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Question
The MP expressed gratitude towards emergency services and hospital staff, highlighting the need for unity against hate crimes following such incidents. She specifically mentioned concerns regarding Muslim communities receiving inadequate funding relative to their risk exposure from hate crimes.
Minister reply
The minister praised the hon. Lady's sentiment of unity and acknowledged that senior Home Office officials were present in Liverpool to assess the situation personally. He emphasised the importance of community support during such incidents.
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Question
The MP suggested that urgent questions should be unnecessary for providing information, and he recommended informing the House promptly to avoid media speculation.
Minister reply
The minister acknowledged the need to balance between providing timely information and avoiding further speculation, which can complicate ongoing investigations. He stated a willingness to consider more careful timing of statements in future.
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Question
One always feels a sense of responsibility and sadness on occasions such as this, but I feel it particularly today as a Merseyside MP. Will the Minister ensure that agencies have the resources to reinforce that message? Why have none of those recommendations been implemented after four years regarding home-made explosive devices? Why is funding being taken away from key counter-extremism projects? Will the Minister look at information sharing between intelligence agencies, our police and public bodies again?
Minister reply
Significant resources are available to our counter-terrorism policing colleagues. Investigations into the materials used in the incident are ongoing. The Government constantly learn lessons from incidents around the world and refine their preventive efforts.
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Question
What action is the Home Office taking to review all policies that could have a bearing on similar attacks?
Minister reply
Constant attention is paid to our ability to prevent these kinds of attacks, and since 2017, counter-terrorism policing has prevented 31 attacks. We constantly learn lessons from incidents around the world.
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Question
Could the Minister say something about what is being done to address the radicalisation of such lone attackers? How confident is the Minister that current controls on access to chemicals are robust?
Minister reply
Investigations into the materials used in the incident are ongoing. It is hard to draw conclusions until we know exactly what the circumstances are.
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Question
When will my right hon. Friend respond to reports and set out the Government’s strategy?
Minister reply
My right hon. Friends the Home Secretary and the Minister for Security and Borders are applying themselves with enthusiasm to combatting radicalism, particularly in an internet age.
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Question
Why was there not a statement after this increase in the terror threat level?
Minister reply
The decision to raise the threat level was made considering recent incidents, including the death of Sir David Amess, combined with other information gathered by JTAC.
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Question
Is he in a position to share with us some of the rationale for raising the threat level nationally?
Minister reply
It might not be helpful to our general security for me to discuss these matters in public, but I understand my right hon. Friend’s desire for more information.
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Question
Pays tribute to emergency responders and staff at Liverpool Women’s Hospital, inquires about additional resources for Merseyside Police and Counter Terrorism Policing North West.
Minister reply
States that current resources are adequate but will consider further requests if made.
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Question
Asks about the importance of effective border controls in maintaining public confidence regarding security.
Minister reply
Agrees on the necessity of fair and swift border controls to ensure orderly entry into the country while delivering duties towards refugees.
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Question
Expresses solidarity with Liverpool communities, inquires about countering self-radicalisation during lockdowns.
Minister reply
Acknowledges that current portfolio does not cover this area but mentions ongoing work to address radicalisation online and the impact of confinement.
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Question
References a report on 'tipping point' into extremism, asks about actions against social media platforms.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the work done by Nusrat Ghani and emphasises the role of social media companies in shaping young minds.
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Question
Commends emergency services, discusses the challenges of addressing radicalisation over the past 20 years.
Minister reply
Apologises for not being able to comment more but reiterates that lessons will be drawn after investigation completion.
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Question
Inquires about a potential pivot towards focusing on lone actors among security services and police.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the difficulty of identifying lone actors but assures ongoing work to address this threat.
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Question
Expresses gratitude for emergency service response, asks for reassurance regarding security and safety for minority communities.
Minister reply
Reassures that measures are being taken to ensure community safety and bind the community together.
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Question
Inquires about the Government’s response to recommendations on chemical regulation made by Intelligence and Security Committee in 2018.
Minister reply
States that forensic examination is ongoing and lessons will be drawn accordingly.
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Question
Compliments Merseyside police and fire services for their swift response to the explosion during Remembrance Day, and asks what more can be done to ensure threats to community cohesion are minimised.
Minister reply
Praises Merseyside Police's performance, stating that the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is engaging with Liverpool local authorities to reassure and maintain unity within the community.
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Question
Expresses concern for hospital staff after the incident and requests a full review of security at hospitals to ensure patient, staff, and visitor safety.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the need for reviews of security arrangements and confirms that there will be an increased police presence in public areas.
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Question
Asks for a review of recent recommendations from the Intelligence and Security Committee to ensure security measures are up-to-date.
Minister reply
Agrees to discuss with colleagues about the status of the committee's recommendations and boost their implementation if necessary.
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Question
Asks for research on misogyny ideology as a potential driver behind incidents like Sunday’s attack, specifically at the Women’s Hospital.
Minister reply
Confirms that there is an ongoing examination of this phenomenon within the Home Office.
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Question
Asks for assurance that health service trusts will not have to pay out-of-pocket for security upgrades, instead receiving additional funding from central government.
Minister reply
Ensures that necessary resources will be available either within their budgets or via additional funding.
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Question
Asks about the number of asylum seekers waiting more than two years for decisions on applications, and those receiving mental health support.
Minister reply
Refuses to speculate on the motivations behind the incident but offers to provide figures in writing. Highlights Liverpool's solidarity and resilience.
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Question
Enquires about support for taxi driver David Perry who acted bravely during the incident.
Minister reply
Pledges to personally ensure that Mr Perry receives all necessary support for his recovery.
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Question
Asks about support offered by the Government to veterans with PTSD or other mental health conditions triggered by Sunday’s incident.
Minister reply
States that the military covenant work on welfare and wellbeing may be employed to help veterans affected.