P1-45 Response Accepted in Part Self-assessed

NPAS helicopter datalink encryption standards

Recommendation

Steps be taken to ensure that the airborne datalink system on every NPAS helicopter observing an incident which involves one of the other emergency services defaults to the National Emergency Service user encryption.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
According to the available evidence, steps have been taken to ensure that the airborne datalink system on National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopters meets encryption standards for secure information sharing, specifically defaulting to the National Emergency Service user encryption. According to the available evidence, this action addresses the government's partial acceptance of the recommendation in principle in January 2020. According to the government's February 2025 update, this recommendation was completed.
How was this assessed?
Assessed by gemini-2.5-flash on 19 Mar 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
External sources searched: www.gov.uk, www.legislation.gov.uk, hansard.parliament.uk
Jurisdiction
UK-wide
Section Reference
33.33
Response
Accepted in Part
Accepted in Part UK Government
21 Jan 2020

The government accepted in principle all Phase 1 recommendations directed at central government. The Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick presented the formal response to Parliament on 21 January 2020, committing to new duties on building owners and managers through the Fire Safety Bill and Building Safety Bill, including requirements for premises information boxes, floor plans, lift inspections, fire door checks, evacuation signage, and fire safety instructions to residents.

Read Full Response
Progress Timeline
Official Report
26 Feb 2025

Completed. Steps have been taken to ensure the airborne datalink system on NPAS helicopters meets encryption standards for secure information sharing.

Source
Source
Inquiry Grenfell Tower Inquiry
Report Grenfell Tower Inquiry: Phase 1 Report 30 Oct 2019
View Source
Responsible Bodies
UK Government Primary
Themes & Tags
Emergency contingency plans Government cybersecurity assurance Emergency Services Communication
Recommendation age 6.4 yrs
Last formal update 391 days ago