The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, or Martyn’s Law, aims to protect people from acts of terrorism. It will require those responsible for certain buildings and events, including churches, to plan how they would respond to an attack and help keep people safe.
The new duties are not yet in force, and churches do not need to notify the regulator yet. The Security Industry Authority (SIA), which will oversee regulation, expects the duties to begin in spring 2027. The exact date is still to be confirmed.
Does it apply to our church?
Your church will be covered if you can reasonably expect 200 or more people to be present at the same time, even if this happens only occasionally. You should count everyone you expect to be present, including clergy, staff, and volunteers.
Consider larger services and events as well as your usual Sunday congregation. For example, a church with a small regular congregation may still be covered if it expects 200 or more people at a Christmas service.
If expected attendance stays below 200, your church will fall outside the law’s requirements for premises.
Churches covered by the law whose main use is worship will follow the standard tier requirements. This remains the case even if attendance reaches 800 or more. However, separate church halls and events held elsewhere may need to be considered separately.
What will we need to do?
Once the duties begin, those responsible for churches covered by the law will need to notify the SIA and put suitable procedures in place for:
- Evacuation: helping people leave to get away from danger.
- Invacuation: moving people to a safer place inside.
- Lockdown: securing the building to restrict entry or exit.
- Communication: warning people and giving clear instructions.
Arrangements must be “appropriate and reasonably practicable”. This means choosing steps that suit your church, weighing up how they will help keep people safe against the cost, time, and difficulty involved. Staff and volunteers must know what to do. The standard tier does not automatically require building alterations or new security equipment.
What can we do now?
Speal with your PCC to see if your church or other premises might fall under the Act. Look at attendance numbers, especially for bigger services and events. If the Act does apply, find out who is legally responsible.
No matter how big or small your church is, it’s always a good idea to review your emergency plans. This helps keep everyone safe and ensures your church remains welcoming.
Where can we find help?
Updated 2 November 2026