GMP chief: G20 summit could 'bend us out of shape'

Greater Manchester's chief constable said hosting the G20 summit in 2027 will be a "vast policing operation" that will put pressure on resources.

Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester's Hotseat programme, Sir Stephen Watson said the event would "bring pressures" and added: "If we're not careful, it could sadly bend us out of shape."

He said the international gathering would provide an opportunity to showcase the city on the world stage, but require a significant commitment of officers and resources.

Despite the scale of the operation, Sir Stephen said he was confident Greater Manchester Police and forces from across the UK would be able to deliver a successful security operation.

The G20 summit, an annual gathering of the world's biggest economies, will take place on 27 and 28 November 2027 at the Manchester Central Convention Centre.

It will be the largest summit ever held in the city and is expected to bring world leaders and their delegations to Manchester, along with thousands of journalists, officials, campaigners and protesters.

Sir Stephen acknowledged the summit would lead to disruption across parts of Manchester city centre.

"There will be vast areas of the city that will be properly locked down," he said.

He said a "ring of steel" would be put in place around key locations to keep them secure.

"We're really good at this sort of stuff," he 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."

The chief constable also 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.

Sir Stephen described the summit as a major opportunity for Greater Manchester.

"For those of us who live and work here, we know Manchester is the centre of the world," he said.

"We are now going to be able to persuade everybody else of it as well."

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