Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what training or exercises to prepare for civil unrest arising from a major national crisis have been conducted in the last 12 months, broken down by (a) police force and (b) number of exercises.

The College of Policing is responsible for providing guidance and training to police. Whilst the police are operationally independent, this government is committed to ensuring the police have the capabilities needed to respond to violent disorder wherever it occurs. The disorder seen in Summer 2024 highlighted the importance of ensuring that policing has the capability to respond effectively to large-scale public order incidents. His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services subsequently identified shortcomings in central public order mobilisation arrangements. It is right that we take forward the lessons from the most significant period of public disorder in over a decade.

As part of the Police Reform White Paper, we have introduced measures to enhance the intelligence, investigative and coordination functions of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and the National Police Coordination Centre (NPoCC). These improvements will support forces in responding swiftly and effectively to emerging incidents and operational demands, helping them to better protect and serve their communities.

The White Paper sets out plans for the National Police Service to strengthen the way resources are coordinated during periods of widespread disorder, improve the effectiveness of national mobilisation arrangements, and enhance command, control and strategic oversight across policing.