← Back to House of Commons Debates
Huntingdon Train Attack 2025-11-03
03 November 2025
Lead MP
The Secretary of State for the Home Department Shabana Mahmood
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Crime & Law EnforcementNHS
Other Contributors: 30
At a Glance
The Secretary of State for the Home Department Shabana Mahmood raised concerns about huntingdon train attack 2025-11-03 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Crime & Law EnforcementNHS
Government Statement
Today, I am making a statement on the horrific events that took place on the east coast main line on Saturday evening. My thoughts are with the victims, their families and friends, and all those who experienced this terrifying attack. The emergency services, including British Transport police, Cambridgeshire police, fire and rescue service, and ambulance service, responded quickly and professionally. A train crew member showed immense bravery by confronting the attacker, resulting in his own serious injuries. Police have charged one man, Anthony Williams, with multiple counts of attempted murder and possession of a knife. Since Saturday's attack, British Transport police has increased its presence at key transport points but maintains that this was an isolated incident. The government is committed to halving knife crime within a decade; progress includes banning zombie knives and ninja swords, taking 60,000 knives off the streets, and seeing a 5% reduction in overall knife crimes. Further measures will be considered once all facts are available.
Chris Philp
Con
Croydon South
Question
Did the police know Anthony Williams's identity following his earlier involvement in an attack on the docklands light railway in London, and if so, did Cambridgeshire police have this information to track him down?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary confirmed that Anthony Williams was involved in a previous incident at Pontoon Dock in London but did not provide further details on whether his identity was known or shared between different police forces.
Chris Philp
Con
Croydon South
Question
Was Williams previously known to the police more widely or mental health services?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary stated that Anthony Williams was not previously known to the security services, Counter Terrorism Policing, or Prevent. She did not provide additional information regarding his relationship with other parts of the police or mental health services.
Chris Philp
Con
Croydon South
Question
What measures are being considered to reduce knife crime further?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary acknowledged that more could be done and will examine what additional measures might have been taken to prevent the attack. However, she stressed that this must be done after all facts are available from the police investigation.
Ruth Cadbury MP
Lab
Brentford and Isleworth
Question
Concerns about long-term changes to rail security without careful consideration of potential downsides impacting ease of travel, especially after the attack.
Minister reply
The Government will ensure that any arrangements always strike a balance between safety and ease of travel. Based on current understanding, there are no proposals for changes at this point as the risk assessment has not changed.
Max Wilkinson MP
Lib Dem
Cheltenham
Question
Requests confirmation on data trends over violent incidents involving knives or sharp instruments harming three or more victims, and lessons learned about individuals posing risks due to mental health issues, extremism, etc.
Minister reply
The Government has seen an 18% decrease in murders by knife. When all facts are known, any lessons will be acted upon.
Shabana Mahmood
Lab
Havant
Question
Will the Home Secretary join me in calling for community cohesion following this incident, and ensure that a full investigation takes place into those possible other offences?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary agrees to call for community cohesion and confirms that a full investigation will take place regarding potential additional incidents.
Ben Obese-Jecty
Con
Huntingdon
Question
This has been a difficult and challenging weekend for Huntingdon. My thoughts are with the victims... Can you confirm that this Government will ensure that, as we know more, where there are lessons to be learned, they will be learned and acted upon?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary assures that all lessons from the incident will be learned and acted upon as more information becomes available.
Andrew Pakes
Lab
Peterborough
Question
... Can my right hon. Friend confirm that we will go the extra mile to tackle knife crime and ensure that our streets and public transport remain safe for everyone for years to come?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary confirms a commitment to tackling knife crime and ensuring long-term safety on public transport.
Karen Bradley
Con
Staffordshire Moorlands
Question
... I draw the Home Secretary’s attention to our inquiry on new forms of radicalisation... If things come out of the investigation that are relevant to my Committee’s inquiry, I ask that we ensure that they are included in the inquiry as soon as possible.
Minister reply
The Home Secretary agrees to work closely with the Home Affairs Committee and includes any relevant information from the investigation.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab/Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Question
... Will that go on into the busy Christmas period? Will the Home Secretary and Transport Secretary consider that, and ensure that the British Transport police is fully funded to protect people on public transport?
Minister reply
The increase in police presence will continue based on operational decisions by the British Transport Police. The Government will work with the Transport Secretary regarding funding mechanisms for British Transport Police.
Mark Pritchard
Con
The Wrekin
Question
... Is there a disconnect between the fact that under the Restriction of Offensive Weapons Act 1959, someone can be given a custodial sentence of 51 weeks, and the presumption under the Sentencing Bill that a 12-month custodial sentence will not be required?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary explains that there is discretion for judges in all cases based on the facts presented.
James Asser
Lab
West Ham and Beckton
Question
... There is a great deal of anxiety and fear among my constituents... What assurances can the Home Secretary give my constituents about safety on public transport, particularly in east London?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary provides assurance that steps will be taken to address concerns regarding safety on public transport in east London.
