GM Resilience Forum tri-service plan reviews
The Greater Manchester Resilience Forum should oversee, at least every six months, a regular tri-service review of the Major Incident plans used by Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and North West Ambulance Service. The purpose of that review should be to ensure that there is a common understanding by each emergency service of the plans of the other emergency services. It should also ensure that the importance of joint working is embedded within each emergency service.
- GMP stated that the task and finish group has closed with responsibilities delegated to the GM Blue Light Working Group, with the first review of major incident plans underway and planned on a 6-monthly basis (Manchester Arena Inquiry Recommendations Dashboard, Cabinet Office, February 2026).
- British Transport Police has been incorporated into the review as a key blue light partner (Manchester Arena Inquiry Recommendations Dashboard, Cabinet Office, February 2026).
How was this evidence gathered?
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
The Manchester Arena task and finish group has now closed with recommendation 1 delegated to the GM blue light working group (BLWG). Terms of Reference make clear that recommendation 1 is incorporated into the group remit and the first review of major incident plans is currently underway. The intention is for this to continue on a 6-monthly basis. Of note, whilst British Transport Police weren't explicitly mentioned in the recommendation they have been incorporated into the review as a key planning and response blue light partner within the Greater Manchester region.
The Manchester Arena task and finish group has now closed with recommendation 1 delegated to the GM blue light working group (BLWG). Terms of Reference make clear that recommendation 1 is incorporated into the group remit and the first review of major incident plans is currently underway. The intention is for this to continue on a 6-monthly basis. Of note, whilst British Transport Police weren't explicitly mentioned in the recommendation they have been incorporated into the review as a key planning and response blue light partner within the Greater Manchester region.
Published Evidence
Published assessments of progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Source type badge indicates 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.