Topical Questions 2026-02-09

2026-02-09

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Rupert Lowe Ind
Great Yarmouth
As the Secretary of State knows, our independent rape gang inquiry hearings are ongoing just a short walk from this Chamber. Last week I sat opposite one woman who was raped by between 600 and 700 men. She estimated that 98% were Pakistani Muslims. The evidence we are collecting is brutal. We have been told again and again of attempts to traffic raped and abused women overseas to Pakistan and elsewhere; thankfully, those attempts failed, but how many did not? Will the Secretary of State agree to urgently review cases of missing girls in target areas and launch a full state investigation into reports of such trafficking?
The testimony of the victims that the hon. Gentleman has heard from is absolutely horrifying, and the grooming gangs scandal was one of the darkest moments in this country's history. Victims and survivors of these hideous crimes deserve justice, and we will make sure that they get it.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to urgent review or state investigation as requested.
Response accuracy
Q2 Direct Answer
Tom Hayes Lab
Bournemouth East
I respect everyone's democratic right to protest within the law. In Bournemouth, Dorset police is being forced to spend around £100,000 policing protests at the three asylum hotels, which were opened by the Conservatives at eye-watering expense. Often protests have to be managed by neighbourhood policing teams that we, as a Labour Government, are rebuilding. That means that police are spending their time policing protests rather than out on the beat in their neighbourhoods. When will Bournemouth's asylum hotels begin to close, not just because they are bad for the people living in and around them, but because of the huge cost to our local police force and the abstractions to our neighbourhood policing teams?
My hon. Friend is a doughty champion for his community. He has raised the issue of these hotels with me on multiple occasions and I know that he will continue to do so until they are closed. He is exactly right; for the reasons he mentions, hotels are a very bad place to accommodate those seeking asylum.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Chris Philp Con
Croydon South
Deng Majek from Sudan is an illegal small boat migrant who was sentenced last week to 29 years in prison for the brutal murder of Rhiannon Whyte. He stabbed Rhiannon 23 times as she desperately tried to defend herself. Given timing of Majek's arrival, in the summer of 2024, he would have been eligible for deportation to Rwanda, but Labour cancelled the Rwanda plan and instead accommodated this illegal immigrant in a hotel at taxpayers' expense. Does the Home Secretary now accept that it was a huge mistake to cancel, just before it started, the Rwanda plan, which would have seen Majek deported, thereby preventing Rhiannon's murder?
Let me say first and foremost that the murder of Rhiannon Whyte was an abhorrent crime and our thoughts are with her loved ones. I would caution all Members against using individual cases to make a bigger political point, as the shadow Home Secretary has just sought to do.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address whether cancelling the Rwanda plan was a mistake.
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Chris Philp Con
Croydon South
The Rwanda scheme never started because this Government cancelled it. The Home Secretary talks about gimmicks. Her Government's gimmicks have failed, and that is why cross-channel migration is up 42% since the general election.
I am afraid that this is not an isolated case. Hundreds of crimes are being committed by illegal immigrants, including a 30-year-old woman raped on a Brighton beach, a 15-year-old girl raped in Leamington Spa by two Afghan small boat migrants, and a girl aged just 12 strangled and raped by two illegal immigrants in Nuneaton. Does the Home Secretary agree that this cannot go on, that only radical action will fix it and that, just as the Father of the House said earlier, we need to leave the European convention on human rights and deport all illegal immigrants within a week of arrival, because then the crossings will stop?
The shadow Home Secretary has only picked up this new policy of leaving the ECHR in opposition; it is not one that the Conservatives took up when they were in government. [Interruption.] I am afraid he is now just carping from the sidelines, to which he has been condemned by the British people for failing to control our borders.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Jessica Morden Lab
Newport East
Context
Crime rates are decreasing in Newport East thanks to extra measures and resources. A new project by Gwent police, Project Vigilant, uses undercover officers to protect women and girls in the night-time economy.
City centre safety is a top concern of residents in Newport East, so I was pleased to hear from Gwent police last Friday that crime is coming down thanks to extra measures and resources. I also draw the Minister's attention to Gwent police's new Project Vigilant scheme, which uses undercover officers to protect women and girls in the night-time economy. Alongside that, what more are the Government doing to make our city centres safer?
We are putting more money into policing. We are introducing respect orders. We are bringing back the rule that any theft of items whose value is under £200 must be investigated by the police. We are putting thousands more officers into our town centres. We are working with retailers to use new technology to tackle crime. We are introducing live facial recognition to get these nasty criminals locked up where they belong.
Assessment & feedback
The answer does not provide specific timelines, funding amounts or policy details beyond broad statements about action being taken.
