It’s been a busy week in Parliament — with major developments across national security, workers’ rights, housing, environmental protections, and more. From long-awaited protections for live event venues to bold moves on renters’ rights and cyber resilience, here’s your roundup of what’s new, what’s moving, and what SMEs, legal professionals, and the public should keep an eye on.

Enacted: Martyn’s Law — Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025

After years of campaigning, Martyn’s Law has finally received Royal Assent. Officially titled the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, the new law requires venues hosting over 200 people to assess and plan for the risk of a terrorist attack.

Named in memory of Martyn Hett, a victim of the Manchester Arena bombing, this law is a significant step in enhancing public safety. Venue operators must now implement emergency training and security protocols to better protect staff and attendees.

This isn't just a regulatory shift - it’s a cultural one. Safety now starts with preparation, and this legislation will impact everything from music festivals to sports stadiums.

Cyber Security and Resilience Bill (In Progress)

The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill continues to move through Parliament. Designed to bolster the UK’s digital infrastructure, this bill proposes:

  • Mandatory compliance with cybersecurity standards
  • Tighter incident reporting requirements
  • Increased powers for regulators to identify and respond to vulnerabilities

It’s especially relevant for SMEs handling personal data, financial information, or cloud-based services. Compliance here won’t be optional - and failure could bring regulatory scrutiny and reputational risk.

Employment Rights Bill (In Progress)

Aimed at rebalancing power in the workplace, this bill includes:

  • A ban on zero-hours contracts
  • Restrictions on “fire and rehire” tactics
  • Immediate access to parental leave and statutory sick pay
  • Stronger protections for trade union activity

The bill has been praised by labour advocates and unions as a long-overdue correction to decades of precarity. For employers, it may require a total overhaul of employment frameworks — especially for part-time, gig, or temporary workers.

Renters' Rights & Planning Reform

Two big developments are shaking up the UK’s housing landscape:

Planning and Infrastructure Bill

This bill proposes to streamline planning processes, cutting delays and reforming local authority decision-making. Planning authorities would be given more resources, while developers could benefit from greater certainty and reduced bureaucracy.

Renters' Rights Bill

This bill proposes the abolition of Section 21 “no fault” evictions. It also seeks to improve building safety and security of tenure in the private rental sector.

Together, these bills aim to fix a housing system that’s been accused of favouring investors over people. Expect major implications for landlords, tenants, and developers alike.

Environment & Energy: Big Changes Afoot

Great British Energy Bill

This bill establishes a new publicly owned clean energy company, tasked with investing in wind, solar, and other renewable projects. It’s a bold shift in policy — one that combines climate ambition with state-led innovation.

Water (Special Measures) Bill

Designed to hold water company executives personally accountable for environmental harm, this bill includes provisions to withhold executive bonuses and impose civil penalties for illegal pollution.

Both bills mark a turning point in how environmental harm is addressed — shifting the burden of responsibility onto industry leaders.

Final Thoughts

This week shows the UK Parliament trying - sometimes clumsily, sometimes boldly - to update the legal architecture around some of our most pressing issues: climate, safety, work, and housing.

For legal professionals and business owners, this is a moment to stay sharp. The regulatory landscape is shifting - and those who adapt fastest will be best placed to thrive in the new legal order.