Crime and Policing Bill 2025-03-10

Wendy Morton Con

Aldridge-Brownhills

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree that local police stations should be integral to this plan?

Minister reply

Local police stations are a matter for local forces, but they can play a central role in neighbourhood policing. Sadly, neighbourhood policing has been heavily cut back over recent years.

Chris Vince Lab/Co-op

Harlow

Question

A report by Harlow council in 2023 stated that fewer than half of residents feel safe going outside after dark. Does the Secretary of State see neighbourhood policing as part of solving this problem?

Minister reply

Neighbourhood policing is crucial, but it has been decimated over recent years and must be rebuilt to ensure safer streets.

Ben Obese-Jecty Con

Huntingdon

Question

The Secretary of State mentioned 13,000 neighbourhood police officers, with 3,000 being new warranted officers and the rest brought back from other places. When will forces find out their share of these officers?

Minister reply

Already, police forces are working on plans to recruit new officers and PCSOs and redeploy existing ones, with £200 million funding for the next financial year.

Paul Holmes Con

Hamble Valley

Question

Of the 13,000 neighbourhood police officers being recruited, 3,000 will be diverted from existing roles. Will this lead to a net increase or decrease in total numbers?

Minister reply

The government is committed to increasing neighbourhood policing by 13,000, with £200 million funding already delivering plans for recruitment and redeployment.

Anna Dixon Lab

Shipley

Question

Will the new neighbourhood police tackle antisocial behaviour in communities like Windhill, Baildon, Cottingley, and Denholme as part of the safer streets mission?

Minister reply

Yes, we need trusted officers in the community to prevent persistent crime and go after local perpetrators, which is a fundamental aspect of British policing.

Jo White Lab

Bassetlaw

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree that local shops must become no-go areas for lawbreakers?

Minister reply

The Bill introduces stronger action on retail crime, including a specific offence of assaulting retail workers and sending the message loud and clear that such crimes must not be tolerated.

Luke Evans Con

Hinckley and Bosworth

Question

What will the Bill deliver for rural communities?

Minister reply

The Minister for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention is working on a new rural crime strategy with the National Police Chiefs’ Council to address different kinds and patterns of crime in rural areas.

Amanda Martin Lab

Portsmouth North

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree that this is not just about shoplifting, but also about fear it creates?

Minister reply

The Bill addresses both the fact of crime and the sense of fear it can create, including frustration among shopworkers.

Warinder Juss Lab

Wolverhampton West

Question

Does the Home Secretary agree that by increasing police powers to seize knives legally owned but used in committing a crime, we will reduce the number of people carrying knives?

Minister reply

The Bill increases police powers and introduces stricter measures against knife crime with increased penalties for offences relating to the sale and possession of offensive weapons.

Matt Rodda Lab

Reading Central

Question

Does the Home Secretary welcome the consultation on potential penalties for tech executives who fail to act responsibly in this important area?

Minister reply

The Bill includes measures to introduce stricter age verification checks, with a stringent two-step age verification system for online knife sales.

Robert Jenrick Con

Chesham and Amersham

Question

The MP asked about the legal basis for postponing local elections involving 3.7 million voters, referring to the case of Olly Stephens.

Minister reply

The Home Secretary acknowledged the devastating impact on the community due to the killing of Olly Stephens and agreed that the online system makes it easy for young people to access lethal weapons. She emphasised the importance of measures in the Online Safety Act 2023 to strengthen requirements around material visible to children.

Ben Obese-Jecty Con

Huntingdon

Question

The MP asked about knife sales online, noting that kitchen knives are involved in a significant number of fatal stabbings. He questioned the measures to reduce access to dangerous knives.

Minister reply

Yvette Cooper responded by acknowledging the importance of addressing how young people can get lethal weapons and emphasised the need for stronger prevention across different fronts.

Catherine Atkinson Lab

Derby North

Question

The MP welcomed the Government’s commitment to a Young Futures programme but questioned whether prevention should be at the centre of tackling knife crime.

Minister reply

Yvette Cooper agreed that prevention is crucial, addressing both online and community issues as well as access to weapons. She highlighted interventions in youth justice, tackling criminal gangs, and child exploitation.

Andy Slaughter Lab

Hammersmith and Chiswick

Question

The MP asked if the Home Secretary would look into the issue of pointed kitchen knives, which are involved in many deaths.

