Topical Questions 2025-09-15

2025-09-15

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Bradley Thomas Con
Bromsgrove
Context
The MP is concerned about in-bound migration and seeks clarity on the government's approach.
I welcome the Home Secretary to her position. Does she have plans to introduce a statutory cap on in-bound migration?
I have one job, and it is to secure our borders. I will do whatever it takes, but what I will never do is take the approach of the previous Government, who were led by gimmicks and false promises that were never met.
Assessment & feedback
Specific plans for a statutory cap on migration
Taking Lessons From Conservatives Failure Of The Previous Government
Response accuracy
Q2 Direct Answer
Bayo Alaba Lab
Southend East and Rochford
Context
The MP addresses ongoing issues with antisocial behavior in Southend, seeking further government action.
Antisocial behaviour, including cars producing excessive noise along the Southend seafront and Westcliff roads, has long affected my constituents. Will the Home Secretary set out how the Government are going further, faster, in tackling antisocial behaviour?
This year, £200 million has been made available to forces to kick-start the delivery of 13,000 more neighbourhood officers across England and Wales. I would be very happy to talk to my hon. Friend about the issues that he is facing. We must tackle antisocial behaviour.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Chris Philp Con
Croydon South
Context
The MP highlights the rise in illegal migration, pressing for stricter measures.
Does the Home Secretary accept that her predecessor was moved because this Government are failing on immigration? Indeed, 75% of the public think that the Government are failing. Illegal migration is up 38%, making this the worst year in history. Will she commit to real action?
I will take no lessons from anyone sitting on the Conservative Benches. Their Government utterly failed on both legal and illegal migration. This Government, and this Home Secretary, will clean up their mess.
Assessment & feedback
Commitment to real action against illegal immigration
Failure Of The Previous Government
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Chris Philp Con
Croydon South
Context
The MP seeks weekly data publication on illegal immigrants.
Illegal migration is up by 38%. Press reports this week suggest that a handful of illegal migrants might be removed to France—she has been silent about that so far—but that amounts to only 5% of people crossing. Does she accept allowing 95% of illegal immigrants to stay will be no deterrent?
On the subject of brass neck, I will have to buy the shadow Home Secretary a mirror, so that he can stare at one. This Government have got removals up to 35,000, got asylum decisions moving again, and struck an historic agreement with France.
Assessment & feedback
Weekly data publication on illegal immigrants
Failure Of The Previous Government
Response accuracy
Q5 Direct Answer
Peter Dowd Lab
Bootle
Context
The MP seeks an update on the defending democracy taskforce's work.
Will the Minister give an update on the work of the defending democracy taskforce, please?
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for the question, because the targeted intimidation and harassment of elected representatives is completely unacceptable. The defending democracy taskforce works to ensure the safety and security of all electoral processes and democratic institutions, and to strengthen democratic society.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Lisa Smart LD
Hazel Grove
Context
The MP raises concerns over high-profile figures calling for the dissolution of Parliament and inciting violence.
This weekend, as the Home Secretary said, Elon Musk used a rally to call—alongside convicted criminal, so-called Tommy Robinson—for the Dissolution of Parliament, and to incite violence on our streets. What assessment has the Home Office made of these statements?
There is both a legal question here and a political question. On the legal question, in all cases, including the one that the hon. Lady raises, it is for the police and the Crown Prosecution Service to decide independently whether the law has been broken and charges should be brought.
Assessment & feedback
Political assessment of high-profile figure's call
Legal Question
Response accuracy
Q7 Direct Answer
Phil Brickell Lab
Bolton West
Context
The MP highlights concerns about high-street money laundering and seeks measures to combat it.
Members of the all-party group on anti-corruption and responsible tax, which I chair, had the opportunity to meet National Economic Crime Centre officers last week and discuss the work that NECC is doing to disrupt money laundering and tax evasion. High-street money laundering is of huge concern to me... What measures is the Minister taking to empower trading standards?
I am grateful to my hon. Friend and the APPG for their work. The Government are absolutely committed to tackling high street money laundering... We have strengthened the powers under the Economic, Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, and have funded 475 new roles under the anti-money laundering and asset recovery programme.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Susan Murray LD
Mid Dunbartonshire
Context
The MP raises concerns about the proportionality of police actions against peaceful protesters.
Just over a week ago, nearly 1,000 peaceful protesters... were arrested in a single day for opposing the ban on Palestine Action, yet over the weekend, at the Unite the Kingdom protest, 26 police officers were injured and 25 arrests were made. Does the Home Secretary agree with my constituents in Dunbartonshire that this raises serious questions about proportionality?
This weekend, well over 100,000 protesters marched in London. Many were exercising the ancient right to peaceful protest, but not everyone did... Those violent thugs will face the full force of the law.
