Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Sentencing Policy: Rural Crime

Tuesday 10 January 2023 · 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 0 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Deputy Prime Minister has regular meetings with Cabinet colleagues on tackling rural crime.
  • The Minister supports Government investment in 20,000 more police officers nationally.
  • The Minister is willing to meet the hon. Lady to discuss specific cases of fly-tipping.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Neil Hudson Con Epping Forest
Crime & Law Enforcement Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Rural crime continues to be a concern in communities, affecting residents and their property.

Question

What discussions has the Minister had with Cabinet colleagues on tackling rural crime? Rural and wildlife crime affects local communities through theft of farm machinery, fly-tipping, vandalism, and animal cruelty. What reassurances can he give that the Government are supporting police and communities against these crimes?

Answer from Edward Argar

The Deputy Prime Minister has regular meetings with Cabinet colleagues on tackling crime, including rural crime. The Government supports the police through the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 by introducing new hare coursing offences and supporting a private Member's Bill to prevent quad bike theft.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide reassurances about specific support for police and communities in fighting rural crime beyond mentioning legislation.

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Q2 Daniel Kawczynski Con
Crime & Law Enforcement Environment
Context

Rural crime often involves organised crime targeting communities through various thefts and environmental damage.

Question

Does the Minister agree that rural crime is linked to organised crime groups, particularly plant and livestock theft, burglary of firearms, fly-tipping, and poaching? How does sentencing reflect the seriousness of these crimes?

Answer from Edward Argar

The Minister highlights several crimes impacting rural communities including plant theft, livestock theft, burglary targeting firearms, fly-tipping, and poaching. The courts have appropriate sentences available but sentencing guidelines require tougher penalties for offences involving high planning or committed for profit.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address whether the Minister agreed with the link to organised crime groups.

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Q3 Neil Hudson Con Epping Forest
Crime & Law Enforcement Community Security
Context

Cumbria has initiatives like Cumbria farm watch and horse watch to combat rural crimes.

Question

What reassurances can the Minister give that the Government supports these initiatives and communities against rural crime? The focus is on national investment, local partnerships, and specific support from legislation.

Answer from Edward Argar

The Minister pays tribute to the work in Cumbria and notes Government investment in 20,000 more police officers nationally. He also mentions supporting the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 and a private Member's Bill for quad bike theft prevention.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific reassurances about support for Cumbria initiatives or local community efforts against rural crime beyond mentioning national investment and legislation.

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Q4 Stephanie Peacock Lab Barnsley South
Environment
Context

Fly-tipping has doubled in Barnsley, costing the local council nearly £200,000.

Question

What discussions has the Minister had with colleagues to ensure that fines and sentences for fly-tipping are a strong deterrent? The focus is on inter-departmental coordination and enforcement.

Answer from Edward Argar

The Minister highlights that there are regular discussions with colleagues across Government departments, including Defra and Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. He expresses willingness to meet the hon. Lady if she has specific cases to highlight.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specifics on actual fines or sentences for fly-tipping or direct assurances of deterrent measures.

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Q5 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Crime & Law Enforcement Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Machinery theft is a cross-border issue affecting Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Question

Has the Minister had any opportunity to talk with the Garda Síochána about working across the border to curb machinery theft? The focus is on cross-border cooperation and tackling criminal gangs involved in such activities.

Answer from Edward Argar

The Minister has not had any direct discussions with the Garda. However, he notes the work being done in Northern Ireland to highlight marking machinery as a solution to tracking stolen items. He is willing to receive further details from the constituency perspective.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm any cross-border cooperation efforts or direct discussions with Irish authorities beyond mentioning existing initiatives in Northern Ireland.

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