Julian Smith
Con
Skipton and Ripon
Question
He echoed tributes paid to those involved in the incident, urging for a review of stop and search laws. He also called for police chiefs to discuss information sharing and resource requirements.
Minister reply
I agree with his remarks regarding emergency services' coordination and will reflect on his concerns about information sharing and resources. We recognise the value of stop and search powers and are open to reviewing them based on feedback from operational experience.
Lee Pitcher
Lab
Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme
Question
He expressed concern for constituents using the affected service, asking how passengers can be reassured in the coming days.
Minister reply
We are taking confidence from the rapid response and increased police presence. We will continue to ensure that communication is clear about safety measures in place.
Ian Sollom
LD
St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire
Question
He asked for assurance that bravery and professionalism of all involved would be recognised properly.
Minister reply
Once court proceedings are complete, we will find an appropriate time to thank emergency services and passengers for their brave actions.
Rachel Hopkins
Lab
Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Question
She inquired about the Government's plans regarding resources and support for railway staff.
Minister reply
The Transport Secretary is aware of these issues, and we will do everything possible to address assaults on public sector workers. A full response will be provided.
Steve Barclay
Con
North East Cambridgeshire
Question
He asked about the timeline for deploying facial recognition technology.
Minister reply
A consultation is underway and a pilot of live facial recognition at selected London railway stations will run for six months, with exact dates to be determined.
Rachael Maskell
Ind
York Central
Question
She sought assurances regarding protections for transport staff in light of increased risks.
Minister reply
The policy question raised will be discussed with colleagues at the Department for Transport to address her concerns.
Stephen Gethins
SNP
Arbroath and Broughty Ferry
Question
He expressed concern about speculation on social media.
Minister reply
Official sources will be transparent as quickly as possible, with the Online Safety Act 2023 expected to play a role in addressing such issues.
Scott Arthur
Lab
Edinburgh South West
Question
He enquired about updates on the manufacture and sale of round-tip knives.
Minister reply
A knife crime strategy will be published soon, considering all evidence including the issue of round-tip knives.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
He asked if protective or disabling equipment could be issued to staff.
Minister reply
Tasers were used in this case, and all lessons learned will inform future decisions on such equipment.
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Question
The MP expressed serious concerns about the funding arrangements for the British Transport Police, urging the Home Secretary to work with the Secretary of State for Transport to ensure that BTP’s funding arrangements are good going forward.
Minister reply
Shabana Mahmood responded that the BTP has been awarded £415 million for the year 2025-26, which is an increase of almost 6% on the previous year.
Llinos Medi
PC
Ynys Môn
Question
The hon. Member expressed gratitude towards the train driver and crew for their quick thinking in saving lives during the attack, urging the Secretary of State to express her gratitude as well.
Minister reply
Shabana Mahmood echoed the sentiments and reiterated the importance of staff on the ground.
Poole
Question
The MP highlighted that the British Transport Police is facing an unprecedented funding deficit, with a shortfall of £8.5 million threatening nearly 300 jobs and asked for a meeting between the Home Secretary and Transport Secretary to discuss full funding.
Minister reply
Shabana Mahmood confirmed that the BTP has been awarded £415 million for the year 2025-26, an increase of almost 6%, and reiterated that discussions are ongoing with the Department for Transport.
Sorcha Eastwood
Alliance
Lagan Valley
Question
The hon. Lady inquired about the current Home Secretary's views on new methods of radicalisation, as referenced by previous officials.
Minister reply
Shabana Mahmood assured that the Government is considering wider forms of radicalisation and their implications.
Paul Davies
Lab
Colne Valley
Question
The MP raised concerns about policing budgets and unique pressures facing the British Transport Police, inquiring about discussions with the Treasury to ensure a fair funding settlement.
Minister reply
Shabana Mahmood reiterated that discussions are ongoing between relevant departments.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
Question
The right hon. Gentleman inquired about pausing driver-only operated trains and looking at the issue of safety for the public.
Minister reply
Shabana Mahmood stated that operational assessments will be made by the British Transport Police to determine necessary actions.
Mary Kelly Foy
Lab
City of Durham
Question
The hon. Member called for urgent meetings with Government, police and industry to ensure resources and procedures are in place to protect staff and passengers.
Minister reply
Shabana Mahmood confirmed that cross-Government discussions will take place.
Shockat Adam
Ind
Leicester South
Question
The hon. Member expressed concern about political commentary setting narratives based on ethnicity or faith rather than focusing on socioeconomic factors.
Minister reply
Shabana Mahmood emphasised the importance of avoiding disinformation and ensuring all shareable information is made available.
Shadow Comment
Chris Philp
Shadow Comment
The shadow Home Secretary paid tribute to those who responded bravely during the Huntingdon attack and raised concerns about the circumstances leading up to the incident. He questioned whether there were opportunities to prevent it, noting that Anthony Williams had been involved in previous incidents and asked if his identity was known to police or mental health services prior to this event. Philp emphasised the need for further action on knife crime reduction, suggesting increased use of stop and search, year-round surge policing in high-crime hotspots, and technological advancements like scanning for knives at a distance and live facial recognition technology.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.