Topical Questions 2022-09-05
2022-09-05
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Caroline Lucas is concerned about the Home Office's actions regarding refugee policies and police funding.
I am concerned that the Government are planning to remove refugees to Rwanda who sought sanctuary in the UK from torture and trafficking. This is a new and despicable low even from this Home Office. Can you confirm whether you have read the medical analysis from the charity Medical Justice, and will you find some moral backbone, immediately release from indefinite immigration detention all those targeted with removal to Rwanda and finally abandon this shameful policy?
Absolutely not because the immoral aspect is the role of people smugglers and the criminal trade that facilitates people smuggling. Not only is the migration and economic development partnership the first of its kind, but it is being looked at by other countries around the world. Our processes are not only legitimate but show that a deterrent factor can be achieved through this policy. It is absolutely right that we ensure that people are detained on the basis that they will be removed to Rwanda at the soonest possible opportunity.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to release refugees and abandon deportation plan
Legitimacy Of Policy
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
There is a concern over tens of thousands of migrants crossing the English channel in small boats, which Henry Smith sees as a potential security risk, unsustainable in terms of accommodation and housing, and costly to taxpayers.
Tens of thousands of migrants crossing the English channel in small boats is a potential security risk, increasingly unsustainable in terms of accommodation and housing, and costing the taxpayer ever growing sums. May I seek an assurance that my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary's Department will work with the Ministry of Defence on a push-back policy, to be implemented as soon as possible, and continue to pursue the Rwanda processing plan?
The rise in dangerous channel crossings is unacceptable, as my hon. Friend has said. Indeed, there is a push-back policy in place. Not only are these crossings an overt abuse of our immigration laws, but they risk the lives of vulnerable people who are being exploited by ruthless criminal gangs. Our new Nationality and Borders Act 2022 is breaking the business model of these evil criminals. We have introduced tougher sentences for those who facilitate illegal entry into the country, with 38 people already arrested and facing further action since the Act became law.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a recognition of the unseen work done by Home Secretaries on national security but concerns over escalating knife crime. Stabbings have risen 60% since 2015, with detection rates falling.
As this may be the Home Secretary's last question time, I recognise the unseen work that she and all her predecessors have done on national security and on warrants, which often goes unrecognised. Stabbings are now 60% higher than in 2015, yet the number of violent criminals caught is at a record low. The incoming Prime Minister has said there is a serious problem with gun crime, gangs, and knife crime. Why have successive Conservative Home Secretaries allowed it to get this bad?
The right hon. Lady knows perfectly well the Government's record over many years in boosting police funding—including the work under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022—which has all the right deterrents in place to go after criminals and ensure that they are given the right kinds of sentences, supports serious violence reduction units, and extends the capabilities of stop and search. Those are the very tools and tactics that the police have, and it is this Government who have supported them every single step of the way—not just by backing, equipping and empowering them to go after criminals, but by working with the criminal justice system to ensure that the right sentences are given out.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific reasons for rising knife crime rates
Work With Police
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
There are concerns over the Conservatives' cutting of policing funding and introduction of ineffective legislation. Stabbings have increased by 60%, with a high percentage of violent criminals not being caught.
But the Conservatives have cut the funding for policing and they have brought in lots of legislation that has not worked. Stabbings are up by 60%, and over 90% of violent criminals now get away with it. That is way higher than it was just seven years ago. The National Police Chiefs' Council has said: 'Detection and charge rates for a range of crimes have fallen over the past five years. This has been impacted by austerity and the loss of thousands of police officers and staff—and backlogs in the court system.' That is a damning reflection on 12 years of Conservative policies on policing and crime. On her last day in the job, will she tell us whether she thinks that 43 police chiefs are wrong?
It is this Government who have delivered over 13,000 additional police officers. That is 69% of the 20,000 target that we have set to meet by March 2023. Not only that, but it is our Government who have been committed from day one to reducing serious violence by putting an end to tragedies. We have invested over £130 million in tackling serious violence, including £64 million for violence reduction units.
