Common terminology for Operation Plato zones
The Home Office, His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services, the College of Policing, the Fire Service College, the National Ambulance Resilience Unit and JESIP should ensure that all emergency services use common terminology to describe the Operation Plato hot, warm and cold zones and all have a common understanding of those terms.
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
Following the publication of the report the Joint Operating Principles known as 'JOPs' Version 3 has been produced and signed off by the tri-services. This document contains additional principles, which can be applied when responding to a Marauding Terrorist Attack. These Joint Operating Principles (JOPs) have been developed from the operational experience of the three services, as well as learning taken from attacks, exercises and wider national learning. The JOP's covers the following areas:- IDENTIFICATION, MOBILISATION, COMMUNICATION, SCENE ASSESSMENT, SHARED SITUATIONAL AWARENESS AND JOINT UNDERSTANDING OF RISK, CASUALTY MANAGEMENT, FIRE AND HAZARDS MANAGEMENT, DE-BRIEFING AND LESSONS IDENTIFIED This was a large piece of work which captured a number of recommendations from the Manchester Arena Inquiry. The JOPS is reviewed on an annual basis to determine its value, additional learning and to ensure it is still relevant.
Following the publication of the report the Joint Operating Principles known as 'JOPs' Version 3 has been produced and signed off by the tri-services. This document contains additional principles, which can be applied when responding to a Marauding Terrorist Attack. These Joint Operating Principles (JOPs) have been developed from the operational experience of the three services, as well as learning taken from attacks, exercises and wider national learning. The JOP's covers the following areas:- IDENTIFICATION, MOBILISATION, COMMUNICATION, SCENE ASSESSMENT, SHARED SITUATIONAL AWARENESS AND JOINT UNDERSTANDING OF RISK, CASUALTY MANAGEMENT, FIRE AND HAZARDS MANAGEMENT, DE-BRIEFING AND LESSONS IDENTIFIED This was a large piece of work which captured a number of recommendations from the Manchester Arena Inquiry. The JOPS is reviewed on an annual basis to determine its value, additional learning and to ensure it is still relevant.
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.