Martyn’s Law

The attack on the synagogue in Manchester last week and the arson attack outside a mosque in Peacehaven, East Sussex on Saturday, provided a good reminder on how proper plans for such issues can play an important role in limiting the effects of actions like these, with many people praising the role of staff and attendees at the synagogue in preventing the attack from being worse. This is not something any place of worship should have to face but being prepared and knowing what should be done if they occur can save lives.

In April 2025, the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, also known as Martyn’s Law, was enacted. Coming as a response to the Manchester Arena attack in 2017, and named for one of the victims, Martyn Hett, Martyn’s Law will ensure public places and events are prepared and ready to keep people safe in the event of an attack. Venues that will see less than 200 people in attendance will see no changes to their requirements, spaces and events of between 200 and 799 people will have to abide by the Standard Duty requirements and those with over 800 will have to abide by the Enhanced Duty requirements.

The law is currently in its implementation phase, which is a chance for those responsible for public premises and running events to consider the implications, but there is no requirement to comply with its provisions until the end of implementation, expected after 24 months. However, making preparations now could help premises begin to think about what needs to be in place before its full introduction. These preparations should not require the use of third-party consultants as information and support is freely available from a number of sources.

The Community Security Trust’s SAFE programme runs regular webinars for places of worship explaining the details of Martyn’s Law and the duties the law will place on places of worship. A full list of their upcoming webinars can be found here.

The Home Office have produced a factsheet outlining the key details of Martyn’s Law and what places of worship and other public buildings and events will have to have in place when the law is fully implemented.

ProtectUK also provide a series of resources, including factsheets, videos and tips and tricks about good security practice.

More resources will be released as the law gets closer to full implementation, including specific information for places of worship.