Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 12
12
Deferred
The principle of police operational independence is an extremely important one, so it is right...
Conclusion
The principle of police operational independence is an extremely important one, so it is right that Ministers are cautious about intervening in police decision-making. However, by intervening only after the decision to ban away fans was taken, the Government increased tension around the fixture but was ineffectual in enabling Maccabi Tel Aviv fans to attend the fixture, which reflects unfavourably on the culture of the Home Office. While the Home Secretary herself was not informed directly, it is clear that both the Home Office and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport were informed on 8 October 2025 that Maccabi fans were likely to be banned from attending the match against Aston Villa. If the Government had intervened privately at this point, to make its preference known, and to offer assurances that the Government was prepared to support with additional resources, a different outcome might have been achieved. The Home Office failed to recognise the significance of the decision and escalate appropriately, which is surprising given that it had already been asked by No. 10 for information regarding the fixture. We believe that early intervention could have been achieved in a way that was sensitive to operational independence. This would have been preferable to the action the Government did take in publicly challenging a policing decision before the event had taken place, without full consideration of the evidence that supported that decision. (Conclusion, Paragraph 47)
Government Response Summary
The government is considering whether a formal designation mechanism could strengthen cross-government coordination for events that may present exceptional challenges but will await a HMICFRS report before finalising proposals or setting out next steps.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
The Government’s recognises the Committee’s interest in whether a formal designation mechanism could strengthen cross-government coordination for events that may present exceptional public safety, security or public order challenges, or be particularly sensitive. The safe delivery of major football fixtures is currently primarily a matter for local authorities, policing and event organisers, and, as was the situation for the Aston Villa v Maccabi Tel Aviv match, it is essential to respect the operational independence of the police and the statutory responsibilities of local safety regulators. However, recent events have highlighted the need to examine whether national-level support and coordination could be improved in cases where risks extend beyond the local footprint or where wider community impacts or sensitivities require a more joined-up response. As the Committee notes, Baroness Casey’s independent review following the Euro 2020 Final recommended that the Government consider whether a clearer framework is required for identifying and managing events of national significance, including whether central government should have a more defined role in such cases. As you know, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services is currently inspecting how police forces contribute to Safety Advisory Groups and is expected to provide further insight into whether existing arrangements adequately support decision-making for events that are particularly sensitive or high-risk, but it has not made any recommendations at this stage. Officials are working across departments, drawing together expertise from the Home Office, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government and policing partners, to consider whether there should be a role for central government in particular circumstances and what those circumstances should be. This includes assessing whether a clear designation process could: • improve early identification of high-risk matches or other events; • enable more consistent cross-government coordination; and • provide a firmer basis for national-level advice, assurance or intervention where appropriate. • confirm that any necessary engagement with all relevant community and interest groups has taken place. This work is actively being progressed with officials developing options to test with policing, local authorities and event organisers to ensure any proposals are proportionate, workable, and grounded in existing statutory responsibilities. However, given HMICFRS is expected to report shortly, we will take account of its findings before finalising proposals or setting out next steps. The UK Resilience Academy’s review of Safety Advisory Group guidance is an important related workstream, aimed at strengthening the clarity, governance and consistency of Safety Advisory Group processes. While it does not address the Committee’s specific recommendation on designating events of national significance, its outputs will support a more robust foundation for any future cross-government deliberations in this area.