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SESSION SPOTLIGHT: Martyn's Law - how it will shape the future of counter-terrorism strategies
One of the most significant sessions at The Blue Light Show 2025 focused on Martyn’s Law, the new Counter-Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act. The legislation places legal duties on those responsible for public venues to plan and prepare for potential terrorist attacks.
The session was led by Figen Murray OBE, mother of Manchester Arena victim Martyn Hett and the driving force behind the law, alongside Nick Aldworth, former UK Counter-Terrorism National Coordinator. Both spoke about how preparedness is not about bureaucracy, but about saving lives, and how success depends on close collaboration between venue operators, emergency services, and local authorities.
Key insights from the session:
EXCLUSIVE: The Blue Light Show 2026 will host a dedicated conference stream on Martyn’s Law, the only place in 2026 where you can hear directly from the policymakers, security experts and emergency service leaders shaping its implementation and understand what the new legislation means for venues, local authorities and blue light responders.
The session was led by Figen Murray OBE, mother of Manchester Arena victim Martyn Hett and the driving force behind the law, alongside Nick Aldworth, former UK Counter-Terrorism National Coordinator. Both spoke about how preparedness is not about bureaucracy, but about saving lives, and how success depends on close collaboration between venue operators, emergency services, and local authorities.
Key insights from the session:
- Martyn’s Law is now a legal requirement. Venues of all sizes must implement proportionate security measures, from training and evacuation planning to risk assessments. The scope extends beyond arenas to community halls, local authority spaces, and public events
- Preparedness is a shared responsibility. Responsibility lies with venue operators, but success will rely on police, local authorities, and emergency services working in partnership. As Nick Aldworth stressed, it is vital to plan before an incident, not during one.
- Implementation is the next focus. Delegates raised questions about enforcement, support, and resources, particularly for smaller venues. Both speakers stressed that the expectation is not perfection, but clear, practical planning that saves lives.
EXCLUSIVE: The Blue Light Show 2026 will host a dedicated conference stream on Martyn’s Law, the only place in 2026 where you can hear directly from the policymakers, security experts and emergency service leaders shaping its implementation and understand what the new legislation means for venues, local authorities and blue light responders.