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Assessment & feedback
Acknowledgment of police chiefs' concerns
Investments In Policing
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Police have removed over 50,000 knives and offensive weapons from streets since the Home Secretary took office in 2019. Anna Firth acknowledges this but mentions issues with knife crime in Southend.
Under this Home Secretary since 2019, our police have removed over 50,000 knives and offensive weapons from our streets, keeping us all safe. But in Southend, knife crime, including this summer—
I want to pay tribute to my hon. Friend because she has been very strong on this issue. She is right: there is a great deal of work taking place. I would like to thank Essex police in particular for dealing with this issue in her constituency.
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Assessment & feedback
Concrete actions addressing knife crime in Southend
Acknowledgment Of Efforts
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Recent shootings in Liverpool and on the Isle of Skye shocked many, prompting a need to reassess gun laws.
We were all shocked by the horrendous shootings in Liverpool and on the Isle of Skye over the summer. While our gun laws are comparatively robust by international standards, is it now time for another comprehensive look at both policy and practice?
There will be safety and security declarations tracking fast parcels containing firearms, and there is currently a force-by-force review of firearms licensing.
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Assessment & feedback
Hedging
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The Mayor of London's response to recent murders was criticized as inadequate, highlighting concerns over police effectiveness.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that the Mayor of London's recent attempt to blame the heatwave and the school holidays for six murders in four days was pathetic, given his record of trying to help the police fight crime?
Hospital admissions for under-25s with assault from sharp objects are down 17% in London compared to June 2021. The Government provided £12 million of funding to the London violence reduction unit and £8 million in Grip funding for the Metropolitan police service's response to violence.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner's criticism of the Mayor's response was not addressed, instead focusing on positive statistics about crime trends and current funding efforts.
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
10,500 Afghan refugees are still in temporary accommodation and the questioner seeks clarity on when they will have permanent homes.
There are 10,500 Afghan refugees still in accommodation. When does he anticipate those 10,500 Afghan refugees will be in permanent accommodation?
We are working constructively with councils and discussions with the Scottish Government have been constructive. Glasgow is stepping forward to find suitable accommodation.
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Assessment & feedback
Hedging
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
Alleyways in Stoke-on-Trent are facing drug-related issues and the questioner seeks more support from the government.
Will the Minister help me get more alley gates, better CCTV and more street lighting to tackle the scumbags who blight alleyways across Stoke-on-Trent?
The additional police funding is available, and my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has been progressing another round of the safer streets fund.
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Assessment & feedback
Hedging
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
Mr Simon Hagos's case has been delayed due to a first-tier tribunal decision that the Home Office had incorrectly applied its rules.
In April, a first-tier tribunal decided that the Home Office had incorrectly applied its own rules and that my constituent, Mr Simon Hagos, should indeed be joined by his family. Despite this, UKVI failed to issue visas to his wife and son. Can the Minister tell me when the Home Office will finally fulfil its legal obligations?
I am happy to pick up that with the hon. Lady outside the Chamber.
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Assessment & feedback
Deflection
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
Illegal immigrants are arriving via small boats at an alarming rate, with over 28,500 recorded in the past year.
Last year, 28,526 people arrived illegally via small boats. So far this year 26,000 have done so, and it is clear that the previous record will be surpassed. Will the Home Secretary join me in asking the new Prime Minister to make tackling this issue a national priority?
My hon. Friend is well aware of my views on this and I do not need to add much more, as it absolutely is a priority.
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Assessment & feedback
Hedging
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
After losing over 20,000 officers under the Tories after 2010, there are fewer police officers in England and Wales today.
Can the Minister confirm how many fewer police officers there are in England and Wales today compared with 2010, and how long it will take for those police officer numbers to be restored?
We have recruited over 13,500 new police officers as part of the uplift. The hon. Gentleman's party has not been supportive of those efforts.
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Assessment & feedback
Hedging
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
The rise of vegan militia protests is causing concern for farming sites, abattoirs, and food production sites.