Minister reply

Yvette Cooper noted that this point has been raised by the coalition against knife crime and is being examined further.

Jim Shannon DUP

Strangford

Question

The MP expressed appreciation for clauses affecting Northern Ireland through a legislative consent motion but inquired about future measures.

Minister reply

Yvette Cooper confirmed discussions with Northern Ireland Ministers and her willingness to continue these talks.

Tessa Munt LD

Wells and Mendip Hills

Question

The MP questioned the exceptions dating back to 1603 under canon law for confessions relating to treason, particularly in relation to mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse.

Minister reply

Yvette Cooper offered that the Policing Minister is happy to meet with the hon. Member to discuss these details.

Navendu Mishra Lab

Stockport

Question

The shadow Home Secretary is making an important point, but does he accept that between 2010 and 2024, the population of the UK increased and so did the complexity of crime? I often meet police officers in my constituency and across Greater Manchester who are stressed out and working very long hours, often covering for other officers. Does he accept that the argument he is making is slightly flawed because the population has increased, the complexity of crime has increased and the amount of time officers spend on tackling crime has changed?

Minister reply

As I said, there was a record ever number of police officers, but if the hon. Gentleman wants to measure police officer numbers against demand, one of the relevant metrics to consider—According to the crime survey for England and Wales, which the Office for National Statistics says is the only statistically meaningful measure of crime, between 2010 and 2024—just to pick a couple of arbitrary dates at random—overall crime fell from 9.5 million to 4.7 million incidents, or a reduction of 51%. So over that period, we saw a 51% reduction in overall crime, but an increase in the number of police officers to that record number. Those are the facts.

Neil Coyle Lab

Bermondsey and Old Southwark

Question

Does the shadow Home Secretary recognise that the number of reported crimes involving sexual violence went up by 300% under his Government? When he talks about police numbers, would he also like to mention how many police officers left because of conditions in their police force and because of mental health and physical health issues?

Minister reply

Attrition in the police forces is something we need to take very seriously. If the hon. Gentleman’s local force is not deploying those officers in the best way, he should take that up with his local police and crime commissioner.

Brash Lab

Hartlepool

Question

I thank the shadow Home Secretary for giving way. He makes play of the numbers from 2010 and 2024. As a former councillor, I can tell him that the ward I represented in 2010 had a full-time police officer and two full-time PCSOs. When his Government left office in June 2024, the ward had one part-time PCSO and was a third larger. Would he care to apologise to the people of Hartlepool for that disgraceful record?

Minister reply

I will not apologise for delivering record police numbers. If the hon. Gentleman’s local force is not deploying those officers in the best way, he should take that up with his local police and crime commissioner.

Neil Coyle Lab

Bermondsey and Old Southwark

Question

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it increasingly sounds like he is saying that—on police powers, on the measures in this Bill, on police officer numbers and on resources—the voters got it wrong? That sounds incredibly insulting to the public. Frankly, an apology would be better.

Minister reply

The Metropolitan police, as a whole, does in fact have record officer numbers, but it could have had about an extra 1,500 officers had its police and crime commissioner, Sadiq Khan, bothered to recruit them.

Dan Aldridge Lab

Weston-super-Mare

Question

Will the right hon. Gentleman give way?

Minister reply

I am just going to develop a point, and then I will be happy to take interventions—particularly from the Home Secretary.

Julian Lewis Con

New Forest East

Question

The Government’s good work in this Bill in criminalising the possession of knives with intent will be undermined if the police have to wait for someone to take out the knife and commit an attack before they can discover whether they have a knife. Surely, if there is a separate offence arising from mere possession, as my right hon. Friend says, it is particularly important to enable the police to discover that someone possesses that knife before they have had a chance to do harm with it.

Minister reply

My right hon. Friend is absolutely right. If we are to prosecute these offences, put more potential perpetrators in prison and, critically, protect the public, we need to detect more of the knives that are routinely carried on our cities’ streets. That means more stop and search and the use of knife-scanning technology.

Amanda Martin

Question

We as a Government are taking very seriously the culture of child grooming and gangs. In your previous role as Minister for crime and policing, could he please explain why not one of those was on child grooming?

Minister reply

The hon. Lady will know that child grooming falls under the portfolio of the Safeguarding Minister who, during the Conservatives’ time in office, had dozens of meetings on that topic.

