Martyn’s Law - Protect Duty

Martyn’s Law, also known as the Protect Duty, is proposed UK legislation aimed at improving security preparedness in publicly accessible locations. It was developed in response to the Manchester Arena attack and focuses on helping organisations understand risks, protect people, and reduce harm during potential terrorist incidents.

The legislation is expected to apply to a wide range of public environments including retail, education, hospitality, entertainment venues, places of worship, and public sector buildings.

Find out more about how window film can help

What is the Protect Duty?

The Protect Duty introduces a legal expectation for organisations responsible for public spaces to consider how they would respond to a terrorist threat and take proportionate steps to improve safety.

Key principles include:

  • Assessing terrorism and security risks
  • Implementing proportionate protective measures
  • Preparing staff and emergency procedures
  • Reducing the potential impact of an incident

The emphasis is on practical, realistic planning rather than high-security infrastructure.
A window film installer fitting clear safety and security window film to a shop.

Who Martyn’s Law will affect

The duty is expected to apply across different types of publicly accessible premises, with requirements proportionate to size, capacity, and risk profile.

This may include:

  • Commercial buildings and offices
  • Retail centres and high streets
  • Schools, colleges, and universities
  • Hospitality and leisure venues
  • Healthcare environments
  • Event spaces and public venues

Smaller locations are likely to focus on awareness and basic planning, while larger venues may require more formal risk assessments and security strategies.
Modern glass skylight with security window film applied.
  • Supports Protect Duty preparedness
  • Reduces glass-related injury risk
  • Strengthens building resilience

A risk-based approach to building safety

Martyn’s Law encourages organisations to consider how people, processes, and physical environments contribute to safety.

This includes:

  • Emergency planning and evacuation
  • Staff awareness and incident response
  • Physical security measures
  • How building materials behave under stress events

The aim is to reduce avoidable harm and improve resilience, not to eliminate risk entirely.
Two windows with smaller panes of glass that have had window film applied to them.

The importance of glazing and façade safety

Glass is widely used in modern architecture but can present a risk during certain incidents, including explosions, forced entry, or accidental impact.

When glazing fails, it can result in:

  • Flying glass fragments and injury
  • Loss of containment and secure boundaries
  • Increased risk to occupants and the public

As part of Protect Duty planning, organisations are increasingly reviewing glazing performance and façade safety as part of overall building risk assessments.
Safety window film has been applied to the windows of this public space.

How window film supports protective strategies

Safety and security window films can form part of a broader mitigation approach within publicly accessible buildings.

When applied to existing glazing, they can help:

  • Hold shattered glass together
  • Reduce injury from glass fragmentation
  • Improve resistance to forced entry
  • Support building resilience during high-stress events

These measures are typically considered alongside operational planning, staff training, and wider security strategies rather than as standalone solutions.
An installer from The Window Film Company cleaning the glass before fitting window film.

Supporting compliance with Martyn’s Law

Martyn’s Law promotes a layered approach to public safety. Organisations are encouraged to look at their environments holistically and identify practical steps that reduce risk and support preparedness.

This may involve:

  • Risk assessments and site reviews
  • Staff awareness and response training
  • Emergency planning and procedures
  • Consideration of physical mitigation measures such as glazing safety

The goal is to create safer, more resilient public environments through proportionate and achievable improvements.
Large interior space with safety film applied to the glazing.

Preparing buildings for the Protect Duty

As Martyn’s Law develops, organisations are reviewing how physical environments contribute to public safety. Measures that improve glazing performance and reduce fragmentation risk can support resilience, emergency planning, and layered security strategies.

Aligned with Protect Duty principles

Supports proportionate measures to improve safety in publicly accessible spaces.

Reduces glass-related injury risk

Helps retain shattered glazing and limit hazardous fragmentation.

Enhances façade resilience

Improves glazing performance during high-stress incidents or accidental impacts.

Supports layered security planning

Works alongside procedures, training, and physical security measures.

Helps contain damage and disruption

Limits the spread of broken glass and supports safer evacuation environments.

Suitable for existing buildings

Can be applied to current glazing as part of risk reviews and mitigation planning.

Window film solutions for every situation

The Window Film Company is proud to offer an extensive range of window films, delivering solutions for issues such as excess heat, glare, fading, privacy, safety and security.

Thanks to our fully equipped print and graphics studio, we can also supply and install custom created graphics for application to glass and other surfaces.

Our fully trained Account Managers and advisors are on hand to ensure you fully understand all that's available and to make sure that you choose the right product for your project. To get started, give us a call on 01494 794477 or email sales@windowfilm.co.uk.