Assessment & feedback
Reassessment of proscription of groups like Palestine Action
Violent Protests
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Joe Robertson Con
Isle of Wight East
Context
The Attorney General's claim that the European convention on human rights is necessary to solve the illegal migration crisis sparked a debate about alternative approaches.
The Attorney General has claimed we need the European convention on human rights and the European Court to solve the illegal migration crisis—an extraordinary claim. How will the Minister explain, therefore, how Australia managed its migration problems and how the US is managing our Rwanda plan outside this convention?
The hon. Gentleman heard the Home Secretary’s point on the convention, but it is clear that gimmicks such as Rwanda do not work—£700 million for merely four volunteers to go. What works is effective processing, quick decisions and quick removals. That is what we will get under this Government, and it is what we do not get from those who carp from the Opposition Benches.
Assessment & feedback
The specific approaches of Australia and the US were not addressed; instead, a general critique was given about the effectiveness of Rwanda plan.
Carp
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Louise Haigh Lab
Sheffield Heeley
Context
Harvey Willgoose, a 15-year-old student in Sheffield Heeley, was murdered by another pupil. A national child safeguarding review panel has been established to address such tragedies.
Earlier this year, 15-year-old Harvey Willgoose was murdered when attending school. His murderer has now been convicted and a national child safeguarding review panel set up, but recommendations are often not implemented. Will the Home Secretary ensure that these recommendations are followed and prevent further such tragedies?
We offer our sympathy to the family of Harvey, whose death is a heartbreaking tragedy that has devastated the entire community. Our thoughts remain with his family and friends. Of course we recognise that pattern—I have seen it, too, in my constituency. That is why we are creating a child protection authority, as was recommended in a previous inquiry, to provide effective national oversight to ensure that lessons are learned.
Assessment & feedback
The Home Secretary acknowledged the tragedy but did not specify how recommendations would be implemented.
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Jess Brown-Fuller LD
Chichester
Context
Antisocial behaviour in Chichester city centre, particularly from e-bikes and e-scooters, has raised concerns among residents.
Chichester city centre has seen a rise in antisocial behaviour, especially from individuals using e-bikes and e-scooters. Residents are concerned about the modifications to these vehicles that allow them to exceed legal speed limits. Will the Minister give Sussex police powers to identify, remove and dispose of such vehicles?
That is a concern that many Members in the House share. The Crime and Policing Bill will give the police powers to seize vehicles being used antisocially. I am happy to have a conversation with the hon. Lady about what more we need to do.
Assessment & feedback
While acknowledging the concern, the Minister did not commit to immediate actions and instead suggested further discussion.
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Nick Timothy Con
West Suffolk
Context
The definition of Islamophobia by the all-party parliamentary group on British Muslims has been controversial, raising concerns about freedom of speech and addressing religious-based criminality.
In 2018, a definition of Islamophobia was provided that suggested discussing rape gangs or Muslim Brotherhood entryism could be seen as 'anti-Muslim racism'. The Home Secretary endorsed this. Does she still believe these activities are protected under the term Islamophobia?
That definition sought to give context to patterns of behaviour. Let me be clear for the hon. Gentleman and the whole House: there is absolutely no excuse for, or hiding of, the criminality of those who engage in heinous crimes such as those involving rape or grooming gangs. That is why the Government will take forward the Casey recommendations and have that national inquiry. He knows that the Government are working with a working group on a definition of Islamophobia. We have been absolutely clear that we will not pursue any measures that would impinge on our ancient right of freedom of speech.
Assessment & feedback
While clarifying stance on criminality, did not explicitly disown the previous controversial definition.
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Gill German Lab
Clwyd North
Context
The Government’s safer streets summer initiative aims to improve safety in town centres. However, local concerns exist about year-round support.
Ensuring safe and vibrant town centres is crucial for Clwyd North. The government's safer streets summer initiative has been positive. Will the Home Secretary ensure that North Wales police have sufficient resources all year round to maintain these standards in Rhyl, Denbigh, Abergele and Colwyn Bay?
So far, we have had really good feedback from over 500 town centres that have taken part in the safer streets summer initiative. That initiative finishes at the end of September, so we will have proper analysis then, but it is our priority to ensure that our police have the resources they need all year round.
Assessment & feedback
Acknowledged the importance of year-round support but did not commit to specific measures beyond a commitment to analyze and address after review.
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Neil Shastri-Hurst Con
Solihull West and Shirley
Context
Shoplifting levels have risen under the current government, causing significant challenges for retailers.
When will we see a reduction in shoplifting levels rather than an increase as they have under this Government?
As we were discussing earlier, targeting shoplifting is an absolute priority for this Government. We have a raft of interventions and we are taking legislative action to protect our retail workers, who have been particularly affected by a massive increase in abuse as well as a rise in crime.