Richard Holden Con

Basildon and Billericay

Question

There are a lot of really good things in this Bill that my right hon. Friend has not mentioned, particularly around tackling violence against women and girls, with the legislation on stalking. Does my right hon. Friend agree that we should try to convince the Government to introduce legislation around first cousin marriage—a very serious issue—and include in this legislation some of the sexual offences that relate to that?

Minister reply

I support my hon. Friend’s proposals around first cousin marriage. The health implications are deeply alarming. We could take that forward in the Bill and put it to a vote of the House.

Neil Coyle

Question

Will the right hon. Member give way?

Minister reply

I have to finish now.

Gregory Stafford Con

Farnham and Bordon

Question

Is Lisa Smart saying that climbing on war memorials is acceptable behaviour?

Shaun Davies Lab

Telford

Question

Supports the Bill which introduces extra neighbourhood police officers and measures to tackle antisocial behaviour. Questions whether PCSOs should also have powers to deal with low-level antisocial behaviour.

Iain Duncan Smith Con

Chingford and Woodford Green

Question

Raises concerns about the effectiveness of criminal justice Bills over time. Recommends tackling mental health issues in young boys to address knife crime. Supports measures against assault on retail workers but questions whether rounding off knives will be effective.

Rebecca Paul Con

Reigate

Question

I want to thank Surrey police for all they do to keep us safe in Reigate and Banstead. I welcome much of what is in the Bill and I will not repeat what has already been said. Instead, I will focus my remarks on what I believe is required to tackle the scourge of commercial sexual exploitation in this country... Although prostitution is legal, pimping, which is the provision of a prostitute to perform a sex act with a customer for gain, is not. There are often tell-tale signs on the adverts, like the same phone number being used for multiple ads, that the women are not acting freely and willingly, and that they are under the control of a pimp, who is profiting from their exploitation... I strongly urge Ministers to take this opportunity to close that loophole.

Jonathan Hinder Lab

Pendle and Clitheroe

Question

When I was serving as a police officer, the demands on policing were changing rapidly... However, at just that time, the Conservatives were busy slashing police budgets. The policing workforce shrank by 20,000 officers across the country... I welcome this Government’s focus on policing, which is vital in creating a fairer country where everyone feels safe and secure in their local community. The Bill signals our commitment to rebuild neighbourhood policing, and to modernise our police service in order to provide the tools required to keep up with changing crime patterns.

Jim Allister TUV

North Antrim

Question

There is much that is good and necessary in the Bill, but clause 90 does not apply to Northern Ireland which deals with desecration of war memorials. Additionally, clause 36 which makes it an offence to possess a child sexual abuse image generator is excluded for Northern Ireland, while other clauses are included.

Lauren Sullivan Lab

Gravesham

Question

Welcomes measures in the Bill that tackle serious crime and antisocial behaviour. Residents have reported issues with off-road bikes blighting streets and intimidating public spaces, and fly-tipping by organised criminals.

Alex Ballinger Lab

Halesowen

Question

Will the right hon. Lady give way?

Minister reply

I will not, because of time.

David Taylor Lab

Hemel Hempstead

Question

The Bill addresses antisocial behaviour and shoplifting issues in Hemel Hempstead where victims have faced harassment without adequate support from local authorities. Provisions for respect orders will empower police and local authorities to tackle these problems more effectively.

Minister reply

Thankfully provisions in the Bill such as clause 1 and respect orders will give the police and local authorities what they need.

Nick Timothy Con

West Suffolk

Question

The Bill includes sentencing guidelines that instruct judges to consider pre-sentence reports if perpetrators belong to certain minority groups, which may result in lesser punishments for these individuals compared to white people, especially white men. This could invite lawyers to help illegal immigrants escape legal consequences.

Minister reply

There is obviously much to be done regarding crime and justice reform.

Nick Timothy

Question

According to the Government’s impact assessment, the Bill will provide an additional 13 to 55 prison places, yet the Government expect to see 5,000 additional crimes recorded by the police annually, resulting in 400 prosecutions and 300 convictions per year. Those numbers do not add up, unless the Government intend to continue their policy of releasing prisoners early.

Luke Taylor LD

Sutton and Cheam

Question

Figures show that Government funding for the Metropolitan police has fallen by more than £1 billion in real terms since 2010, and those cuts mean that we do not just need more bobbies back; we need more beats. Park police no longer patrol, and now we see the prospect of safer schools officers across London being moved out of schools to back-fill neighbourhood policing teams. Community policing is in tatters, officer numbers are insufficient, and PCSO numbers in London have fallen by more than 3,000 in the last 15 years.

