Agenda item

It was agreed that the Item 8 would be taken after Item 5 on the agenda.

Councillor Mashari, as Chair, introduced the topical item discussion on the safety concerns at Wembley Stadium in light of the scenes at the EURO 2020 Final. The Committee was then invited to raise questions on the topical item, which focused on a number of key areas as highlighted below:

·         It was noted that the Council was responsible for a range of functions before, during and after an event at Wembley Stadium. This included street cleaning and litter collection, parking enforcement, stadium safety inspections, highways control, upholding public protection orders, liaising with local businesses, brand protection work and public health measures.

·         Regarding the typical Council-led safety arrangements on event days at Wembley Stadium, it was explained that officers would monitor the stadium’s arrangements on the morning of an event, including the effectiveness of various arrangements to control crowds. As the event neared, officers would be present at the entrances to the stadium to ensure relevant safety arrangements were being undertaken safely and effectively. Once the event began, officers would monitor how attendees interacted within the stadium and how this was being managed by stewards. After the event, officers would work closely with its partners to ensure a safe flow of attendees out of the stadium.

·         It was noted that the Football Association (FA), UEFA and the Metropolitan Police would all be undertaking separate reviews into what happened during the EURO 2020 Final. Partners would need time to understand the circumstances around the event and, as such, it was too early to give a view on what went wrong. A Safety Advisory Group (SAG) meeting would be convened on 20 July 2021 in which relevant partners would meet to discuss the event. Members were assured that relevant scrutiny would be undertaken at the appropriate time.

·         The Council’s operational plan for event days was signed off by the Operational Director, Environment and shared with the Chief Executive and Leader of the Council. Partners had their own operational plans which would contribute to the wider event day operation.

·         In response to a question regarding alcohol consumption on event days, it was noted that Wembley Stadium was licensed to sell alcohol as soon as it opens for an event.

·         The number of officers on duty at an event was determined by the risk categorisation of the event. The risk categorisation was determined by local partners and informed any decision on stewarding and policing. It was noted that there were more stewards present for the EURO 2020 Final than any other match during the tournament.

·         In response to a question regarding emergency assistance at Wembley Stadium, it was noted that any injured person would receive immediate medical assistance. Should a serious injury take place within the stadium’s parameters, a review would be undertaken to ascertain the circumstances of the injury and the effectiveness of the response.

Following the discussion it was RESOLVED:

1.    That it be recommended to Cabinet;

          (i).        To hold a public review into the Council’s actions taken before, during and after the Euro 2020 Final to establish the lessons learnt.

2.    To make the following information requests;

          (i).        To receive a report on the outcome of the Safety Advisory Group for Wembley National Stadium meeting to be held on Tuesday 20^th July 2021 at the next meeting of the Committee.