Milton Keynes Launches Operation WONDERWALL: A National Blueprint for Martyn’s Law Readiness

Milton Keynes is leading the way in national emergency preparedness with the official launch of Operation WONDERWALL and the introduction of Major Incident Marshals (MIMs).

This first-of-its-kind initiative, developed by MyMiltonKeynes BID, is designed to ensure the city is uniquely equipped to prepare for and respond effectively to major incidents. By embedding resilience directly within the business community, the programme offers a scalable, low-cost model for cities across the UK preparing for the upcoming Martyn’s Law legislation.

What are Major Incident Marshals (MIMs)?

Operation WONDERWALL trains volunteers already working within city centre businesses to become Major Incident Marshals. These marshals are equipped to provide:

• Immediate practical support during the critical first minutes of an incident.

• Coordination and reassurance for the public.

• Life-saving care before emergency services arrive on the scene.

  
  

A Locally-Led National Model

Launched on Friday, 23rd January 2026, at Santander’s UK head office in Unity Place, the event brought together emergency planning partners and world-class trauma specialists.

The initiative is a key milestone in the BID’s emergency planning work, building on the ‘Milton Keynes Ready to Respond’ programme. While the original training principles were devised by local paramedic Joe McMahon, Operation WONDERWALL is the BID’s strategic evolution into a formalised marshal framework.

Endorsed by National Experts

Figen Murray OBE, Lead Campaigner for Martyn’s Law: "Operation WONDERWALL provides the vital link between the public and emergency services. I am fully behind this mission to make Milton Keynes a national blueprint for preparedness."

Major General (Ret’d) Professor Tim Hodgetts, co-founder of citizenAID: "Milton Keynes is placing itself firmly at the forefront of UK societal resilience. This is exactly how life-saving skills should be cascaded to the public – locally led, practical, and rooted in partnership."

The Future of Public Safety in Milton Keynes

The concept and

framework for the MIMs was created by Sam Bradley, MyMiltonKeynes BID’s City Centre Safety & Operations Lead. The next phase of the project focuses on:

1. Pilot training courses for city centre volunteers.

2. Skills delivery in partnership with citizenAID.

3. Accreditation pathways to create a formalised standard for Major Incident Marshals.

Jill Farnsworth, CEO of MyMiltonKeynes BID: "What makes Milton Keynes special is that this work is being driven locally by people who care deeply about this city. This approach will not only work locally but could be developed across the country, making a genuine difference and ultimately saving lives."

As Milton Keynes continues to blaze a trail, the ambition is clear: to act as the national model for business-led emergency preparedness.