Tonia Antoniazzi Lab

Gower

Question

I believe that the Bill presents an opportunity for the House to tackle commercial sexual exploitation—a key form and engine of violence against women and girls—in giving victims of the sex trade the measures and protections that they need.

Gideon Amos LD

Taunton and Wellington

Question

Welcomes measures in the Bill regarding knife crime and shop worker protection but expresses concern over reductions in police numbers, particularly in Avon and Somerset where a former Conservative PCC cut PCSOs by 28%. The MP also discusses antisocial behaviour issues in Taunton's Castle Green area and suggests using public space protection orders to tackle these.

Minister reply

Acknowledges the importance of community policing and visible police presence. Promises to ensure that new recruitment does not replace civilian roles with uniformed officers and will support measures like public space protection orders.

Chris McDonald Lab

Stockton North

Question

Highlights commitments made to constituents in Stockton, Billingham and Norton about increasing police numbers, tackling antisocial behaviour on high streets, and introducing a named officer for every neighbourhood. Mentions £2.4 million investment in Cleveland Police under the Labour PCC.

Minister reply

Acknowledges the progress being made by the Labour Government in improving safety and reducing crime, particularly through initiatives like police drones to track off-road bikes linked to criminal activity.

Luke Myer Lab

Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland

Question

Supports his colleague's speech about tackling antisocial behaviour in Teesside, noting the need for seizing illegal bikes and making streets safer.

Minister reply

Agrees with the sentiment and highlights that 359 vehicles linked to crime have already been seized since January alone, significantly impacting criminal activities.

Monica Harding LD

Esher and Walton

Question

Welcomes provisions in the Bill addressing shoplifting and antisocial behaviour but criticises previous Conservative Government's reduction of PCSOs by 29% between 2015 and 2022, leading to strained relationships between police and communities.

Minister reply

Promises a genuine commitment to community policing, ensuring officers have the time and resources needed to build trust with their local communities.

Jim Shannon DUP

Strangford

Question

Welcoming parts of the Bill, Jim Shannon raised concerns over the decision not to carry out a public inquiry into David Amess’s murder and welcomed provisions on knife crime and child sexual exploitation. He expressed hope that the Bill could lead to further powers for families seeking inquiries into police investigations.

Minister reply

The Minister responded by affirming the government's commitment to protecting rights while balancing security needs. She also highlighted the need for protection of service personnel, emphasising support in relation to vexatious allegations.

Sam Carling Lab

North West Cambridgeshire

Question

Welcoming the mandatory reporting provision, Sam Carling raised concerns over whether it fully delivers on the Government’s pledge to implement IICSA recommendations. He highlighted chronic under-reporting issues in religious groups like Jehovah's Witnesses and argued for criminal sanctions for non-compliance.

Minister reply

The Minister acknowledged the importance of ensuring compliance with reporting duties, particularly highlighting measures to protect victims from pressure not to report abuse.

Robert Jenrick Con

Chesham and Amersham

Question

Is the Minister willing to meet me to discuss this issue in more depth, and how we can address it? I would also appreciate it if she could comment on the scope of the individuals that the Bill places under a duty to report.

Tristan Osborne Lab

Chatham and Aylesford

No extracted contribution text available for this contributor yet.

Josh MacAlister Lab

Whitehaven and Workington

Question

Does my hon. Friend share my shock that Cumbria police did not hand out a single penalty notice for disorder in 2023? That is down from 1,000 issued in 2010. Does he also share my enthusiasm for this Bill’s measures to introduce respect orders?

Clive Jones LD

Wokingham

Question

On Saturday, I visited quite a few retailers in Wokingham. There was no police presence at all in the town, despite crime occurring hourly in our shops... Does the hon. Gentleman agree that is not enough?

Callum Anderson Lab

Buckingham and Bletchley

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Sarah Hall Lab/Co-op

Warrington South

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Linsey Farnsworth Lab

Amber Valley

Question

The 317 pages of the Bill make satisfying reading for this former Crown prosecutor—satisfying because I know it is packed full of measures that will make the streets safer for my constituents. Amber Valley is a brilliant place to live, but sadly it is not without incidents of antisocial behaviour.

