Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Coronavirus Restrictions: Police Enforcement

Monday 9 November 2020 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government provided 30 million of additional covid surge funding to police forces.
  • Police enforcement is an option for large gatherings that break social distancing rules but encouraging compliance is preferred.
  • Chief constables decide where the 6,000 allocated police officers are based in collaboration with local authorities.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kate Hollern Lab
Policing & Resources
Context

The question arises from concerns about police support and funding amidst the pandemic.

Question

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of police resources during the covid-19 outbreak. The Government have provided £30 million of additional covid surge funding.

Answer from Kit Malthouse

Our police forces have played a critical role during the pandemic and have been quick to respond. The Government are committed to supporting them with £30 million of additional covid surge funding.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details on adequacy or any commitment beyond existing support measures.

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Q2 Alun Cairns Con
Crime & Law Enforcement Democracy & Elections
Context

Concerns about large protests and social distancing rules being broken, posing risks to police officers and public health.

Question

Lawful protest is the cornerstone of a democracy. Does my hon. Friend agree that it is wholly unacceptable for groups of protesters to come together and put police officers at risk by breaking social distancing rules?

Answer from Kit Malthouse

Our police forces have faced extraordinary challenges. Large gatherings are illegal under coronavirus regulations and enforcement is an option where needed, but encouraging compliance is preferred.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to specific measures against unlawful protests beyond mentioning the legality of large gatherings.

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Q3 John Howell Con
Policing & Resources Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

The MP is concerned about similar issues arising in Henley, including the risk to police officers from large gatherings.

Question

In this lockdown, are we going to abolish or try to prevent large protests that threaten frontline officers?

Answer from Kit Malthouse

All large gatherings are illegal under coronavirus regulations, including legitimate protests. Police enforcement is an option but encouraging compliance with regulations is preferred.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific measures for preventing protests other than referring to the illegality and possibility of enforcement.

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Q4 Kate Hollern Lab
Policing & Resources
Context

Lancashire has seen a significant reduction in its police force compared to Surrey, raising concerns about the distribution of resources.

Question

Given that the Government have promised 20,000 extra police officers by next March, when will they recruit them and base them in areas like Lancashire which have seen cuts?

Answer from Kit Malthouse

100 out of the 6,000 allocated police officers had been recruited by 30 September. Chief constables decide where those officers are based in collaboration with local authorities.

Answered
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Q5 Conor McGinn Lab
Policing & Resources Democracy & Elections
Context

Concerns about the spread of harmful conspiracy theories and misinformation that could undermine public health efforts.

Question

What resources is he providing to the police and security services to counter false online conspiracy theories designed by nefarious elements?

Answer from Kit Malthouse

The NCA and intelligence agencies are engaged with the private sector to remove disinformation. The House must stand together as democratically elected politicians in acknowledging legitimate advice and data.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific resources or concrete measures beyond general statements about collaboration and acknowledgment of legitimacy.

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