Include NWAS capabilities in GMP Major Incident Plan
Greater Manchester Police's Major Incident Plan should be reviewed to ensure that it includes clear guidance on the capabilities of North West Ambulance Service, including its Hazardous Area Response Team, Ambulance Intervention Team and Special Operations Response Team, as well as on the importance of joint working
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
[Note: Gov.uk dashboard progress text appears to relate to GMFRS capabilities (rec 40), not NWAS as this recommendation requires. Status marked Completed by government.] GMP's Major Incident Plan has a section on the capabilities of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, and this includes details of its specialist assets such as the Specialist Response Team. This section was written by GMFRS and has been reviewed by them and the Greater Manchester Blue Light Working Group in advance of the publication of the next version of the Major Incident Plan. This section contains relevant details for both Commanders and Responders
Gov.uk dashboard data appears corrupted for this recommendation. The progress text displayed relates to GMFRS capabilities (matching recommendation 40), not NWAS capabilities as this recommendation requires. No usable progress data available.
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).
JESIP Joint Doctrine updated to v3.1 (April 2024) following inquiry findings on interoperability failures. Operation Plato reformed to cover all terrorist attack types, not just firearms. Emphasis extended beyond command-level to frontline responders.
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.