Martyn's law comes into force with Royal Assent
Named after Martyn Hett who died in the Manchester Arena attack, the law will require venues to tighten security
A law in the name of one of the victims of the Manchester Arena attack has come into force with Royal Assent.
Martyn's Law is in response to the attack on the Ariane Grande concert in May 2017.
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.
The law has now been formally approved by the King.
Martyn's mother, Figen Murray, has been campaigning for the Government to bring in the law and last year walked 200 miles from Manchester to Downing Street to promote her cause, meeting with Sir Keir Starmer, where he promised to make it law by the eighth anniversary of the Arena attack.
Figen has been telling Hits and Greatest Hits Radio Manchester she is relieved Martyn's Law has finally come into force: "I'm absolutely over the moon.
"It feels really surreal because this has been such a big, huge effort, and project for the past six years and three months of my life and for it to come to an end finally at 11:10 this morning was just really, really strange.
"I was hoping and praying it was going to happen before the eighth anniversary and they've done it so much quicker, which I'm delighted about.
"The Speaker of the House looked at me and gave me the thumbs up, it was very special.
"My own MP was downstairs and he congratulated us so it was a really magical moment."
Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said: "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.
Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said: "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.