Topical Questions

2026-06-08

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Danny Chambers Lib Dem
Winchester
Context
The question arises from concerns over the growing threat of online sexual exploitation and abuse targeting children.
If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. I too pay tribute to the hon. Member for Birmingham Yardley for her immense campaigning and work in this area. Can the Secretary of State be more specific on what actions will be taken to prevent women and girls becoming victims of AI-generated sexual content, because it really can ruin lives?
The hon. Gentleman is right that it can ruin lives. The Government have already held different platforms to account, and the hon. Gentleman will know about our row with Grok and the action we forced as a result. We are alive to the online environment and what that means for deepfake images and nudification apps—areas where we have already taken action.
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide specific actions on preventing AI-generated sexual content but acknowledged ongoing work in related areas.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Danny Chambers Lib Dem
Winchester
Context
Local Jewish communities without fixed worship buildings are not eligible for Government's expanded support.
My local Jewish community does not have a dedicated building to meet and worship in. That means that they are not eligible for the Government's expanded support for Jewish communities, which is primarily aimed at fixed places of worship. I welcome the Government's expanded commitment, and I am grateful for their engagement with me on this issue, but will the Minister give an update, including on whether support can be extended to security guards?
My hon. Friend may be aware that I recently met the hon. Member for Mid Buckinghamshire (Greg Smith) and the rabbi for south Buckinghamshire. She will know that the Jewish community protective security grant scheme, administered by the Community Security Trust, funds security measures such as CCTV, alarms and fencing, which require fixed sites to install and maintain.
Assessment & feedback
The Minister acknowledged engagement with local communities but did not confirm updates or extensions of support.
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Laura Kyrke-Smith Lab
Aylesbury
Context
The NPCC document raises concerns about potential differential treatment in policing based on race.
The “Police Anti-Racism Commitment”, a copy of which I have here, published in March 2025 by the National Police Chiefs' Council, asks police to reverse engineer the same arrest rates for different ethnic groups, even though offending rates are different. It expressly calls for different racial groups to be treated differently, saying that people should not treat “everyone 'the same'” or be “colour blind”. This is a formal policy requirement for two-tier policing. I have been raising this issue for over a year, and I have never had an answer, including from the Home Secretary last Tuesday. Let me try again: does she agree that this racist and dangerous policy document should be immediately withdrawn—yes or no?
The right hon. Gentleman knows full well that the NPCC, which is independent of Government, is rightly reviewing the wording of the “Police Anti-Racism Commitment” to ensure that there is no ambiguity or suggestion of differential treatment.
Assessment & feedback
The Home Secretary did not directly answer whether the document should be withdrawn but noted a review was underway.
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Chris Philp Con
Croydon South
Context
Concerns over the interpretation and implementation of the Government's Islamophobia definition in South Wales.
The Home Secretary still gives no clear answer. We have repeatedly raised serious concerns with the Government's Islamophobia definition. South Wales police has now instructed staff to record anything that goes beyond “legitimate discussion of Islam”, even if there is no crime. That could then be disclosed on someone's Disclosure and Barring Service check. Police officers in south Wales will now have to decide what is or is not legitimate discussion of Islam. No other religion is treated that way in south Wales. That is completely wrong. Parliament has rightly repealed blasphemy laws, and criticising religion is part of free speech, so does the Home Secretary agree that the guidance is wrong and should be scrapped immediately? Let's try a simple yes or no.
Given that the right hon. Gentleman represents a party and former Government that did not take any action on dealing with hate crime, anti-Muslim hatred, or other forms of hatred, I am not going to take any lessons from him.
Assessment & feedback
The Home Secretary criticised the opposition rather than addressing concerns about Islamophobia guidance.
Response accuracy
Q5 Direct Answer
Chris Philp Con
Croydon South
Context
Organised car crime has affected residents in Beckenham and Penge, with vehicles often stolen for quick export.
What powers and support have been given to the police to crack down on vehicle theft, and how is the Minister working with manufacturers to ensure that modern vehicles are harder to steal?
Around half of vehicle crime involves manipulation of signals from remote devices. Through the Crime and Policing Act 2026, we have criminalised the possession, importation, making, adapting and supplying of the electronic devices used to commit vehicle theft, which will make a real difference in my hon. Friend's constituency.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q6 Direct Answer
Max Wilkinson Lib Dem
Cheltenham
Context
The murder of Henry Nowak prompted a discussion on the need to maintain trust in British law enforcement.
