Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the effectiveness of prosecuting rural crime, which has been a persistent issue in his constituency.
What steps she is taking to help ensure the effective prosecution of rural crime. I am concerned about the measures being taken by the government to effectively prosecute crimes in rural areas and address issues like farm theft and fly-tipping.
The Government are deeply committed to addressing the important issue of rural crime; that is why we are strengthening neighbourhood policing in rural areas and implementing stronger laws to prevent farm theft and fly-tipping. In addition, we are recommitted to their being a specialist Crown prosecutor in each CPS area who supports the police in charging and prosecuting rural crime.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not provide specific steps or timelines for improving prosecution rates.
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Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023 received cross-party support but its statutory instrument has not been brought forward. The MP highlights the significant impact of equipment theft on farmers in his area, with property valued at over £400,000 seized by police since the start of 2023.
I thank the Solicitor General for her answer. The Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023 had support from across the House in the previous Parliament. The statutory instrument to bring in its measures is with the Home Office but has yet to be brought forward. Property seized by the Thames Valley police rural crime taskforce across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse since the start of 2023 is valued at more than £400,000, with an incalculable impact on farmers' mental health, wellbeing and anxiety. To improve the rate of prosecutions for rural crime, will the Solicitor General urge her colleagues at the Home Office to bring that statutory instrument before the House?
I thank the hon. Member for raising an important point. I can confirm that we are committed to implementing the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act and, with that, bringing about real benefits and impacts for farmers suffering from the theft and resale of high-value equipment, with all the stress and distress that that causes.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not specify if or when the statutory instrument will be brought forward.
We Are Committed To
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raises concern about waste crime in his constituency, specifically mentioning rogue operators of landfill sites causing significant harm and distress to local residents.
I am pleased to see the Solicitor General, a good friend of mine, in her place. A key part of rural crime, particularly in Newcastle-under-Lyme, is waste—waste crime has blighted the lives of my constituents for far too long. May I urge the Solicitor General to do all she can, working with colleagues across Government, to hold the rogue operators of landfill sites to account and make sure that they face the full force of the law?
In a previous life I was an environmental lawyer, so I know just what a scourge those waste offences can be. That is precisely why the work of specialist Crown prosecutors, who work closely with the police in charging and prosecuting such rural crime, will be so important.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not provide specific actions or timelines for addressing waste crime issues.
We Are Committed To
Response accuracy