The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, also known as Martyn’s Law, aims to improve public safety by helping venues and event organisers prepare for and respond to the risk of a terrorist attack.
The Act became law on 3 April 2025 and is not expected to take effect until April 2027. This gives people responsible for venues and events time to understand what they need to do and to put the necessary plans and procedures in place before the new requirements begin.
There is no immediate action required from Dioceses and Charges, and the General Synod Office will provide guidance, templates, training and practical support well in advance of any compliance requirements. For most of our church premises, the requirements are expected to be proportionate and build on many of the procedures and practices already in place to keep people safe.
Within the Scottish Episcopal Church, we need to review how prepared we are to respond to a potential terrorist attack and make improvements where necessary to help keep people safe.
This preparedness includes having appropriate procedures, training and communication arrangements in place. People with responsibility for a church building or event should understand what action to take in an emergency.
Martyn’s Law focuses on four practical actions that most churches would already take in an emergency: getting people away from danger, moving them to a safer place, securing the building if needed, and communicating clearly with those affected.
Premises and events are only covered by Martyn’s Law if they meet certain conditions set out in the Act as per below:
Under 200 people in attendance
These premises and events are not covered by the requirements of Martyn’s Law. However, the responsible person/people should still take sensible steps to help keep attendees safe, including having appropriate emergency procedures, maintaining good security arrangements, and ensuring those responsible for the premises know what to do in an emergency.
Standard Tier *
Premises and events where between 200 and 799 people could reasonably be expected to be present at the same time.
Enhanced Tier
Premises and events where 800 or more people could reasonably be expected to be present at the same time. These premises or events must be open to the public and have measures in place to control entry, such as ticket checks or paid admission.
* Places of worship
Church premises and events will normally remain a Standard Tier premise, even where attendance exceeds 800 people for worship services. However, if a large public event is hosted with controlled entry (entry controls are in place or tickets are issued) and an expected attendance of 800 or more people, that event may be subject to Enhanced Tier requirements.
The person responsible for a standard tier premises will need to tell the SIA (Security Industry Authority) that they are responsible for the premises once the law comes into force. This will be done via an online notification portal that is still being developed by the SIA.
Only those in the enhanced tier will be required to submit additional compliance documentation.
Details of required documentation for both tiers is still being developed at Home Office level, and the General Synod Office will provide updated guidance when more information becomes available.
ProtectUK will also share resources over the coming months to support this process ahead of Martyn’s Law coming into effect. These resources will be there to guide those in scope of the Act and make it easier to comply. Updated guidance will be provided by the General Synod Office when these are available.
No.
The General Synod Office will provide guidance, templates, training and practical support to help the Dioceses and Charges understand and fulfil their responsibilities.
Not necessarily as places of worship are mainly standard tier or below.
Much of the legislation focuses on preparedness, awareness, planning and effective response arrangements.
Read through information as it becomes available from the General Synod Office discuss the potential impact of Martyn’s Law with the Vestry and Clergy, and participate in training provided by the General Synod Office (see the Training section below to start).
Guidance, training and procedures will be developed and made available over the coming months.
These resources will be updated as further information becomes available from the Home Office (opens new window), the Security Industry Authority (SIA) (opens new window), as well as updates from ProtectUK (opens new window).
ProtectUK Training (opens new window) – relevant training to do:
- ACT Awareness E-Learning
- ACT Security e-Learning
- Faith Security Training: Christian
Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (opens new window)
Comprehensive guidance, factsheets, impact assessments, and consultation documents relating to Martyn’s Law.
Home Office Martyn’s Law MythBuster (opens new window)
Addresses common misconceptions around cost, compliance timelines, consultation, and what is considered “reasonably practicable”.
ProtectUK Martyn’s Law Hub (opens new window)
Central official resource for security preparedness, updates on legislation, and guidance for businesses and event organisers.
Additional guidance, training and resources will be made available by the General Synod Office as the implementation date approaches and the Security Industry Authority (SIA) is fully established in its role as the regulator.
If you require any advice or guidance about Martyn’s Law, please contact the General Synod Office at GeneralSynodOffice@scotland.anglican.org (opens new email)