Manchester Arena Inquiry

The Manchester Arena Inquiry was established following the terrorist attack at Manchester Arena on 22 May 2017 that killed 22 people. Sir John Saunders published the final report on 2 March 2023, making 169 recommendations across emergency response, security arrangements, and public safety.

The government accepted 164 recommendations (97%) and accepted 5 in principle (3%). Home Secretary Suella Braverman stated in Parliament on 6 March 2023 that the government would 'carefully consider the report's findings and recommendations in full' and committed to ensuring lessons were learned. A recommendations tracking dashboard was subsequently published.

Progress updates from February 2026 indicate that 78 recommendations (46%) are recorded as completed and 91 (54%) remain in progress. Key developments documented include the publication of Joint Operating Principles Version 3 for responding to terrorist attacks, establishment of a new multi-agency radio control system, and introduction of the Ten Second Triage system for major incidents.

Several working groups and programmes have been established, including the Clinical Response to Major Incidents group and the Stronger Local Resilience Forum trailblazer programme. The Security Industry Authority has worked with the Health and Safety Executive to develop enhanced first aid training incorporating the inquiry's recommendations.

However, multiple recommendations show limited documented progress nearly three years after publication. Several relating to legislative changes, including extending Security Industry Authority licensing and reforms to the Inquiries Act 2005, remain under consideration. The development of a healthcare standard for events, while noted as progressing with research projects complete, is not due for publication until 2026. The Clinical Response to Major Incidents group has revised its timeline to 2027 due to resource constraints.

The Ministry of Justice has stated there are no current plans to increase maximum sentences under the Inquiries Act, despite this being recommended. Various guidance documents and approved professional practices are noted as being developed but have not yet been published according to the available evidence.