Martyn’s Law – The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill is a pending UK wide legislation that will place a requirement on those responsible for certain publicly accessible locations to consider the threat from terrorism and implement appropriate and proportionate mitigation measures.

On Tuesday 7 November 2023, the King’s Speech set out the programme of legislation that the Government intends to pursue in the forthcoming Parliamentary session. Martyn’s Law was included.

Why is it called Martyn’s Law?

The Bill is also known as ‘Martyn’s Law’ in tribute to Martyn Hett, who was tragically killed alongside 21 others in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in 2017.

Why do we need Martyn’s Law?

There have been 14 terror attacks in the UK since the start of 2017.

The threat picture is complex, evolving, and enduring, with terrorists choosing to attack a broad range of locations.

Martyn’s Law will improve the safety and security of public venues and keep the British public safe from terrorism.

The Bill will make sure public premises and events are better prepared for, and protected from, terrorist attacks; requiring them to fulfil necessary but proportionate steps according to their capacity size to mitigate the impact of a terrorist attack and reduce harm. Through Martyn’s Law, premises will be better prepared and ready to respond in the event of a terrorist attack.

What will Martyn’s Law do?

Through Martyn's Law premises will be better prepared, ready to respond, and their staff will know what to do in the event of a terrorist attack.

It will enhance public safety by ensuring there is better preparedness for, and protection from, terrorist attacks. This will be done by mandating, for the first time, who is responsible for considering the risk from terrorism and how they would respond to a terrorist attack at certain premises and events.

The Bill will raise the security standard throughout the UK requiring a base level of security procedures to be in place at premises and events. The UK Government’s counter terrorism security partners strongly believe that even basic knowledge will deliver a wholesale raising of the public safety bar.

Is the Church at risk?

The Church of Scotland and other places of worship have not been identified as a specific risk, however the aim of the legislation is to raise the vigilance around all publicly accessible areas by making them less likely to become easily targeted by those who enter with malicious intent or wish to cause harm.

There will undoubtedly be a variance in the risks posed across the Church of Scotland estate based on the significance of the individual church buildings and other risk factors such as religious and historic significance, visitor and congregational numbers, location and footfall, and even the proximity to neighbouring properties which may pose a risk to the church by being the intended target.

Who will be in scope? 

It is expected that the new legislation will apply to duty holders responsible for publicly accessible locations used for purposes such as entertainment and leisure, retail, food and drink, museums and galleries, sports grounds, public areas of local and central Government buildings (e.g., town halls), visitor attractions, temporary events, Places of Worship, health, and education.

The Government have indicated that publicly accessible locations with a capacity of 100 or more people will need to undertake simple yet effective control measures to improve protective security and preparedness, with a tiered model linked to the activity that takes place and the premise capacity.

The Standard Tier: premises with a capacity of 100-799 individuals, e.g. many retail stores, village halls, bars, restaurants and theatres.

The Enhanced Tier: premises with a capacity of 800 or more individuals, e.g. large shopping centres, concert halls and sports stadia. The Enhanced Tier also includes certain events with equivalent capacity.

It is proposed that Places of Worship will be classed generally as Standard Tier premises, irrespective of their maximum capacity, unless they charge a fee for admission.

How do we demonstrate Standard Tier compliance?

Further guidance and information will follow from the UK Government and its security partners prior to the legislation changes.

In addition to the current ongoing measures taken by the local congregations to secure our buildings and keep them safe, there will be a responsibility for local duty holder(s) to consider and demonstrate the control measures taken for the protection of church property, assets, and occupants within a building from intruders, violence, and unsafe situations that could cause harm or damage. The primary goals for the duty holder(s) are to deter, prevent, detect and respond effectively to physical security violations including acts of terrorism.

Should we start preparing now?

Although no date has yet been set for the introduction of the legislation, we strongly advise that as soon as possible you should:

• see the counter terrorism pages on GOV.UK
• find out more about training and resources available from the Protect UK website 
• The Kirk Session and their nominated premises duty holder(s) should take the necessary steps to start the localised preparations by ensuring that the Standard Terrorism evaluation (Risk Assessment) is an added consideration when compiling or reviewing the risk assessments for your properties. (See example attached Appendix 1).

• Consider the existing building security safeguards already in place such as perimeter fencing and lockable gates or doors.  In addition to the physical structure, also consider the people and activities taking place within the church buildings and ease of movement and entry. Consider entry points and access to the buildings during congregational worship and the possibility of any unauthorised access to alternative parts of the buildings or grounds.

• Consider any fitted security measures within your premises and whether they are visible deterrents, fully operational and sufficient for your premises. This includes locks, cameras, lockable gates, perimeter fencing, lighting, visible staff, ongoing building activities or checks or any other security measures.