Following the murder of Henry Nowak, would the Home Secretary urge Vice-President J. D. Vance and the US Department of Justice to respect British victims of crime by leaving policing to Britain?
I urge all commentators, would-be commentators and wannabes of every description to leave our criminal justice system to us. We have been going for a very long time, and we will carry on in that vein.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q7 Direct Answer
Sureena Brackenridge Lab
Wolverhampton North East
Context
Investment in police operations targeting predatory behaviour has been made to improve safety for women and girls.
Following the investment in policing Wolverhampton's night-time economy, what further action will the Government take to strengthen prevention measures?
We have provided £13.9 million to improve the policing response to violence against women and girls nationally, deploying plain-clothed officers in night-time settings and introducing new legislation.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q8 Direct Answer
Edward Morello Lib Dem
West Dorset
Context
Dorset police is among the worst-funded forces, facing higher operating costs due to rural geography and population increases during summer.
Will the Secretary of State reform the police funding formula to account for rurality, lower council tax growth, and seasonality?
We have already announced that we are reforming the police funding formula.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Rachael Maskell Lab Co-op
York Central
Context
Academics, professionals, and environmentalists have experienced dozens of arrests without charges being upheld.
Will the Minister meet me to discuss over-policing of constituents standing up for nature?
I would be very happy to have a meeting with you to talk about this issue.
Assessment & feedback
Specific actions or steps are not mentioned beyond the offer for a meeting.
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
John Lamont Con
Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Context
Many constituents want to see a binding cap on non-EU migration.
Will the Home Secretary introduce a binding cap set by Parliament to reduce immigration?
Under the previous Government, we saw 2.5 million people arrive in just four years; this Government have brought migration down by 82% since its peak and by 41% in the past year.
Assessment & feedback
Specific plan for a cap is not mentioned beyond reporting previous trends.
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Catherine Fookes Lab
Monmouthshire
Context
Surviving Economic Abuse estimates that around 750,000 women are trapped in joint mortgages due to financial abuse.
What steps will the Government take to stop joint mortgage abuse as part of their commitment to halve violence against women and girls?
The Government are exploring how we can make it harder for abusers to use joint financial products, including joint mortgages, as a tool of abuse.
Assessment & feedback
No concrete steps or legislation mentioned beyond exploration and discussion.
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Helen Maguire Lib Dem
Epsom and Ewell
Context
There has been a rise in the use of e-scooters, which are dangerous with some reaching speeds up to 17 mph.
Will the Minister outline whether more central guidance is forthcoming on the apprehension of individuals using e-scooters?
I am working closely with the Department for Transport on challenges with e-scooters, and making sure that we have more neighbourhood police in our communities is the core issue.
Assessment & feedback
Specific guidance or plan not mentioned beyond general statements about community policing.
Response accuracy
Q13 Direct Answer
Jess Phillips Lab
Birmingham Yardley
Context
The BBC headline reported on changes to stop children sending and receiving indecent images. The question is about whether these measures will prevent children from taking naked images of themselves.
I pay tribute to the Home Secretary for her work in announcing changes to stop children sending and receiving images. Can she confirm that this also stops them from ever taking such images, and can she assure me that robust legislation is being developed?
I thank my hon. Friend for her question. The changes include preventing the taking of such images. We will follow through on our commitment to legislate, and the Department is working at pace on both the content of the legislation and identifying an appropriate legislative vehicle in the second Session.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Gareth Bacon Con
Orpington
Context
In the last three years, the number of Metropolitan police officers has decreased by 3,000. Crime in London increased by 26%, and knife crime rose by 27%. The Home Secretary is key due to funding from the Home Office.
The number of Metropolitan police officers has fallen significantly under Sadiq Khan's leadership. What specific actions will the Home Secretary take to reverse this decline in policing resources?
The murder rate is at its lowest level ever recorded, and the police have more money and resources. We are putting officers on our streets to tackle crime. I remind the hon. Gentleman that his party's Government put officers behind desks.
Assessment & feedback
Actions to address decline in policing resources
Previous Government'S Actions
Response accuracy
Q15 Direct Answer
Nia Griffith Lab
Llanelli
Context
The Stradey Park hotel has entered receivership. Local residents are concerned about potential use of the premises for asylum seekers.
