Today's edition looks at the machinery of protective security rather than a fresh incident, and where it is heading.
Martyn's Law is moving from statute to reality. The Security Industry Authority is being stood up as the regulator, it consulted on draft section 12 guidance across the spring, and the final version is expected in autumn 2026. The duties themselves are due to commence in spring 2027. Premises fall into a standard tier, where 200 to 799 people may be present, or an enhanced tier at 800 or more, with the enhanced tier carrying documented public protection measures on top of the basic procedures.
Alongside the law sits the capability question. The Level 3 Award in Counter-Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness, administered by SFJ Awards, is one recognised route for teams to build the competence the new duties assume rather than just meet them on paper.
The backdrop is unchanged. The threat to the UK from terrorism remains SEVERE, meaning an attack is highly likely, and the threat to Northern Ireland from Northern Ireland-related terrorism remains SUBSTANTIAL. For operators the message is one of preparation: the obligations are not live yet, but the shape is clear enough to act on now.