• Consider evacuation routes and exits, and areas within the building that could be isolated or locked to prevent unauthorised people accessing the building.

• Remember to remain realistic about your church location and the likelihood of threats and remain proportionate about the security risks posed and the measures required to maintain a safe and secure building.

Steps to Secure a Building

• Conduct the evaluation (risk assessment) to identify vulnerabilities.
• Remove hiding places outside the building (e.g., large bushes).
• Remain vigilant and challenge people entering or loitering within the church properties.
• Report any suspicious person(s) activities or loitering
• Establish or maintain a security perimeter using existing fences, walls and gates.
• Maintainphysical barriers, people or registers at access points. (Dependent on Church or event)
• Installweapon detection systems at major entry points. (Dependent on Church or event)
• Install CCTV cameras to eliminate blind spots. (Dependent on risks identified in evaluation risk assessment)
• Keep all areas well-lit and clear of obstructions.
• Set up motion sensor devices with alarms for unauthorised access (As required).

Remember, building security is crucial for safeguarding lives, assets, and the smooth functioning of activities within the church premises.

• Consider the existing building security safeguards already in place such as perimeter fencing and lockable gates or doors.  In addition to the physical structure, also consider the people and activities taking place within the church buildings and ease of movement and entry. Consider entry points and access to the buildings during congregational worship and the possibility of any unauthorised access to alternative parts of the buildings or grounds.

• Consider any fitted security measures within your premises and whether they are visible deterrents, fully operational and sufficient for your premises. This includes locks, cameras, lockable gates, perimeter fencing, lighting, visible staff, ongoing building activities or checks or any other security measures.

• Consider evacuation routes and exits, and areas within the building that could be isolated or locked to prevent unauthorised people accessing the building.

• Remember to remain realistic about your church location and the likelihood of threats and remain proportionate about the security risks posed and the measures required to maintain a safe and secure building.

Steps to Secure a Building

• Conduct the evaluation (risk assessment) to identify vulnerabilities.
• Remove hiding places outside the building (e.g., large bushes).
• Remain vigilant and challenge people entering or loitering within the church properties.
• Report any suspicious person(s) activities or loitering
• Establish or maintain a security perimeter using existing fences, walls and gates.
• Maintainphysical barriers, people or registers at access points. (Dependent on Church or event)
• Installweapon detection systems at major entry points. (Dependent on Church or event)
• Install CCTV cameras to eliminate blind spots. (Dependent on risks identified in evaluation risk assessment)
• Keep all areas well-lit and clear of obstructions.
• Set up motion sensor devices with alarms for unauthorised access (As required).

Remember, building security is crucial for safeguarding lives, assets, and the smooth functioning of activities within the church premises.

The Church of Scotland will have a duty to comply with the legislation and the General Trustees have been directly engaging with the UK and Scottish Government on the ongoing consultation process and dialogue on behalf of the UK wide congregations.

Further guidance and information is expected prior to the legislative changes and this will be shared as and when it has been received.

The General Trustees SafeBuildings team recommend that you familiarise yourself with the forthcoming legislative changes and evaluate the security control measures currently at your church location to be better prepared for the proposed changes.

Please do not hesitate to contact us at:

safebuildings@churchofscotland.org.uk should you require any assistance with the preparations and evaluation process.

Faith Security Training  | Martyn's Law

The ongoing security and control measures within places of worship is highly likely to become a legislative requirement following The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill 2023 it is also commonly referred to as Martyn’s Law.

Although the legislation is still currently within its finalised consultation period, the supplementary additions to the church security sections aim to ensure that presbytery and congregations can suitably access the training material and government guidance and evaluate the security at their buildings and start to put in place their localised policies and procedures.

The home office has recently compiled a suite of e- learning modules specifically aimed at places of worship and we recommend that all duty holders and other persons with control over the access and security of the church building(s) registers and completes the course.

The Christian Faith security training module will help the learner with:

• Understanding Threats to Security
• Protective Security Measures
• Reactive Security Measures
  • Security Risk Scenarios
  • Security Governance and Administration

This will assist with ensuring that the specific Security Risk evaluation considers all of the areas highlighted and will further assist with updating or producing security policies and procedures for your church building(s).

The training can be accessed via E-Learning|Protect UK

The general Trustees SafeBuildings team will update the guidance and information received and assist presbytery and congregations with the security evaluation process as required.

Please contact the GT’s Safebuildings team if you need any advice or guidance in relation to the security or evaluation of your church building(s) safebuildings@churchofscotland.org.uk