With news that the Stradey Park hotel has gone into receivership, what assurance can be given to constituents in Llanelli regarding plans for asylum seeker accommodation?
I assure my hon. Friend and colleagues that we are closing hotels, not opening them.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Jerome Mayhew Con
Broadland and Fakenham
Context
Organised shoplifting is occurring with impunity. Police have identified suspects in more than a third of cases, but sentencing laws may allow for suspended sentences under 12 months.
What steps will the Government take to address the issue where sentencing policies might not adequately punish offenders?
We are making progress. We introduced new powers in the Crime and Policing Act 2026, and we are launching a centre for AI soon. Our focus is on targeting prolific offenders more effectively.
Assessment & feedback
Specific steps to change sentencing policies
Progress Made Introducing New Powers
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Sonia Kumar Lab
Dudley
Context
Vandalism has damaged a central seating area, impacting local businesses. The Government is restoring neighbourhood policing and opening a new police station.
What further steps will the Minister take to tackle antisocial behavior and ensure business safety?
We are introducing respect orders for tackling low-level antisocial behavior. I am happy to visit my hon. Friend's area to understand the problems better.
Assessment & feedback
Specific steps planned beyond respect orders
Visiting Constituency
Response accuracy
Q18 Partial Answer
Neil Shastri-Hurst Con
Solihull West and Shirley
Context
Shopkeepers face abuse, threats, and loss from shoplifting. The Sentencing Act 2026 presumption may mean shorter sentences are suspended.
What steps will the Minister take to ensure streets are safer considering sentencing policies?
We have introduced a new offence of assaulting shop workers and are using every tool available. Unfortunately, the previous Government did not provide promised prison places.
Assessment & feedback
Specific steps to address deterrent effects
Introducing New Offenses Previous Government'S Failures
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
Janet Daby Lab
Lewisham East
Context
The faith liaison officer role was deleted, impacting prevention of extremism and community cohesion.
Will the Minister reconsider the deletion of the faith liaison officer post to prevent extremism and promote community cohesion?
The decision is for the Met. However, I hear my hon. Friend's point regarding tensions faced recently and agree policing has a role in building relationships with faith communities.
Assessment & feedback
Restoring the post specifically
Met'S Resource Allocation
Response accuracy
Q20 Partial Answer
Pete Wishart SNP
Perth and Kinross-shire
Context
Far-right activists protest against asylum seekers placed in hotels, causing tension in the community.
What will the Home Secretary do about far-right activists who continue to protest despite community bans?
We condemn such behaviour and aim to shut hotels. We work with local police to support areas, using all available tools.
Assessment & feedback
Buffer zone implementation
Condemning Behavior Supporting Local Areas
Response accuracy
Q21 Direct Answer
Tom Hayes Lab
Bournemouth East
Context
Bournemouth has three asylum hotels, putting significant pressure on public services and community tensions.
We are a patient people and a compassionate community in Bournemouth, but there is a feeling in town that, with our three asylum hotels, we are being asked to do more than our fair share. Will the Minister please set out for my constituents that Bournemouth is uppermost in his mind as he closes hotels and that Bournemouth's asylum hotels are being prioritised for closure?
My hon. Friend raises that issue with me very frequently indeed, and for good reason. I totally accept his characterisation. The people of Bournemouth have three such hotels, which is an extraordinary pressure not just on public services but on community tensions. I do not want those hotels open a minute longer than they have to be, so Bournemouth is absolutely uppermost in our minds.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q22 Partial Answer
Suella Braverman Con
Fareham and Waterlooville
Context
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service's race and faith network wrote to firefighters targeting those who might be representing Reform UK at local elections, which could be seen as an attempt at intimidation.
Earlier this year, the race and faith network at Greater Manchester fire and rescue service wrote to its firefighters targeting anyone who might be representing Reform UK at the local elections in what can only be described as an attempt at intimidation. Firefighters can legitimately stand in local elections. Does the Minister agree that such politicisation and institutional bullying is wholly unacceptable? What will the defending democracy taskforce do to investigate that and stop it happening again?
I listened carefully to what the right hon. and learned Lady said and will give it due consideration as chair of the defending democracy taskforce.
Assessment & feedback
Investigation and specific actions not addressed
Response accuracy
Q23 Direct Answer
Euan Stainbank Lab
Falkirk
Context
The Government have reduced the asylum backlog, closed hotels opened by Tory Ministers and want further progress this year.