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Max Wilkinson Lib Dem
Cheltenham
Context
Commentators warn that a rapid dip in net migration could harm public services and the economy. The government faces criticism for failing to deliver economic growth after two Budgets.
In recent weeks, those warning that a rapid dip in net migration could harm public services and the economy span left and right, including commentators such as Fraser Nelson. It is no secret that the Government are struggling to deliver growth after their two damaging Budgets and stubborn refusal to join a customs union with the EU. Is the Home Secretary totally certain that her plans on immigration will not further harm the economy and public services like our precious NHS?
Yes, I am, because having an ordered migration system both for legal migration and to sort out the problems of illegal migration is absolutely critical to maintaining public confidence across the country and making sure that we can hold our country together. I back all of these reforms, and I know they will have nothing but a positive impact.
Assessment & feedback
The answer does not provide any concrete evidence or statistics to support the claim about economic impacts.
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Alex Baker Lab
Aldershot
Context
Recruitment of police officers is difficult due to the pay difference along the Hampshire-Surrey border, causing understaffing and overstretched local teams.
In Aldershot and Farnborough, we have a brilliant police team, but recruitment of officers is difficult because of the pay difference along the Hampshire-Surrey border. Officers can earn more by working just a few miles away, leaving our local police team understaffed and overstretched. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to address those recruitment challenges, to ensure that we have bobbies on the beat in every community?
My hon. Friend makes a good point. We need to make sure that we are paying our police well, which we have done through a pay uplift, and looking after them. The number of police officers leaving the service—not to retire, nor due to ill health, but because they were fed up with it—tripled under the last Government. We will put a stop to that.
Assessment & feedback
The answer does not provide specific steps or commitments beyond general statements about pay and retention.
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Harriet Cross Con
Gordon and Buchan
Context
Victims of grooming gangs in Scotland are excluded from the inquiry despite similar cases occurring there.
Girls were raped and abused by grooming gangs in Scotland just as they were in England and Wales, yet girls in Scotland are excluded from the grooming gangs inquiry. Girls, no matter where they are in the UK, must get justice, and rapists, no matter where they are in the UK, must face the consequences. In response to an earlier question, the Minister said of perpetrators of violence against women and girls that she does not care who they are or where they come from. Will she please now do the right thing and also include Scottish victims in her inquiry?
It is for the Scottish Government to undertake an inquiry because, unlike in Wales, justice is devolved in Scotland, as are education and health—all of which will be vital facets of the inquiry that will run across England and Wales. I do not disagree that there needs to be no stone left unturned in Scotland. We will make sure that anything that is found through the work of the inquiry's committee is shared with Scotland.
Assessment & feedback
The answer avoids addressing whether Scottish victims will be included, shifting responsibility to the Scottish Government.
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Luke Myer Lab
Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland
Context
There is a need to tackle disinformation on social media impacting democratic processes.
Will the Security Minister give us an update on the work of the defending democracy taskforce to tackle the level of disinformation on social media and in our democracy?
The defending democracy taskforce is the fulcrum point that co-ordinates activity across Government. We work very closely with other Departments specifically on the issue of countering misinformation and disinformation, not least as we move towards the important elections taking place in May. This is an important body, which has recently had its mandate renewed by the Prime Minister.
Assessment & feedback
The answer does not provide specific updates or actions taken by the taskforce beyond broad statements about coordination and mandates.
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Bob Blackman Con
Harrow East
Context
The Jewish community has faced hate marches, demonstrations outside businesses and shops storing kosher goods.
Over the last two and a half years, our Jewish population have had to put up with hate marches starting outside synagogues. Jewish businesses have suffered hate demonstrations outside. Now shops that store kosher goods have been targeted by demonstrators. What action can the Home Secretary take to make sure that our Jewish population are protected and these evil perpetrators are brought to justice?
Let me condemn in the strongest possible terms all the antisemitic incidents that the hon. Gentleman has highlighted in his question. This Government will not stand for any antisemitism in our country, and we will take every step we can across Government to wipe out this evil from our society. He will know that I am reviewing police protest powers, and I have already made some announcements on changes that we will make. Lord Ken Macdonald is conducting a review, and I will not hesitate to take further legal steps in order to protect our Jewish community.
Assessment & feedback
The answer does not provide specific actions or timelines beyond general condemnation and review processes.
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Sonia Kumar Lab
Dudley
Context
Organised crime groups facilitate illegal migration to the UK and require financial disruption.
What action is my right hon. Friend taking to disrupt the finances of the organised crime groups facilitating illegal migration to the United Kingdom, and what steps is her Department taking with international partners to prosecute those who are funding those operations, both domestically and internationally?
