← Back to Westminster Hall Debates

Fraud Strategy 2026-29

07 July 2026

Lead MP

Adam Dance

Responding Minister

Angela Eagle

Tags

Crime & Law EnforcementNHSEconomyScience & TechnologyBusiness & TradeAgriculture & Rural AffairsMental Health
Word Count: 3888
Other Contributors: 3

At a Glance

Adam Dance raised concerns about fraud strategy 2026-29 in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key Requests to Government:

The lead MP called for a meeting with the minister to discuss issues raised during the debate and asked if cases previously closed by Action Fraud could be reopened using new systems. He also questioned whether £250 million was sufficient funding for combating fraud and urged the Minister to commit to pushing Ofcom to prioritise enforcement against fraudulent social media advertising.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Lead Contributor

Opened the debate
Fraud has escalated significantly, costing the UK economy over £1 billion annually. Adam Dance highlighted several incidents of fraud affecting his constituents: a small business scammed out of £3,000; an elderly mother defrauded by an estranged relative resulting in bailiff visits; and another constituent tricked into investing hundreds of thousands of pounds. The Member noted the rise to £1.2 billion in consumer losses in 2025, the highest in four years.

Government Response

Angela Eagle
Government Response
It is a great pleasure to be in this Chamber with you in the Chair, Mrs Harris. I congratulate the hon. Member for Yeovil (Adam Dance) on securing the debate and thank him for outlining the difficulties constituents face due to advanced technology enabling frauds and scams from abroad. The Minister expresses empathy towards victims like Christopher and Jason who have suffered romance and financial fraud respectively. She notes that many victims feel embarrassed and do not know where to seek redress, highlighting how outdated current systems are in addressing modern fraud issues. Angela Eagle acknowledges the high volume and harm caused by fraud, which affects law-abiding individuals, businesses, mental health, the economy, resilience, and confidence in the rule of law. The Government's response includes a new £250 million strategy published in March 2026 that aims to disrupt criminals, safeguard people and businesses, respond strongly, protect victims, and enforce the law. The Minister introduces an online crime centre with over £30 million investment for collaboration among government agencies, law enforcement, GCHQ, and industry. She highlights victim support through expanded "Stop! Think Fraud" campaigns to increase public awareness and resilience against sophisticated fraud tactics. The Minister also discusses the importance of identifying technological enablers of fraud and addressing international elements with a focus on co-operation via initiatives like the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and Interpol global fraud summit. The Government's strategy involves working closely with banks, telecoms companies, and big tech firms to combat fraud. The Minister commits to using data from Report Fraud to identify emerging trends and deliver targeted interventions. She also emphasizes the role of law enforcement in reducing fraud through coordinated prevention messaging and practical advice.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy

About Westminster Hall Debates

Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.