The Government have cut the asylum backlog, reduced the number of people arriving illegally and shut more than half the hotels opened by Tory Ministers. Places in Scotland like Falkirk, Perth and Dundee must see further progress this year. When will we see the next phase of the hotel exit plan? How will Ministers ensure that it is equitable across the nations and regions of the United Kingdom?
I am conscious of this issue, and think also of the Cladhan hotel in Falkirk and the impact on the local community, because my hon. Friend is rightly very dogged in raising this with me. I want to see that hotel closed. We are, of course, in the slightly better weather of the year, which puts pressure on services. Nevertheless, we want the hotels closed. We have made a commitment to do that within this Parliament, but I say to colleagues that they will not be open a minute longer than they have to be.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q24 Partial Answer
Lisa Smart Lib Dem
Hazel Grove
Context
Stephen Yaxley-Lennon has thanked donors for funding recent Unite the Kingdom marches, which required a significant police presence.
Stephen Yaxley-Lennon has publicly thanked the donors who funded the recent Unite the Kingdom marches, which needed a significant police presence. We have heard mention several times this afternoon of equality before the law, so does the Home Secretary agree that the laws regarding the reporting of donations, both from the UK and from overseas, apply to members of all political parties equally?
Transparency underscores democracy, and we need to make sure we have that. Of course, we will talk to our colleagues at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government who run elections to make sure we are doing everything we should be doing.
Assessment & feedback
Specific measures not provided
Response accuracy
Q25 Partial Answer
Perran Moon Lab
Camborne and Redruth
Context
The horticultural sector in Cornwall is worth about £100 million a year but relies on the seasonal worker scheme which announces numbers annually at the end of the year.
The horticultural sector in Cornwall is worth about £100 million a year, but it is reliant on the seasonal worker scheme. The scheme numbers are announced annually at the end of the year, but the daffodil season in Cornwall begins in January. Will Ministers meet me to discuss an earlier announcement and a two-year rolling scheme?
It is important that we continue our strategy to bring net migration down while also maintaining agricultural industries. I have met a number of people across the sector and of course I am happy to meet my hon. Friend after questions.
Assessment & feedback
Specific actions not addressed
Response accuracy
Q26 Direct Answer
Roger Gale Con
Herne Bay and Sandwich
Context
Mohamed Fayed has been involved in abusive activities, and the Metropolitan Police is conducting an inquiry.
Further to the answer given to the hon. Member for Lichfield (Dave Robertson) earlier, Mohamed Fayed is beyond the reach of terrestrial justice, but many of the ladies he abused are still waiting for justice. The Metropolitan police has been conducting an inquiry into the activities of those who aided and abetted Fayed for many months. Will the Home Office ask the Met to expedite the inquiry so that those ladies can at last have justice?
I can absolutely confirm how close this issue is to my heart. Within the boundaries of operational independence, the Home Office is regularly engaging, and rightly so, with the Metropolitan police. Those women absolutely deserve justice, and I will do everything within my power to make sure that they get it.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q27 Partial Answer
Al Pinkerton Lib Dem
Surrey Heath
Context
A constituent, Richard, has faced a 10-month delay in getting a DBS check which is impacting his ability to work and potentially defaulting on mortgage payments.
My constituent, Richard, has been unable to work for four months because of Disclosure and Barring Service delays. Things are getting desperate at home, and he faces the prospect of defaulting on his mortgage this month. There has been a 10-month delay from the point of application to now. Will one of the Front-Bench team look at his case in particular, to help him out, but also try to take a hand of the DBS more generally?
I am certainly happy to look at that particular case. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman could write to me and I will look into it.
Assessment & feedback
General commitment without specifics
Response accuracy
Q28 Partial Answer
Greg Smith Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Context
There has been disappointment over the Government's announcement to water down provisions of the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023, and secondary legislation is yet to be tabled.
As if the Government's announcement on watering down the provisions of the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023 were not disappointing enough, the secondary legislation to enact what is left of it still has not been tabled. Where is it?
It is a shame: the hon. Gentleman is much nicer when we meet personally than he is in the Chamber. He knows that we are working on that, and he knows that we will do it as soon as we can, but I am happy to have another conversation with him.
Assessment & feedback
Secondary legislation status not addressed
Personal Insult
Response accuracy