I can report to the House that we have made 4,000 such disruptions of organised immigration crime. We are working with partners on all flows of illicit trafficking of peoples across the world, at every stage.
Assessment & feedback
The answer does not provide specific steps or commitments beyond reporting disruption figures and partnership efforts.
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Pete Wishart SNP
Perth and Kinross-shire
Context
A Westminster Hall petition debate discussed changes to ILR proposals that were criticized by Labour MPs. The background context suggests concern over the lack of support for these reforms.
I was at the Westminster Hall petition debate on indefinite leave to remain where some 60 Labour MPs turned up and unanimously rubbished and disparaged the Home Secretary's proposals, leading me to believe they are highly unlikely to support them. Can she guarantee that any changes to ILR will be brought to this House for debate and a vote?
These are the right reforms. We have set out our proposals for an earned settlement scheme, and they are being consulted on. That consultation closes in a matter of days, and the Government will consider all responses. If there are any changes that we wish to make, we will make them in the usual way.
Assessment & feedback
Guarantee of bringing changes to ILR for debate and vote was not directly addressed
Consultation Considering Responses
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Jonathan Brash Lab
Hartlepool
Context
Crime rates in Hartlepool have fallen by 15% over the last year, but Jonathan Brash seeks additional steps for maintaining safety in town centres.
My constituents deserve to feel safe in their town centre. With crime falling by 15% due to our police force's efforts under Helen Wilson's leadership, what more can we do to ensure that our town centres remain safe?
I am delighted that town centre crime has fallen in my hon. Friend's constituency, but I did not address what specific steps would be taken going forward beyond acknowledging the current decline.
Assessment & feedback
Specific safety measures for Hartlepool were not provided
Fell In Many Towns Technology Introduction
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
David Simmonds Con
Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
Context
Concerns over the closure of a police station by the Mayor of London's programme leaves Harrow with no in-person access to the police despite attempts to raise concerns.
The volunteers at the front desk and I have had no response from the Mayor of London regarding the closure. Will the Minister intervene to ensure that we get a proper response and that my constituents' concerns are heard?
I am sure that the Mayor of London listens to the hon. Gentleman's constituents' concerns, but I did not directly commit to interventions or responses.
Assessment & feedback
Direct intervention was not promised
Funding Increase Working Together
Response accuracy
Q15 Partial Answer
David Baines Lab
St Helens North
Context
A primary school campaign for bleed control kits was initiated after learning about the dangers of knife crime, raising concerns about government efforts.
The year 6 children at St James primary school are campaigning for bleed control kits. Can you assure me and all my constituents that this Government are doing everything possible to tackle knife crime?
Absolutely, I welcome the conversation about knife crime but did not provide specific assurances or actions beyond acknowledging efforts.
Assessment & feedback
Concrete steps to tackle knife crime were not outlined
Halving Target Recent Reductions
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Ian Roome Lib Dem
North Devon
Context
The Home Office's announcement of a new license requirement for police training and conduct regulation is questioned.
How will the new licence to practice differ from existing regulations, ethics codes, and training programmes?
The licence to practice is being introduced for support and training needs but did not specify differences from existing structures.
Assessment & feedback
Differences with current systems were not specified
Supporting Police Flexibility
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Ben Obese-Jecty Con
Huntingdon
Context
There is a need for clarity regarding repatriated individuals linked with ISIS and their custody status upon return.
Can the Home Secretary disclose how many ISIS-linked individuals have been repatriated to the UK and if they were held in custody?
I hope the hon. Gentleman will understand if I do not get into specifics—we do not comment on individual cases—but we use all available tools to ensure public safety.
Assessment & feedback
Specifics on repatriations and custody were avoided entirely
Individual Case Avoidance
Response accuracy
Q18 Partial Answer
Shockat Adam Ind
Leicester South
Context
A recent fatal incident involving knife crime led to calls for a dedicated Minister for tackling the issue.
Can the Minister support my call for appointing a dedicated Minister for tackling knife crime?
I am that dedicated Minister and have campaigned on this issue, but did not provide additional specifics beyond the existing role.
Assessment & feedback
Further commitment to a new or enhanced role was not given
Campaign History
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
Helen Morgan Lib Dem
North Shropshire
Context
Budget constraints have led to reduced PCSO hours and a lack of front desk services, raising concerns about community visibility.
How will we ensure better and more visible community policing in North Shropshire despite budget cuts?
The officer maintenance grant has been a barrier, but we are putting 13,000 more officers on our streets and communities can expect improvements.
Assessment & feedback
Specific measures for North Shropshire were not detailed
Officer Uplift Previous Government'S Reduction
Response accuracy