We are seeing the sinister rise of the vegan militia, which is seeking to hold to ransom families and farmers across the country. When the Public Order Bill comes forward, does my hon. Friend agree that we should legislate for farming sites, abattoirs and food production sites to be sites of national infrastructure?
The local police forces have been working with affected sites to mitigate risks. We will keep the measures under review.
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Assessment & feedback
Hedging
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
Despite a record high in reported rapes, the charge rate is at a historic low.
While the number of rapes reported to the police has hit a record high, the charge rate is at a record low. Does the Home Secretary agree that her Department has completely failed victims of this vile crime?
The top four forces for adult rape charges received are leading the way, along with much of the work of Operation Soteria.
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Assessment & feedback
Hedging
Response accuracy
Q15
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP noted recent violent incidents, including two murders and six stabbings in her constituency. She highlighted the need for urgent action to address the epidemic of violent crime.
I would like to thank the Met police for its very professional policing of the Notting Hill carnival. In the last week, my constituency has seen two murders and at least six stabbings. Can my right hon. Friend update me on what conversations she has had with the Mayor of London to really get rid of this epidemic of violent crime in London?
All-change is coming in London with the appointment of the new Metropolitan Police Commissioner, and I have been working with him on his 100-day plan. My hon. Friend and her constituents can be reassured that the Mayor, in particular—through our dialogue during the recent work with Tom Winsor—will be held to account for delivery, and that the new commissioner will have a very forceful plan to deal with serious violence, including by ensuring that the application of stop and search continues and that more work is done to keep the streets of our brilliant city safe.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q16
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP mentioned constituents' frustration with the antisocial use of e-scooters and e-bikes, noting dangerous behaviour on local roads and pavements.
Constituents in Lliswerry are hugely frustrated by the persistent dangerous behaviour of groups of e-scooter and e-bike users on local roads and pavements. What are the Government doing to improve awareness of the law relating to the use of e-scooters and e-bikes and to support the police in tackling their antisocial use?
The hon. Lady is absolutely right on this. Work is taking place with the Department for Transport very specifically on these scooters, and police forces—through the College of Policing and the National Police Chiefs' Council—are working on appropriate guidance to tackle not only the inappropriate use of e-scooters, but some of the criminality associated with them.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q17
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted a shortage of bus drivers in his constituency, contrasting it with the situation in Kent where there is no shortage of drivers for transporting immigrants.
In Ashfield, I have pensioners who cannot get to the local library or the post office because of a lack of bus drivers, but there is no lack of bus drivers in Kent, shipping illegal immigrants to their four-star hotels. Is it not time that we declared a state of emergency?
My hon. Friend is well aware of the Government's work to deal with illegal migration. That continues to be robust, with our removals policies and the removals agreements that I have with countries around the world—not to mention Albania, which I have touched on. He mentioned the lack of bus drivers. If I may, I suggest that he makes representations to the Department for Transport, because that clearly requires more training and the issuing of more bus driver licences.
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Assessment & feedback
declaring a state of emergency
Suggesting Representation To Another Department
Response accuracy
Q18
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP referenced a ten-minute rule Bill he intends to present, which aims to address the issue of thousands of young people in prison without review.
Will the Home Secretary look at my ten-minute rule Bill on joint enterprise, which I will present tomorrow? Is it not a scandal that thousands of young people are in prison without a route for anyone to look at their case?
I will, and I am happy to have a conversation with the hon. Gentleman about that.
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Assessment & feedback
Promising To Discuss
Response accuracy
Q19
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP acknowledged the Home Secretary's work on reducing Albanian economic migration via small boats, but requested further details.
I commend the Home Secretary's extensive and robust work to tackle the number of Albanian economic migrants arriving in small boats. However, what more can she do to keep our country safe?
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for her diligent and professional work in the Home Office, where she championed the safety of women and girls. She is absolutely right about the safety and security of our great country, and when it comes to the checking of illegal migrants, she is well aware of the detailed work taking place, much of which we cannot speak about publicly for security reasons. That robust work will continue.
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Assessment & feedback
Referring To Ongoing But Undisclosed Measures
Response accuracy