lone attacker died in the explosion from what was said to be a homemade bomb, and the bomber was later named, while ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack.

Around that same time, she said that she felt “misled” by former PM Rishi Sunak over plans for stronger protections against terrorism in public places.

“During the meeting, we shook hands, he actually agreed, he promised that he will bring it into Parliament before summer recess but he could not guarantee that it’s going to be done by the next general election,” she said at the time.

“We shook hands and he looked me straight me in the eyes… He could have maybe handled it slightly differently. I feel a bit misled rather than lied to.”

Those comments made by Murray aligned with similar sentiments shared by Paul Hett, father of Martyn Hett back in 2021. “This atrocity should and could have been prevented, and 22 people would not have lost their lives,” he said following a public inquiry into the attacks.

In the report, it was said that there were missed opportunities to minimise the “devastating impact” of the attack.

The post Martyn’s Law comes into action for safer gigs and events after Ariana Grande Manchester terror attack appeared first on NME.