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Question
The Home Secretary’s announcement of significant reforms to policing merits parliamentary scrutiny. Questions about rural crime, antisocial behaviour, shoplifting in district centres and illegal off-road bikes causing havoc are raised along with the need for proper frontline policing.
Minister reply
The direction of travel is set out in the written ministerial statement laying foundations for next year's consultation process on police reform. The neighbourhood policing guarantee will deliver 13,000 additional officers and PCSOs to reinvigorate neighbourhood policing models. Legislation will tackle issues like shoplifting by introducing a stand-alone offence of assaulting a shopworker and removing the £200 threshold for prosecution.
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Question
Sergeant Alex Webb from Telford police highlighted frustration in tackling repeat antisocial behaviour offenders. When will the Government provide tools to deal with such issues and maintain safety in town centres and high streets?
Minister reply
The neighbourhood policing guarantee aims to get officers back on the streets, addressing antisocial behaviour through measures including restoring patrols to town centres. Legislation to keep our town centres and high streets safe is planned for due course.
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Question
Welcomed the Policing Minister, acknowledged her predecessor's record of increasing police numbers and overall crime reduction. Asked for assurances that funding would maintain or increase current levels and questioned whether £80 million for technology in the current year was secure and if there was commitment to a £230 million four-year investment. Also raised concerns about guidelines on non-crime hate incidents.
Minister reply
Acknowledged previous Conservative government's reduction of police numbers but emphasised Labour's manifesto commitment to add 13,000 officers, PCSoS and specials. Confirmed ongoing technological investments and stated that HMICFRS should guide training for neighbourhood policing.
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Question
Asked if the Government's intentions include guaranteeing police patrols to address constituents' concerns about antisocial behaviour.
Minister reply
Confirmed plans for designated officers, PCSOs and specials patrolling neighbourhoods as part of the neighbourhood policing guarantee. Added that respect orders will be introduced to manage persistent offenders engaging in antisocial activities.
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Question
Welcomed the Government’s announcements on neighbourhood policing but asked about ensuring officers have appropriate experience.
Minister reply
Stated intention to equip neighbourhood police with best training, referencing College of Policing funding for problem-solving techniques.
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Question
Asked if the Government would support recommendations from the pay review body and the impact on morale if they were not accepted.
Minister reply
Confirmed acceptance of this year's pay review recommendations with additional funding for salary increases, stressing importance of supporting police officers.
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Question
Inquired about resourcing rural crime teams to encourage reporting by farmers who fear under-resourced response.
Minister reply
Acknowledged importance of making sure crimes are reported, stating that the neighbourhood policing guarantee includes support for rural areas.
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Luke Myer
Lab
Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland
Question
Asked for an assurance to prioritise frontline, visible community policing in response to a break-in at his constituency’s football club.
Minister reply
Confirmed commitment to prioritising neighbourhood policing once again.
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Question
Asked about including fraud in the White Paper and ensuring action against online retailers’ victims of fraud, describing Action Fraud as ineffective.
Minister reply
Reassured that Lord Hanson is looking at issues related to Action Fraud inherited from previous government.
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Question
Cited recent crime figures showing increases in shoplifting, knife crime, and violence against women and girls, questioning the effectiveness of past Tory policies.
Minister reply
Emphasised her safer streets mission to halve violence against women and girls, knife crime over next decade, restore neighbourhood policing, and confidence in criminal justice system.
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Question
The Liberal Democrats welcome the announcement on proper neighbourhood policing. However, they are concerned about recent police decisions to redeploy local sergeants who have built positive relationships with communities. Can the Minister clarify how the neighbourhood policing guarantee will be implemented and ensure consistent long-term access to a known officer?
Minister reply
While acknowledging the previous coalition's challenges under austerity, Johnson highlights the 13,000 additional police officers, PCSOs, and specials to provide named officers for community problems. Training and prioritising neighbourhood policing are key parts of this reform.
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Question
Naismith's constituents face antisocial behaviour linked to the night-time economy, welcoming the Government’s plan for zero-tolerance zones and respect orders. Can the Minister provide more details on how these measures will help his constituents?
Minister reply
Johnson addresses the issue of antisocial behaviour as a major community problem impacting individuals and families, citing Resolve's statistic that one in seven householders considers moving due to such issues. The Government’s reforms aim to tackle this long-standing problem.
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Question
Wilson points out the lack of confidence in police services dealing with real crimes like burglary and antisocial behaviour, questioning the investigation time spent on non-crime incidents. He asks if laws introduced by the previous Government need changing to prevent such issues.
Minister reply
Johnson acknowledges the importance of addressing crime that affects communities directly but notes that the guidelines for non-crime hate incidents arose from the Macpherson inquiry following Stephen Lawrence's murder. The Government is committed to consistency and common sense in these investigations.
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Question
Dickson highlights ongoing antisocial behaviour around Wilmot Park, including vandalism and motorbike use, asking how the Government will prioritise such crimes under their safer streets mission.
