Martyn’s Law

What is Martyn’s Law?

Martyn’s Law, formally known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, is new UK legislation intended to improve public safety and preparedness in the event of a terrorist incident.

The law introduces requirements for certain venues and events, including places of worship, to consider how they would respond to a terrorist attack and to take proportionate steps to improve preparedness.

The legislation follows the campaign led by Martyn Hett’s family after the Manchester Arena bombing.

What does this mean for churches?

Places of worship are included within the scope of the legislation where it is reasonable to expect that 200 or more people may be present at the same time, even if only occasionally.

Churches fall within the “standard tier” of the legislation. The Government has made clear that the expectations for standard-tier premises are intended to be practical and proportionate, without requiring extensive physical alterations or specialist security arrangements.

The focus is on preparedness and planning. This includes considering:

• how people would leave the building safely in an emergency
• how people could be moved to a safer part of the building if necessary
• how the building could be secured during a threat
• how information and instructions would be communicated to those on site

Importantly, churches are encouraged to maintain their role as places of welcome, hospitality and community. Any security measures should be proportionate and sensitive to the worshipping context.

Current position

Although the Act is now law, there will be an implementation period before the full legal duties come into force. At present, churches are not yet required to comply with the full statutory regime.

The Government has published guidance to help organisations understand the requirements of the Act, and further support is being developed for churches and cathedrals by the Church of England’s national teams.

What parishes can do now

Parishes are encouraged to use this preparation period proactively. Suggested steps include:

• identifying the responsible person or body for church premises
• reviewing attendance levels to determine whether 200 or more people may reasonably be expected at any time
• reviewing existing emergency and risk-assessment procedures
• considering plans for:
  • evacuation
  • invacuation
  • lockdown
  • communication during an incident
• making use of free guidance, training and awareness resources

Even where a church is unlikely to fall within the legal scope of the legislation, many of these preparedness measures represent good practice.

Training and further support

Historic England is launching a webinar series exploring the application of counter-terrorism security measures within heritage settings.

The first webinar will introduce Martyn’s Law and explain how the legislation applies to the heritage sector, including churches and historic buildings. It will also consider the current UK terrorism threat landscape and practical protective measures.

Date: 10 June
Time: 1:00pm

You can register for this webinar here.