Background
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, commonly referred to as Martyn’s Law, received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025. The legislation is part of the UK government’s counter-terrorism strategy to strengthen preparedness and protective security of publicly accessible premises, including places of worship.
What this means for churches
- The Act places a legal duty on those responsible for certain premises to consider how they would respond to a terrorist attack, and in some cases to take steps to reduce the vulnerability of the premises.
- For most places of worship the government has stated the requirements are not intended to be onerous or require large physical investment.
- A key threshold is whether it is reasonable to expect that 200 or more individuals may be present at the same time, at least occasionally. If so, the building falls within scope (so-called “standard tier”).
- Importantly for worship-buildings: even if a church might host 800+ people for some event, if its principal use is as a place of worship it remains in the standard tier, not the enhanced tier.
Timing & current status
- Although the Act has become law, the implementation period is at least 24 months. That means that, at the time of writing, churches are not yet required to comply with the full statutory regime.
- During this lead-in period the regulator (the Security Industry Authority) is being established and formal guidance will follow.
What you should do now
Although full enforcement is not yet in place, we strongly encourage every church in the Diocese to use this time proactively to ensure readiness. Suggested steps include:
- Identify the responsible person for your building(s). For a place of worship this is the person or body in control of the premises in its principal use.
- Review attendance figures to assess whether your building has occasions when 200+ individuals may be present at the same time, at least occasionally. If 200+ is reasonably expected, the building is in scope. If less than 200, the Act does not apply but good practice still applies.
- Carry out a basic preparedness review focussed on four key areas identified by the HRBA:
- Evacuation (how people would leave safely)
- Invacuation (how people would move to a safer part of the building)
- Lockdown (how the building would be secured in the event of threat)
- Communication (how people on site would be alerted or instructed)
- Embed these themes in existing risk-assessment and security work, alongside the broader advice found in the Church of England’s guidance on safety and security of church buildings.
- Take advantage of free training and resources. The government and its partner platforms (such as ProtectUK) offer e-learning modules, toolkits and awareness materials relevant to places of worship.
Key messages for churches
- Being prepared does not mean indiscriminate lockdown or turning churches into fortress-like buildings. The approach emphasises proportionate, ‘reasonably practicable’ steps tailored to the building, its use and context.
- The church remains a place of welcome, hospitality and community. Any measures taken should preserve the openness and mission of the building wherever possible. This reflects the Church of England’s advice that security must be proportionate and sensitive to the worship context.
- For smaller congregations or historic buildings that rarely host 200+ people the immediate legal requirements may not apply – but many of the preparedness practices remain good common sense.
- Keep this topic on your agenda. As we approach the full implementation date, the regulator and further guidance will follow – good preparation now will place your church in a stronger position.
What we will support you with
As your diocese we will:
- Provide you with a summary checklist tailored for parishes of the four key preparedness areas above.
- Offer sign-posting to training and e-learning specific to places of worship.
- Run a short webinar or briefing session for parish leadership and churchwardens on Martyn’s Law and its implications.
- Keep you updated with any formal guidance from government, the SIA, or relevant ecclesiastical bodies as the implementation proceeds.
Further information and links
Martyn’s law briefing nore – Historic Religious Buildings Alliance
Safety and security of church buildings – Church of England
Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025: Scope (events) – GOV.UK
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