The introduction of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, more commonly known as Martyn’s Law, marks a significant change in how many organisations approach safety and security in publicly accessible buildings. The legislation aims to improve preparedness for terrorist incidents by requiring certain premises and events to consider how they would protect people and respond effectively in the event of an attack.
At first glance, Martyn’s Law may appear to have little connection with fire safety. However, there are important overlaps between the new legislation and the fire safety measures many organisations already have in place.
For schools, places of worship, care homes, offices, hospitality venues and public buildings, Martyn’s Law reinforces a simple principle: being prepared for emergencies saves lives.
Rather than treating fire safety, security, emergency planning and training separately, many organisations are choosing to adopt a more joined-up approach to risk management, ensuring that procedures, equipment and training work together to protect people.
What Is Martyn’s Law?
Martyn’s Law was introduced following the Manchester Arena attack in 2017 and is designed to improve protective security and organisational preparedness across the UK. The legislation requires certain premises and events to consider the risks associated with terrorism and prepare proportionate procedures to help keep people safe during an attack.
The law applies to a range of publicly accessible locations and aims to ensure that those responsible for buildings and events understand how to respond effectively should a terrorist incident occur.
What is the Connection Between Martyn’s Law and Fire Safety?
While fire safety and counter-terrorism are separate disciplines, they share many common objectives:
- Protecting life
- Reducing risk
- Facilitating safe evacuation
- Improving emergency response
- Training staff to react effectively under pressure
Many organisations already have systems and procedures in place that contribute to their overall emergency preparedness.
These often include:
- Fire Risk Assessments
- Emergency evacuation plans
- Staff training
Emergency plans are only effective if people understand them. Most organisations already provide some form of:
- Fire awareness training
- Fire marshal training
- Evacuation training
- Emergency response procedures
Martyn’s Law further reinforces the need for staff to understand their role during an incident and respond appropriately.
- Fire alarm systems
Fire alarm systems are primarily designed to provide early warning of fire, but they also form a key part of a building’s emergency management strategy. A well-maintained fire alarm system helps ensure occupants can be alerted quickly, evacuation procedures can be initiated without delay and building managers can respond efficiently to developing incidents. For many organisations, reviewing fire alarm performance, maintenance records and evacuation arrangements is a sensible starting point when considering broader emergency preparedness.
- Emergency lighting
- Fire doors and compartmentation
Fire doors remain one of the most important life safety measures within a building. Their primary purpose is to restrict the spread of fire and smoke, protect escape routes and allow occupants to evacuate safely. Maintaining clear escape routes, compliant fire doors and effective passive fire protection not only supports fire safety compliance but also contributes to the wider principle of keeping occupants safe during emergency situations.
- Assembly point procedures
How Surrey Fire & Safety Can Help
If you would like to review your fire safety arrangements or discuss how your emergency procedures can support wider safety objectives, our team would be happy to help.
Contact Surrey Fire & Safety today to arrange a consultation. Please get in touch with our customer services team today to discuss your fire protection needs.