Greater Manchester's chief constable has described hosting the G20 summit in 2027 as a "vast policing operation" that will place significant pressure on police resources across the region.
Sir Stephen Watson told BBC Radio Manchester's Hotseat programme that the international gathering would "bring pressures" and warned that without careful management, it could "sadly bend us out of shape."
The G20 summit will take place on 27 and 28 November 2027 at Manchester Central Convention Centre. The event is expected to be the largest summit ever held in the city and will attract world leaders, their delegations, thousands of journalists, officials, campaigners and protesters.
Security and Disruption
Sir Stephen acknowledged that the summit would cause disruption across parts of Manchester city centre. "There will be vast areas of the city that will be properly locked down," he said.
A "ring of steel" will be put in place around key locations to maintain security. The chief constable said Greater Manchester Police and forces from across the UK would be able to deliver a successful security operation.
"We're really good at this sort of stuff," Sir Stephen said. "You've seen it with the Olympics, you've seen it with other big group nation-type gatherings. We'll do it well, we'll do it in an excellent fashion."
Funding and Opportunity
Sir Stephen sought to reassure residents that the cost of policing the event would not fall on local taxpayers. "The resourcing element will be covered off by central government," he said.
He described the summit as a major opportunity for Greater Manchester, saying the city would have the chance to showcase itself on the world stage to global leaders and audiences.