Minister reply
Johnson emphasises additional officers through neighbourhood policing guarantee to deal with antisocial behaviour. The police are provided with powers to seize and destroy vehicles causing nuisance.
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Question
Lewis proposes that chief constables report back on how much time is spent investigating crime versus non-crime incidents, suggesting tens of thousands are investigated yearly.
Minister reply
Johnson thanks for the suggestion and notes this as an operational matter for chief constables but will check with HMIC regarding actual time spent.
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Question
Tapp, from a policing background, expresses devastation at police decline under the Conservatives. He asks what is being done to rebuild British policing.
Minister reply
Johnson appreciates Tapp's service and commitment to rebuilding British policing as part of a collective effort focusing on modern priorities including violence reduction, public confidence restoration, and neighbourhood policing.
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Question
Tice’s constituents want police on the streets for antisocial behaviour and crime prevention. He questions the value of investigating non-crime hate incidents.
Minister reply
Johnson prioritises safer streets mission focusing on violence reduction, public confidence in justice system, neighbourhood policing, and directing resources accordingly.
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Question
Strathern discusses rising antisocial behaviour like unsafe bike riding through village centres and shoplifting issues. He seeks reassurances on prioritising such crimes under the new strategy.
Minister reply
Johnson confirms commitment to tackling retail thefts and attacks, focusing on high streets, town centres, and communities for a safe environment with police presence.
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Question
Wilson raises concerns about the capital city grant cut since 2015 affecting local policing resources. She asks if the Minister will review this grant.
Minister reply
Johnson notes discussions underway regarding the points raised and commits to additional police officers, PCSOs, and specials across areas including London's Metropolitan Police area.
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Question
Residents in Harlow report a significant reduction in community police officers. With only four PCSOs now compared to over 30 in 2010, will the Minister explain how the safer streets mission will make residents feel more secure?
Minister reply
The number of PCSOs has halved and specials have decreased by two-thirds since 2010, which are shocking figures. The safer streets mission aims to ensure that PCSOs continue their valuable work in neighbourhoods and support for special constables will be increased.
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Question
Cambridgeshire constabulary is underfunded due to the outdated police allocation formula. With projected growth, how can the Government ensure Cambridgeshire gets its fair share of funding from the £0.5 billion increase for 2025-26 and provide clarity on officer distribution?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary announced an additional £0.5 billion in policing funding for next year, including core grants and neighbourhood policing funds. The police funding settlement announcement will be made in December.
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Question
Local communities face issues such as antisocial behaviour, fly-tipping, and shoplifting. How can the Minister support tougher measures to address these crimes and ensure police presence on high streets?
Minister reply
The safer streets mission will involve police officers, PCSOs, and special constables in communities to tackle antisocial behaviour, ensuring local communities are safer and businesses can thrive.
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Question
Police investigations for road traffic collisions are delayed due to resource constraints. What steps is the Department taking to address these challenges and expedite justice for affected families?
Minister reply
The Minister will investigate the specific issue of resourcing challenges for forensic collision units in addressing road traffic collisions and ensure swift conclusions for trials.
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Question
High street crimes, including shop thefts up 40% in the past year, are impacting businesses. What measures will be implemented to reduce crime on high streets?
Minister reply
Measures include dealing with antisocial behaviour, a neighbourhood policing guarantee, new prosecutions for assaults on retail workers, and lowering thresholds for shop theft cases.
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Question
The Metropolitan Police Commissioner highlighted non-deployable officers due to fitness or misconduct issues. Can the Minister provide the latest figures and clarify chief constables' request to ease firing underperforming officers?
Minister reply
Figures will be provided, but concerns have been raised about procedures for removing police officers within the Metropolitan force.
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Question
Residents and businesses report lack of police presence in their communities. Can the Minister confirm plans to return neighbourhood policing with visible patrols on streets and named officers for responses?
Minister reply
The neighbourhood policing guarantee will ensure police, PCSOs, and specials are back on the streets, providing a visible presence and addressing constituent concerns.
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Question
Residents feel frustrated with delays in response to crimes like rural crime, car racing, and shoplifting. Will the Minister review police commissioner offices to ensure resources are allocated appropriately?
Minister reply
The White Paper will address roles of Home Secretary, PCCs, and chief constables, providing an opportunity for constituents' views on resource allocation.
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Question
Stalking victims report lack of support from the Metropolitan police. What steps is the Department taking to train officers in identifying stalking, supporting victims, and taking robust action against perpetrators?
Minister reply
The Minister for safeguarding will address this issue, and she can raise hon. Gentleman's experiences with her.
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Question
What UK-wide strategies are being considered to tackle money lending and drug warfare involving criminal gangs and paramilitaries across the United Kingdom?
Minister reply
The Minister is open to discussing broader safer streets mission with hon. Member, including issues around drugs and paramilitary involvement in Northern Ireland.