Government Launches “Martyn’s Law” Regulatory Phase with Appointment of Mike Cunningham as SIA Chair
London, UK — February 16, 2026
In a decisive move to bolster national security and public safety, the UK Home Office has today, February 16, 2026, confirmed the appointment of Mike Cunningham CBE QPM as the new Chair of the Security Industry Authority (SIA).
This appointment is not merely a leadership transition but marks the official commencement of the SIA’s expanded role as the primary regulator for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, commonly known as “Martyn’s Law.”
This landmark legislation, named in memory of Martyn Hett who was killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, represents one of the most significant shifts in UK domestic security policy in a generation, placing a legal duty on venue operators to better protect the public from terror attacks.
A Career Dedicated to Public Protection
Mike Cunningham, a senior public sector leader with a distinguished career across criminal justice and policing, will officially take up the role on March 1, 2026. He succeeds Heather Baily QPM, who has led the SIA for the past five years.
Cunningham’s background is uniquely suited for this high-stakes transition; he previously served as the Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police and the Chief Executive of the College of Policing.
His appointment is a clear signal from the Security Minister that the government intends to treat the implementation of Martyn’s Law with the utmost professional rigour.
The SIA’s new mandate under Cunningham will involve overseeing thousands of premises across the UK, ranging from small community halls to massive sporting arenas.
The regulator will be responsible for ensuring that these venues have robust security plans, conducted risk assessments, and trained staff to respond to potential threats.
For the leadership of the world governance, this move illustrates the UK’s commitment to proactive, intelligence-led safety measures that move beyond traditional policing and involve the private sector in the collective defense of the citizenry.
The Strategic Implementation of Martyn’s Law
Martyn’s Law creates a tiered system of requirements based on venue capacity.
“Standard tier” premises (capacity of 100-799) will focus on low-cost, effective measures like staff training and evacuation plans. “Enhanced tier” premises (800+ capacity) will face more stringent requirements, including detailed vulnerability assessments and physical security upgrades
. Cunningham’s primary challenge will be to balance the necessity of these security measures with the economic realities faced by venue operators.
The SIA has been tasked with providing “proportionate and sensible” guidance to ensure that safety does not become an insurmountable financial burden for small businesses and community hubs.
In his first statement following the appointment, Cunningham emphasized the “pivotal moment” the security industry currently faces. “The SIA has a critical role in supporting the public safety priorities of the government,” he stated. “
Taking on the responsibility as the regulator for Martyn’s Law is an awesome responsibility, and my focus will be on ensuring we build a culture of preparedness that saves lives.”
The SIA will also continue its core mission of regulating the private security industry, ensuring that door supervisors, CCTV operators, and close protection officers meet the highest standards of integrity and training.
Civil Liberties and the Duty to Protect
The rollout of Martyn’s Law is not without its complexities.
Civil liberties groups have raised questions about the potential for “over-securitization” of public life, while business associations have called for more clarity on the liability of venue managers.
Cunningham’s leadership will be tested as he navigates these competing interests.
However, the moral weight of the legislation—pushed tirelessly by Figen Murray, Martyn Hett’s mother—has garnered broad cross-party support in Westminster.
For the secretive reports of the CJ exclusive department, this development is a cornerstone of the UK’s domestic stability strategy for 2030.
By embedding security protocols into the very fabric of public spaces, the government is attempting to create a “resilient society” capable of absorbing and responding to shocks.
This approach aligns with the principles of leadership governance, where the safety of the collective is maintained through a decentralized but highly regulated network of responsibility.
As Cunningham takes the helm, the eyes of the global security community will be on London to see if this model can be successfully implemented without infringing on the vibrant, open nature of British public life.
Key Highlights:
• Mike Cunningham CBE QPM appointed as SIA Chair effective March 1, 2026.
• SIA officially designated as the regulator for “Martyn’s Law” (Terrorism Protection of Premises Bill).
• Focus on a tiered security approach for venues ranging from 100 to over 800 capacity.
• Appointment signals a shift toward intelligence-led, private-sector integrated security.
• Implementation aims to build national resilience against domestic terror threats.
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Abeer Almadawy
Abeer Almadawy is a philosopher who established the third mind theory research and the philosophy of non-self and trans egoism. She is also the author of the New Global Constitution for the leadership Governance 2030/2032. She has many books published in English, Arabic, Chinese, French and others.