Leigh Ingham Lab

Stafford

Question

I speak in full support of the Bill, which is a crucial piece of legislation that will help to deliver on the Government’s safer streets mission. I was incredibly proud to stand on a platform of securing the safety of my constituents.

Ruth Jones Lab

Newport West and Islwyn

Question

I speak in support of the Bill, not just because it is the biggest package of measures on crime and policing for decades, with 50 new laws to cut crime and make our streets safer, but because those new measures will tackle antisocial behaviour, shop theft and street crime head on by giving the police and our communities new powers to take back town and city centres

David Baines Lab

St Helens North

Question

The Bill is a step towards tackling crime and antisocial behaviour in communities, including shoplifting and public drug use. However, there are concerns about the impact of such measures on vulnerable individuals.

Minister reply

We will ensure that respect orders are used judiciously and do not unfairly penalise individuals who lack alternative accommodation.

David Smith Lab

North Northumberland

Question

The Bill introduces changes to retail crime, such as removing the £200 threshold for shoplifting prosecution. However, there are concerns about how respect orders will be implemented in practice.

Minister reply

We have provided guidelines to ensure that respect orders do not lead to absurd situations where individuals are criminalised for simply trying to return home.

Lizzi Collinge Lab

Morecambe and Lunesdale

Question

The Bill aims to tackle antisocial behaviour, including misuse of bikes and scooters. However, there is a need for continued support in addressing these issues.

Minister reply

We are committed to supporting local initiatives such as the Safe Morecambe initiative and will continue funding Operation Centurion.

Pam Cox Lab

Colchester

Question

The Bill addresses knife crime through measures like the Knife Angel campaign. However, there is a need for sustained community engagement to address this issue.

Minister reply

We will continue supporting local initiatives and campaigns such as the Knife Angel that bring communities together to tackle knife crime.

Lee Pitcher Lab

Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme

Question

Ensuring safety and security is a fundamental duty of government. The neglect by previous governments has led to local authorities such as Doncaster city council having to step in, funding additional police and expanding CCTV networks.

Minister reply

I am glad the Government are taking antisocial behaviour seriously with respect orders which will allow for instant seizure of motorbikes without prior warnings. I also welcome provisions that will help deter criminals and stop them profiting from their crimes by tracking stolen farm equipment and boosting powers to seize vehicles linked to fly-tipping.

Emily Darlington Lab

Milton Keynes Central

Question

Violence against women and girls increased under the previous Government. Only 2% to 4% of reported rapes made it to trial, and femicides continued to happen without being taken seriously enough.

Minister reply

The Bill’s commitment to protect women and girls by halving violence is crucial. Measures such as introducing respect orders are important for tackling stalking and online threats. I am interested in how the Bill will help tackle spiking drugs availability and fit with cross-Government plans to tackle violence against women and girls.

Danny Beales Lab

Uxbridge and South Ruislip

Question

Crime and antisocial behaviour increased under the previous Government. Constituents are worried about rising levels of crime such as knife crime, shoplifting, burglary, phone theft, and car theft.

Minister reply

The Bill will introduce respect orders for persistent offenders, create new criminal offences to seize bladed articles with intent to cause harm, ban possession and distribution of electronic devices used in vehicle theft, and enable police to enter premises to search and seize tracked stolen goods. This will help keep constituents safe and protect them from armed burglary.

Mary Kelly Foy Lab

City of Durham

Question

The Bill presents an opportunity to confront challenges facing communities, protect the most vulnerable, and ensure justice serves everyone.

Jonathan Brash Lab

Hartlepool

Question

The Bill will enhance public space protection orders and introduce respect orders that ban adult offenders from engaging in specific antisocial activities. What additional powers does the Minister envisage for tackling drug-related issues and improving neighbourhood safety?

Minister reply

I appreciate Mr Brash's concerns regarding antisocial behaviour, particularly drug-related issues. We are committed to providing stronger enforcement powers through public space protection orders and respect orders, which will enable swift police intervention and prevention of further disruption.

Deirdre Costigan Lab

Ealing Southall

Question

In Ealing Southall, the legacy of Conservative policies has led to a decline in neighbourhood policing and an increase in crime. How will this Bill address these issues and ensure that communities feel safer?

Minister reply

The new measures introduced by the Bill are designed to tackle antisocial behaviour and provide stronger enforcement powers. We recognise the need for dedicated neighbourhood policing, which is why we have already started working on recruiting more officers and providing them with resources to get back out onto the streets.

