London runs largest counter‑terrorism drill at Canary Wharf

London emergency services conducted their largest counter-terrorism training exercise in recent history on Sunday, with over 1,000 personnel gathering at Canary Wharf to test their response to a simulated marauding terrorist attack. The drill, codenamed Firebird, was organized by Counter Terrorism Policing London and involved police, firefighters, paramedics, counter-terrorism investigators, and private security staff. A section of the Canary Wharf estate was closed to the public until midday to facilitate the exercise.

The scenario was designed to incorporate lessons from past real-world incidents, including the 2017 Manchester Arena attack. Metropolitan Police Chief Superintendent Kris Wright, who directed the exercise, highlighted the implementation of "10-second triage," a rapid casualty assessment and care protocol developed from the Manchester tragedy. Organizers also collaborated with local makeup colleges to create realistic-looking injuries for responders to treat during the simulation. The exercise utilized advanced equipment, including drones, to test new capabilities.

Chief Superintendent Wright stated that the timing of the drill was pertinent given the UK's current...