Churches are being urged to step up preparation ahead of forthcoming legal requirements to strengthen their premises’ security and readiness for potential terrorist attacks.
Places of worship within the scope of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (known as Martyn’s Law), which is expected to come into force in April 2027, will be required to appoint a “responsible person” and give formal notification of their premises.
They will also need to implement appropriate public protection procedures where reasonably practicable, but physical security measures will not be required. These standard statutory duties will apply to places of worship that can reasonably expect at least 200 people to gather at least occasionally.