Steve Yemm Lab

Mansfield

Question

This Bill will be very much welcomed back in my constituency, with this Government introducing 50 new laws that will help to cut crime and make streets safer. I am particularly pleased about measures to tackle antisocial behaviour related to illegal off-road bikes and e-scooters and would like the Minister to update me on progress being made.

Baggy Shanker Labour/Co-op

Derby South

Question

I welcome measures introduced in today’s Bill, which will go further to protect city centres such as Derby from antisocial behaviour and crime. I am pleased that this Bill introduces specific measures to protect retail workers from being attacked or assaulted, including those who are concerned about threats during shoplifting incidents.

Ben Coleman Lab

Chelsea and Fulham

Question

Does the hon. Friend welcome that under Labour effective immunity from shoplifting goods under £200 is ending, introducing a new criminal offence to protect shop workers?

Minister reply

I thank my hon. Friend for his intervention. It is important that the £200 limit is being scrapped and I have spoken to many shop workers across Derby who say people are walking into shops loading their bags and walking out almost apologetically.

Peter Swallow Lab

Bracknell

Question

After 14 years of Conservative Government, antisocial behaviour has become far too common. The Bill will introduce tough new respect orders to ban repeat offenders from antisocial hotspots and scrap the Tory shoplifters’ charter which meant that anyone caught shoplifting goods below £200 could escape prosecution.

Sam Rushworth Lab

Bishop Auckland

Question

My hon. Friend is doing a great job in explaining some of the new powers that the Bill will give our police, which are an important step in delivering Labour’s safer streets mission.

Amanda Martin Lab

Portsmouth North

Question

The daughter and niece of retired police officers, Amanda Martin thanked Hampshire Police for their work. She cited several examples of antisocial behaviour in her constituency, including shoplifting, vandalism, car theft, e-scooter misuse, and knife crime. The MP emphasised the need for swift action by law enforcement to restore public confidence.

Minister reply

The minister affirmed that the Bill will empower police forces to take property crimes more seriously and ensure timely responses from the authorities.

Phil Brickell Lab

Bolton West

Question

Supporting the Bill, Phil Brickell highlighted issues such as child sexual abuse, knife crime, and economic crime. He emphasised that previous administrations neglected these areas, allowing fraud cases to spiral out of control.

Minister reply

The minister agreed on the need for bold action to address these crimes and welcomed the introduction of measures in the Bill that will toughen penalties for repeat offenders and enhance police powers.

Natasha Irons Lab

Croydon East

Question

Inquiring about youth violence prevention, Natasha Irons asked if there was support for the Young Futures programme aimed at preventing young people from getting involved in crime.

Minister reply

The minister confirmed that the Bill includes measures to prevent young people from being drawn into violent crimes and welcomed the introduction of new protections.

Damien Egan Lab

Bristol North East

Question

Discussing morale among local police, Damien Egan mentioned reductions in Avon and Somerset Police numbers. He highlighted the need for better support to let officers get on with their jobs.

Minister reply

The minister acknowledged the importance of restoring confidence and respect for the work done by police officers. The Bill supports measures such as lifting the £200 cap on investigating shoplifting and introducing new protections for shop workers.

Sean Woodcock Lab

Banbury

Question

I rise to support the Bill which addresses retail crime across communities, including my constituency. In Banbury, shoplifting has increased by 25% between March 2022 and March 2024, impacting local shops' financial viability, especially in rural areas like Hook Norton, Enstone and Bloxham.

Calvin Bailey Lab

Leyton and Wanstead

Question

In Leyton and Wanstead, concerns were raised about antisocial behaviour and drug-related activities. The new legislation on cuckooing will address homes used for drug taking in areas such as Leytonstone. Respect orders will support local initiatives like mandatory drug programmes and addressing public drinking.

Jon Pearce Lab

High Peak

Question

The Bill addresses issues of antisocial behaviour, theft, shoplifting, and the protection of retail workers in High Peak. It introduces a new criminal offence to better protect retail workers from assault.

Alex Ballinger Lab

Halesowen

Question

Support for the Government's recommitment to neighbourhood policing after 14 years of neglect, highlighting the impact of cuts and local concerns over antisocial behaviour.

Jas Athwal Lab

Ilford South

Question

Discussion on the impact of Conservative cuts to police services and welcoming measures in the Bill to tackle antisocial behaviour, including the scrapping of effective immunity for shoplifting under £200.

