Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

County Lines Drug Dealing

Thursday 18 March 2021 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • CPS and police are collaborating nationally to address county lines drug dealing.
  • The Attorney General commends the MP for Norfolk's support in tackling county lines offenders.
  • A CPS review of its effectiveness in prosecuting county lines crimes is planned for this year.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Duncan Baker
Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

The MP seeks an assessment on the effectiveness of the Crown Prosecution Service's prosecution efforts against county lines drug dealing, a serious crime involving vulnerable individuals being exploited.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the CPS in prosecuting offences relating to county lines drug dealing?

Answer from Michael Ellis

The CPS and police are collaborating nationally to address county lines drug dealing, with 26 successful prosecutions in Norfolk between November 2019 and September 2020. Specialist training for prosecutors is provided, and the Government's serious violence strategy outlines actions taken against this issue.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask was not addressed with a recent assessment of effectiveness; instead, general efforts were highlighted.

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Q2 Duncan Baker
Policing & Resources Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

The MP highlights the robust response of the local police force in Norfolk to tackling county lines drug dealing, expressing gratitude and seeking confirmation on its effectiveness.

Question

I am grateful to the Attorney General for his response. My local police force has one of the best responses to county lines drug dealing with thousands of arrests made over the years. Does my right hon. and learned Friend agree that in Norfolk, 'Come to deal drugs and you will be targeted, arrested and jailed'?

Answer from Michael Ellis

The Attorney General commends the MP for Norfolk's support in tackling county lines offenders and offences. He acknowledges the challenges, including complexity and resource demands, and confirms a CPS review of its effectiveness in prosecuting these crimes this year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific confirmation on the effectiveness was not given; instead, general appreciation and recognition of challenges were noted.

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