Maintain radio communications during Major Incidents
The emergency services should prepare, train and exercise for how they will maintain effective radio communications between emergency responders on the ground, commanders and control rooms, during the response to a Major 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
Post the attack a new multi-agency radio control talk group was developed, which is shared with police, fire and ambulance and monitored 24/7 in control rooms. There are established tri service testing and training arrangements for this talk group. In addition, there is a 'all Forces Police Airwave hailing channel' enabling forces to easily call up and again this is tested regularly. In relation to improving the use of airwave tactical advisors, there are now approximately 700 across the 3 services. National guidance for services on training and testing has been revised and launched in August 2024, taking into account these recommendations to support the requirements around interoperability. This work is also linked closely with the Home Office led Emergency Services Mobile Communication Programme (ESMCP) that seeks to prepare over 300k emergency workers to transition from the current radio system to a new commercial network. Multi-Agency Partners Recommendation Update: Improving multi-agency communications - Post the attack a new multi-agency radio control talkgroup was developed, which is shared with police, fire and ambulance and monitored 24/7 in control rooms. There is a tri service testing and training arrangements for this talkgroup. In addition, there is a ‘all Forces Police Airwave hailing channel’ enabling forces to easily call up and again this is tested regulary. In relation to improving the use of airwave tactical advisors, there are now approximately 700 across the 3 services. Further related guidance for services on training and testing is also currently being revised taking into account these recommendations to support the requirements around interoperability. This work is also linked closely with the Home Office led Emergency Services Mobile Communication Programme (ESMCP) that seeks to prepare over 300k emergency workers to transition from the current radio system to a new commercial network.
Post the attack a new multi-agency radio control talk group was developed, which is shared with police, fire and ambulance and monitored 24/7 in control rooms. There are established tri service testing and training arrangements for this talk group. In addition, there is a 'all Forces Police Airwave hailing channel' enabling forces to easily call up and again this is tested regularly. In relation to improving the use of airwave tactical advisors, there are now approximately 700 across the 3 services. National guidance for services on training and testing has been revised and launched in August 2024, taking into account these recommendations to support the requirements around interoperability. This work is also linked closely with the Home Office led Emergency Services Mobile Communication Programme (ESMCP) that seeks to prepare over 300k emergency workers to transition from the current radio system to a new commercial network. Multi-Agency Partners Recommendation Update: Improving multi-agency communications - Post the attack a new multi-agency radio control talkgroup was developed, which is shared with police, fire and ambulance and monitored 24/7 in control rooms. There is a tri service testing and training arrangements for this talkgroup. In addition, there is a ‘all Forces Police Airwave hailing channel’ enabling forces to easily call up and again this is tested regulary. In relation to improving the use of airwave tactical advisors, there are now approximately 700 across the 3 services. Further related guidance for services on training and testing is also currently being revised taking into account these recommendations to support the requirements around interoperability. This work is also linked closely with the Home Office led Emergency Services Mobile Communication Programme (ESMCP) that seeks to prepare over 300k emergency workers to transition from the current radio system to a new commercial network.
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.