Martyn’s Law, Protect Duty, Terrorism Act 2025: The Naming Explained
This page clears up the naming so you know which term to use, when, and why.
The Three Names
1. Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 is the legal title. It’s the name the Act was given on Royal Assent (3 April 2025), and it’s the name used in formal guidance, correspondence with regulators, and legal documents.
When writing formal policies, risk assessments, or correspondence with the Home Office, this is the name to use (at least on first reference).
2. Martyn’s Law
“Martyn’s Law” is the commonly used name. It’s what most media, trade press, and general commentary use. It’s also the name you’ll see in Home Office communications aimed at a public audience, and in most industry materials. It’s the campaign name from the public advocacy effort that followed the Manchester Arena attack, and the name by which the Act is best known.
3. The Protect Duty
“The Protect Duty” is older wording. It was used during earlier iterations of the legislation, before the final form of the Act was decided, and during the consultation phase that ran from 2021 through 2023.
You’ll still see “Protect Duty” in older commentary, articles published during consultation, and some industry materials that haven’t been updated. It’s not wrong, but it’s no longer the current terminology.
If you’re writing new content, use “Martyn’s Law” or the formal title. Save “Protect Duty” for historical context only.
Why the Naming Changed
Legislation often goes through several working names before it’s finalised. In this case:
- Protect Duty reflected the consultation phase framing, where government was scoping what duties would apply and to whom.
- Martyn’s Law was the campaign name adopted in public advocacy.
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 is the final legal title the Act was given on Royal Assent.
Which Name to Use Where
|
Context |
Recommended name |
| Formal regulatory correspondence | Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 |
| Policy documents and risk assessments | Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (first reference), then Martyn’s Law |
| Internal communications | Martyn’s Law |
| Marketing and public content | Martyn’s Law |
| Board and executive briefings | Martyn’s Law (with formal title for context) |
| Historical references | Protect Duty (only for pre-2025 context) |
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