Recommendation MAI-9: Enact Protect Duty into law
From Manchester Arena Inquiry: Volume 1: Security for the Arena, published 17 June 2021.
Recommendation
A Protect Duty, as set out above, should be enacted into law by primary legislation.
In brief (written by this site)
In April 2026, the Home Office published statutory guidance stating that the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 is subject to an implementation period of at least 24 months from Royal Assent to fully establish the SIA as regulator and allow those in scope to prepare, noting that there is no legal requirement to comply until commencement (Home Office, Apr 2026). The Cabinet Office previously recorded in February 2026 that the legislation received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025 (Cabinet Office, Feb 2026). The UK Government had accepted the recommendation in full in November 2025 (Cabinet Office response, Nov 2025).
AI-generated summary of the record on this page, checked by a second model and automatic checks, 26 Sep 2026. The record below is the sources' own words.
Government response
Accepted in full
Delivery
Home Office says in progress (15 April 2026)
The implementation period is at least 24 months from Royal Assent to allow those in scope of the Act to prepare for the requirements of the Act coming into force (this is known as commencement) and to fully establish the SIA as the regulator. While there is no legal requirement to comply until the legislation comes into force, those in scope of the Act will wish to begin considering the requirements. This guidance has been published in advance of commencement to enable those responsible to prepare.
From: Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025: Statutory guidance
Cabinet Office says in progress (27 February 2026)
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill progressed through Parliament between September 2024 - March 2025. It received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025. The Government intends for there to be an implementation period of at least 24 months before the Act comes into force. This will allow the regulator function to be established, whilst ensuring those responsible for premises and events in scope have sufficient time to understand their new obligations. This will enable them to plan and prepare appropriately.
Earlier statement on delivery (1)
Cabinet Office (14 November 2025)
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill progressed through Parliament between September 2024 - March 2025. It received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025. The Government intends for there to be an implementation period of at least 24 months before the Act comes into force. This will allow the regulator function to be established, whilst ensuring those responsible for premises and events in scope have sufficient time to understand their new obligations. This will enable them to plan and prepare appropriately.
From: Manchester Arena Inquiry Recommendations Dashboard, original version (data file)
Source
Themes and tags
Who has spoken
- UK Government
Response - Home Office
Delivery statement - Cabinet Office
Delivery statement