Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

County Lines Drugs Gangs

Monday 22 November 2021 · 3 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Over 65 million has been invested in tackling county lines since 2019.
  • Devon and Cornwall Police are collaborating with key exporting forces.
  • The police aim to support local efforts to disrupt county lines operations.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Danny Kruger Reform East Wiltshire
Crime & Law Enforcement Safeguarding & DBS
Context

The MP is concerned about the progress made in tackling county lines drug operations.

Question

What progress has the Department made on tackling county lines drugs gangs?

Answer from Kit Malthouse

Since 2019, over £65 million has been invested in tackling county lines, including £40 million this year. This effort resulted in more than 1,500 lines being closed and over 7,400 arrests made. More than 4,000 vulnerable adults and children were safeguarded.

Answered
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Q2 Cherilyn Mackrory
Policing & Resources Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

The MP is concerned about the impact of county lines drugs activity increasing in Cornwall, including Truro. She seeks assurance that the government will work with local authorities to address these issues.

Question

I thank the Minister for his answer. A dealer who had been flooding towns across Cornwall was jailed recently. Can the Minister confirm that the Government are aware of the issues in Cornwall and assure me they will work with Alison Hernandez, the police and crime commissioner, and six Cornish MPs to address these problems, particularly how the Government can support the wider roll-out of Project ADDER?

Answer from Kit Malthouse

Devon and Cornwall Police are working closely with key exporting forces such as the Metropolitan Police and Merseyside Police. The British Transport Police conducted a fixed-point pilot at Basingstoke Station that intercepted drugs bound for the MP's constituency.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not confirm specific actions or commitments to work with Alison Hernandez, the police and crime commissioner, and six Cornish MPs.

How: Focused On The Impact Of Drugs Across The Whole Country

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Q3 Danny Kruger Reform East Wiltshire
Policing & Resources Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

The MP acknowledges successful disruptions to county lines in his constituency and seeks continued government support for market towns and rural areas.

Question

There have been very successful disruptions to county lines in my Wiltshire constituency. Will the Minister continue the efforts on county lines, and ensure real support for local efforts at disruption?

Answer from Kit Malthouse

Market towns and villages must work with large urban areas to grip the transport network. The police aim to take out those who perpetrate this 'business' while sitting comfortably at home in a city.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific details on how government efforts will support local disruptions below the regional level.

How: Focused On Working With Large Urban Areas

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