Single consolidated GMP Operation Plato plan
Greater Manchester Police should review its Operation Plato plans to ensure that there is only a single plan to which all can work and that this plan gives clear and consistent guidance on how to respond to an Operation Plato incident.
How was this assessed?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedThe Home Secretary made a written statement to Parliament on 3 November 2022 following publication of Volume 2, acknowledging the findings on emergency response failures and stating the government would work with emergency services to implement improvements. The response committed to reviewing interoperability arrangements between emergency services and strengthening joint training and exercising protocols for major incidents.
Progress Timeline
NPCC Update: CTPHQ/Plato Recommendation Review-See recommendation 13 NPCC Update: New Command and Control National Guidance-See recommendation 58 GMP's Operation Plato Marauding Terrorist Attack Overall Plan is the only Operation Plato Plan that exists in GMP. This plan covers the GMP response to an Op Plato declaration and includes a series of role cards that provide clear guidance on how to respond to such an incident. Strict version control is in place to ensure that previous versions are not available to Commanders and Responders.
NPCC Update: CTPHQ/Plato Recommendation Review-See recommendation 13 NPCC Update: New Command and Control National Guidance-See recommendation 58 GMP's Operation Plato Marauding Terrorist Attack Overall Plan is the only Operation Plato Plan that exists in GMP. This plan covers the GMP response to an Op Plato declaration and includes a series of role cards that provide clear guidance on how to respond to such an incident. Strict version control is in place to ensure that previous versions are not available to Commanders and Responders.
Published Evidence
Published assessments of implementation progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Check the source type badge to see whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.
Government published formal Manchester Arena Inquiry recommendations dashboard on GOV.UK (14 November 2025) tracking all 149 recommendations with implementation progress updates.
Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 received Royal Assent 3 April 2025. Creates two tiers: Standard Duty (200-799 capacity) and Enhanced Duty (800+). SIA will be regulator. Not yet in force -- at least 24 months before enforcement (expected April 2027).
NPCC, Counter Terrorism Policing and College of Policing provided comprehensive updates to Sir John Saunders demonstrating "continued drive to improve collective response to terrorist incidents."
View detailed findings
Representatives working with UK Intelligence Community to address closed Volume Three recommendations. Cross-government monitoring ongoing.