Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the answer of 8 September 2026 to question 23196 on USA: Armed Forces, by when the NPCC will have considered whether additional formal guidance for police forces is required.

The National Police Chiefs' Council has already undertaken initial consideration of whether additional formal guidance for police forces may be required and has completed its initial engagement with police forces on this issue. Working closely with the Ministry of Defence, Home Office and other Government departments, the National Police Chiefs' Council is now taking forward wider work to identify lessons and develop any guidance, processes and other measures that may be required. This work is being undertaken alongside consideration of the operation of the Visiting Forces Act 1952 and current policing practice. All parties recognise the importance of ensuring that these arrangements operate effectively and maintain public confidence. While this work involves a number of partners and complex issues, we are progressing it at pace and intend to implement any necessary measures as quickly as possible.