Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from growing public concern and stabilisation of the trend in violent crime levels since their peak in the mid-1990s.
What recent assessment her Department has made of trends in the level of violent crime. The survey shows reduced overall levels but concerns are rising about stability and action is needed to address these issues specifically.
Overall levels of violent crime have reduced since the mid-1990s peak but public concern is growing. The government is taking action through surging police capacity and investing in early intervention programmes to prevent youth involvement in serious violence.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific recent assessments or detailed actions beyond general statements.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The serious violence taskforce has been discontinued, raising concerns about the government's commitment to a long-term public health-based approach to tackling youth violence.
Last month I found out through a written parliamentary question that the serious violence taskforce was discontinued. Are you still committed to a long-term public health-based approach to tackling violence among young people? Concerns are raised about other measures being scrapped via backdoor methods.
The Prime Minister decided on coming to office that he wanted to take leadership of the crime effort himself, so we created the criminal justice taskforce. There is a National Policing Board beneath it and a performance board focused largely on fighting violent crime. We remain committed and have announced extra £35 million funding for violence reduction units.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the concern about scrapping other measures via backdoor methods, only provided details of new taskforces and funding.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government received the findings of Sir Craig Mackey's review into serious and organised crime last February but has yet to come forward with the recommendations. Concerns are raised about delays in implementation.
Crime has not stopped because of covid-19, showing a rise overall and drug/firearms-related offences at previous levels. The Government received Sir Craig Mackey's review findings but no action has been taken since June. What is being waited for?
We have been dealing with a pandemic which had significant impacts on policing and crime trends. A surge in violence was seen post-lockdown but has since stabilised. Research and analysis are ongoing to understand the implications of the pandemic for crime, while discussions continue with partners on future disposition.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address what the government is waiting for or provide a timeline for implementation of recommendations.
Response accuracy