House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Serious Violent Crime: West Midlands

Thursday 6 July 2023 · 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

Michael Fabricant questioned the adequacy of prosecution rates for serious violent crime in the West Midlands.
The Minister responded that the CPS prosecutes violent crime robustly based on recent observations during a law tour.
The Minister highlighted a 90% conviction rate for drugs offences in the West Midlands, supporting a zero tolerance approach.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Michael Fabricant Con

Crime & Law Enforcement

Context

The question arises from concerns about the adequacy of prosecution levels for serious violent crimes within the west midlands.

Question

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of the level of prosecution rates of serious violent crime in the west midlands; and if she will make a statement.

Answer from Michael Tomlinson

On our recent law tour, the Attorney General and I saw at first-hand the work of the Crown Prosecution Service west midlands serious violence unit. As my hon. Friend would expect, the CPS prosecutes violent crime robustly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide an assessment or commitment to make a statement on prosecution rates for serious violent crimes.

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Q2 Michael Fabricant Con

Crime & Law Enforcement

Context

The question stems from concerns about the prevalence of serious violent crimes outside Lichfield, specifically in the broader west midlands. The questioner wants to know how the CPS will address these issues.

Question

What can the CPS do to demonstrate to people in the west midlands that it will have a zero tolerance attitude and take action against serious violent crime?

Answer from Michael Tomlinson

The sale and use of drugs is driving serious and violent crime. Last year, for drugs offences the CPS in the west midlands had a conviction rate of over 90%. I agree with my hon. Friend's zero tolerance approach.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific actions or demonstrations by the CPS to show their commitment to tackling serious violent crimes but mentioned drug-related conviction rates and agreed on a zero-tolerance attitude.