MyMiltonKeynes Strengthens Emergency Planning with Operation Wonderwall

Following on from the successful launch of the MK Ready to Respond initiative earlier this year, MyMiltonKeynes BID has taken the next major step in developing a city-wide emergency response framework, with key local partners.

At today’s inaugural meeting of Operation Wonderwall, representatives from Thames Valley Police, Bucks Fire and Rescue and the South Central Ambulance Service SCAS, joined City Centre businesses, including Xscape, Santander, centre:mk and Hotel La Tour to explore how Milton Keynes can strengthen its collective resilience to major incidents.

The session was led by MyMiltonKeynes BID’s City Centre Safety & Operations Lead, who introduced the concept of Operation Wonderwall. Among those contributing was paramedic Joe McMahon, whose vision and leadership were instrumental in creating the MK Ready to Respond initiative. Joe continues to play a vital role in shaping the city’s approach to preparedness, with his involvement supported by Pink Punters nightclub.

Major General Professor Tim Hodgetts

The meeting was joined by Major General Professor Tim Hodgetts, CB, CBE, KHS, DL, co-founder of the charity citizenAID and former Surgeon General of the UK Armed Forces. His wealth of experience in emergency medicine and mass-casualty response is an invaluable asset to the city as it develops its own readiness plans.

 

Why Milton Keynes Needs This

The initiative recognises that Milton Keynes has evolved. Once a city centre focused on retail and offices, it is now home to high-rise residential blocks, large hotels, family attractions, and busy leisure hubs. This shift changes the risk profile and the types of potential incidents — from fires in residential towers and car parks, to major medical emergencies, or even terrorist threats.

Recent developments such as Martyn’s Law provide the perfect opportunity for the city to come together and share responsibility for safety. Operation Wonderwall creates the space for open discussion, joint learning, and coordinated planning across multiple sectors.

Emergency Planning: A Unified Response

The goal of Operation Wonderwall is clear: to establish a coordinated, city-wide emergency response plan aligned with the Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Principles (JESIP). Success will not simply be defined by a document, but by how effectively partners can work together during drills — and ultimately, in real emergencies.

This collective approach aims to:

• Enhance public safety and confidence

• Align emergency response procedures across organisations

• Build a stronger, more resilient Milton Keynes

Looking Ahead: Getting Ready to Respond

MyMiltonKeynes BID will continue to convene and coordinate this partnership as plans develop. The long-term vision is a tested, trusted, and unified emergency response framework that can be relied upon in any crisis.

With the expertise of Major General Hodgetts, the passion of Joe McMahon, and the buy-in from major City Centre businesses, Milton Keynes is taking bold steps towards becoming a city that is not only Ready to Respond, but confident in its ability to do so together.