Lillian Jones Lab

Kilmarnock and Loudoun

Question

Concerns about antisocial behaviour in Scotland due to SNP policies, such as the under-22 bus pass initiative, and support for Labour's respect orders.

Matt Vickers Con

Stockton West

Question

Acknowledgment of contributions from Members on the Crime and Policing Bill, focusing particularly on retail crime measures.

Neil Coyle Lab

Hammersmith

Question

On swift justice, will the Opposition Front Bench bring forward amendments regarding the shadow Home Secretary’s position on citizen’s arrest? How many amendments can we expect to see about how the police should respond to citizen’s arrests?

Minister reply

The minister emphasised that the Government's unwavering commitment is to support and progress their safer streets mission, which includes rebuilding neighbourhood policing and restoring confidence in the criminal justice system. While she did not provide specific details on amendments regarding citizens' arrest, she stressed the importance of supporting police officers to tackle heinous crimes effectively.

Chris Philp Con

Croydon South

Question

Asked for clarification on the provisions to compel offenders to attend sentencing hearings and knife scanning technology.

Minister reply

The measures will be introduced in the forthcoming victims, courts and public protection Bill. The Home Office is still working with industry partners to develop systems that are specifically designed to detect at a distance knives concealed on a person, with phase one expected to deliver the first prototype systems by the end of May.

Kim Johnson Lab

Liverpool Riverside

Question

Addressed public order and the issue of protest.

Minister reply

The right to peaceful protest is a fundamental part of our democracy, and we are fully committed to protecting and preserving that right. However, it is vital that we strike the right balance between the right to protest and the rights of the wider community.

Damien Egan Lab

Bristol North East

Question

Discussed public order and the issue of protest.

Minister reply

The right to peaceful protest is a fundamental part of our democracy, and we are fully committed to protecting and preserving that right. However, it is vital that we strike the right balance between the right to protest and the rights of the wider community.

Lisa Smart Lib Dem

Hazel Grove

Question

Discussed public order and the issue of protest.

Minister reply

The right to peaceful protest is a fundamental part of our democracy, and we are fully committed to protecting and preserving that right. However, it is vital that we strike the right balance between the right to protest and the rights of the wider community.

Tonia Antoniazzi Lab

Gower

Question

Asked about amendments to the Bill on abortion.

Minister reply

All women have access to safe legal abortions on the NHS up to 24 weeks, including taking early medical abortion pills at home where eligible. We recognise that this is an extremely sensitive issue, and there are strongly held views on all sides of the discussion.

Sam Carling Con

North West Cambridgeshire

Question

Spoke about mandatory reporting, particularly religious groups such as Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Minister reply

The purpose of mandatory reporting is obviously to improve the protection of children. Our aim is to create a culture of support, knowledge and openness when dealing with child sexual abuse.

Mary Kelly Foy Lab

City of Durham

Question

Raised questions about unauthorised encampments.

Minister reply

The Government are considering the High Court’s decision and will respond in due course.

Jim Allister TUV

North Antrim

Question

Asked about the application of certain provisions to Northern Ireland.

Minister reply

We are continuing to discuss with the Minister for Justice in Northern Ireland whether further provisions in the Bill should apply to Northern Ireland.

Jim Shannon DUP

Strangford

Question

Asked about the application of certain provisions to Northern Ireland.

Minister reply

We are continuing to discuss with the Minister for Justice in Northern Ireland whether further provisions in the Bill should apply to Northern Ireland.

Rebecca Paul Con

Reigate

Question

Asked about reforming prostitution laws.

Minister reply

The Government are committed to tackling the harms and exploitation that can be associated with prostitution, ensuring that women who want to leave prostitution are given every opportunity to find routes out.

Tracy Gilbert SNP

Edinburgh North and Leith

Question

Asked about reforming prostitution laws.

Minister reply

The Government are committed to tackling the harms and exploitation that can be associated with prostitution, ensuring that women who want to leave prostitution are given every opportunity to find routes out.

Josh Babarinde Lab

Eastbourne

Question

Discussed domestic abuse.

Minister reply

Domestic abuse covers a wide range of behaviours and is already considered by the courts as a factor that increases the seriousness of offending, which may lead to an increase in the length of a sentence.

Commons Sense

Crime and Policing Bill 2025-03-10

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