Topical Questions

Answer from Priti Patel (Home Secretary)

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.

Answer from Simon Baynes

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.

Answer from Priti Patel (Home Secretary)

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.

Answer from Priti Patel (Home Secretary)

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.

Answer from Priti Patel (Home Secretary)

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.

Answer from Priti Patel

There will be safety and security declarations tracking fast parcels containing firearms, and there is currently a force-by-force review of firearms licensing.

Answer from Sarah Dines

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.

Answer from Kevin Foster

We are working constructively with councils and discussions with the Scottish Government have been constructive. Glasgow is stepping forward to find suitable accommodation.

Answer from Tom Pursglove

The additional police funding is available, and my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has been progressing another round of the safer streets fund.

Answer from Kevin Foster

I am happy to pick up that with the hon. Lady outside the Chamber.

Answer from Priti Patel

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.

Answer from Tom Pursglove

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.

Answer from Tom Pursglove

The local police forces have been working with affected sites to mitigate risks. We will keep the measures under review.

Answer from Priti Patel

The top four forces for adult rape charges received are leading the way, along with much of the work of Operation Soteria.

Answer from Priti Patel

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.

Answer from Priti Patel

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.

Answer from Priti Patel

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.

Answer from Priti Patel

I will, and I am happy to have a conversation with the hon. Gentleman about that.

Answer from Priti Patel

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.