Assessment & feedback
Acknowledged the issue but did not provide specific timelines or actions for reduction.
Response accuracy
Q15 Partial Answer
Karen Bradley Con
Staffordshire Moorlands
Context
The previous ministerial team had planned to stop the use of large sites for housing asylum seekers. There are indications that this position might have changed.
I welcome members of the new Government Front Bench team to their places. The previous ministerial team had been clear that they wanted to stop the use of large sites to house asylum seekers, but there has been some indication that that position may have changed. Will the Home Secretary or the Minister clarify the position, and confirm that if they are changing that position, they will learn the lessons of what went wrong previously?
I look forward to working with the right hon. Lady and her Committee in its important work. We have made a significant commitment to the closure of asylum hotels, which is crucial for public confidence. It is a matter of record that we are looking at big sites, including Ministry of Defence sites, but we will of course look very closely at the history in this space to ensure that anything that we do is effective and sustained.
Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment on avoiding previous mistakes was not provided
Looking Closely History
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Context
A Sikh woman in Oldbury was the victim of a rape that reportedly involved racist abuse. The case is being treated as a hate crime, with an arrest made.
I warmly welcome the Home Secretary and her team to their places. The Home Secretary will be aware of the recent horrific attack and rape of a Sikh woman in Oldbury, in my constituency, who reportedly had racist abuse directed at her. The case is being treated as a hate crime and a suspect is under arrest. What steps is the Home Secretary taking to support West Midlands police in securing justice in the case, and to address the wider concerns of the Sikh and other ethnic minority communities regarding the increase of racism in the public discourse, which can lead to targeted violence and damage community safety?
The horror of a sexual assault motivated by race or ethnicity is absolutely appalling. I am sure that the whole House will join me in condemning such crimes in the strongest possible terms. On the specifics of the case, it is an ongoing criminal investigation and it is imperative that we allow the justice system to do its work. I urge anyone with any further information about the case to get in touch with West Midlands police as soon as possible. I hope that my hon. Friend and Members across the House will have heard my comments earlier, when I said that this Government will not stand for any incitement to racial hatred or violence. It is imperative and incumbent on all Members of the House to ensure that we all jointly and collectively hold that line.
Assessment & feedback
No specific steps mentioned for supporting police in securing justice other than allowing the justice system to work.
Strong Condemnation Need For Information
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Context
Police use of live facial recognition technology is being questioned due to the lack of a legal framework and national instructions.
In an earlier answer, the Minister referred to the increasing use by police of live facial recognition. While that may well have some effect on tackling crime, it is being used without any legal framework and no national instructions. Will she say when those will be put in place?
Facial recognition is being used in a controlled way for high harm individuals. There is guidance about how it should be used, but I am happy to have a further conversation with the right hon. Gentleman about that, as I am aware that Members from across the House have raised the issue of the framework within which it operates.
Assessment & feedback
Timeline not specified for implementation of legal framework and national instructions.
Controlled Use Existing Guidance
Response accuracy
Q18 Partial Answer
Jonathan Hinder Lab
Pendle and Clitheroe
Context
The Police Federation is the only staff association available for police officers, who cannot join a union. The chief executive reportedly received over £600,000 last year.
I pay tribute to my former colleagues for the way that they professionally policed the protests over the weekend, and I wish those who were injured a speedy recovery. Police officers cannot join a union and they have only one staff association—the Police Federation—to choose from, the chief executive of which reportedly took home over £600,000 last year. Will the new ministerial team commit to reviewing whether that monopoly can really serve the interests of our brave police officers?
We need to ensure that our police officers are given the best support that they can be given through the Police Federation, which is the vehicle by which they are supported through any incidents they have. I will be working very closely with it to ensure that it is doing the right thing on behalf of its members.
Assessment & feedback
No commitment was made to review whether the Police Federation serves officers' interests.
Best Support Working Closely
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
Paul Kohler LD
Wimbledon
Context
Wimbledon police station is under threat, with its front counter due to close. Local stations are seen as critical for neighbourhood policing and community safety.
I would not be here today without Wimbledon police station; in 2014, two brave officers from that station saved me from a murderous attack. Wimbledon police station is now under threat, with its front counter due to close. Does the Home Secretary agree that local police stations such as Wimbledon’s are critical to neighbourhood policing and community safety?
I am very sorry to hear about the hon. Gentleman’s incident; that must have been absolutely terrifying. We need to ensure that our neighbourhood police are responsive and are there when we need them most, which is why we are targeting the resources we have to ensure that we have neighbourhood policing. The response teams must be there when we need them through any means of getting in touch with them, whether it is on the phone, online or in person, and we need to ensure that they are there.
Assessment & feedback
No explicit agreement was given about the critical importance of local police stations.
Responsive Policing Targeting Resources
Response accuracy