The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill: What it Means for Mosques
An Explainer from Community Policy Forum (October 2024)
What is the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill?
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill – also known as Martyn’s Law – is proposed legislation that will introduce security requirements for certain eligible venues and locations (including mosques and associated faith buildings) to take steps to mitigate the risk and harm of a potential terrorist attack. The aim is to reduce the vulnerability of public places to terrorist attacks by ensuring they are well-prepared, both in terms of physical security and staff training.
Understanding and complying with this bill is crucial for mosques, which are vital centres of worship and community. This guide explains what the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill entails and what steps mosques may need to take to meet its requirements if it passes in its current form.
Why is this bill important for mosques?
Mosques are communal spaces, often with high footfall during prayers, events, and festivals, making them vulnerable to potential attacks. The bill seeks to ensure that venues such as these are protected and equipped to safeguard the well-being of their congregations.
By preparing for potential threats, mosques can ensure they are complying with their legal obligations and protecting their congregation and community.
How will the bill apply to mosques?
Mosques, like a huge variety of other public venues, may be required to assess their vulnerability and take necessary precautions that are proportionate to the size and capacity of the premises.
Small venues
Small venues are designated as standard duty premises. These are venues where “it is reasonable to expect that from time to time 200 or more individuals may be present on the premises at the same time.” The requirements for these smaller premises will be focused on simple, low-cost activities surrounding policies and procedures (for example, educating staff on locking doors and evacuation procedures). These premises may need to perform simple risk assessments and implement basic measures, including having procedures for:
- Evacuating individuals from the premises.
- Moving individuals to a place on the premises where there is less risk of physical harm being caused to them.
- Preventing individuals from entering or leaving the premises.
- Providing information to individuals on the premises.
There will need to be a designated person who is responsible for overseeing these safety measures. They are responsible for assessing and reviewing the appropriate public protection measures for the venue and ensuring that these measures are in place.
The Security Industry Authority must be informed and kept up to date regarding the identity of the person responsible for overseeing your security plans. The Security Industry Authority is the regulator of the UK’s private security industry. It is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Home Office.
Failure to adhere to these requirements could lead to a fine of up to £10,000.
Larger venues
Larger venues constitute enhanced duty premises. These are venues where “it is reasonable to expect that from time to time 800 or more individuals may be present on the premises at the same time.” Larger premises will be required to put in place measures to reduce both the risk from an attack occurring and the risk of physical harm being caused if an attack was to occur. As such, these premises may need to adopt more comprehensive security protocols, including more advanced physical protections (such as CCTV or physical barriers) and emergency preparedness plans. The measures that these types of venues will need to consider relate to:
- Their ability to monitor the premises or event and its immediate vicinity (for example, through the use of CCTV),
- Their ability to monitor the movement of individuals into, out of and within the premises or event,
- Ensuring the physical safety and security of the premises,
- Ensuring the security of information relating to the premises or an event.
The objective is to reduce the risk of physical harm being caused to individuals if an act of terrorism were to occur on the premises, at the event or in the immediate vicinity of the premises or event.
As for smaller venues, there will need to be a designated person who is responsible for overseeing these safety measures. They are responsible for assessing and reviewing the appropriate public protection measures for the venue and ensuring that these measures are in place. This person must also ensure that a document is prepared and kept up to date containing:
- A statement of the procedures in place,
- An assessment of how those procedures may be expected to reduce the expected risks,
- A statement of the measures in place or proposed to be put in place and an assessment of how those measures may be expected to reduce the risks.
A copy of this document must then be provided to the Security Industry Authority when it is prepared and within 30 days of any revisions.
Also as with smaller venues, you must keep the Security Industry Authority up to date regarding the identity of the person responsible for overseeing your security plans.
Failure to adhere to these requirements could lead to a fine of up to £18 million.
How can mosques prepare now?
Even before the bill is enacted, mosques can take the following steps to begin preparations:
- Engage with local authorities: Build relationships with your local authorities to understand current threats and the support available.
- Review current security measures: Take stock of existing safety protocols and identify areas that could be improved.
- Training and awareness: Explore offering basic security awareness training to staff, volunteers, and congregation members if you do not already do so to help them understand how to recognise risks and respond in emergencies.