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Antisocial Behaviour: Dudley
29 April 2025
Lead MP
Sonia Kumar
Dudley
Lab
Responding Minister
Jess Phillips
Tags
Crime & Law Enforcement
Word Count: 4101
Other Contributors: 4
At a Glance
Sonia Kumar raised concerns about antisocial behaviour: dudley in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The speaker calls for better prevention methods, high-visibility patrols in hotspots, collaboration with businesses and residents to identify persistent offenders, and support for community assets like sports and youth centres. She also welcomes the government’s £200 million investment for neighbourhood policing as part of a wider £1 billion boost.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Residents of Dudley are increasingly concerned about issues such as vandalism, intimidation, dangerous driving, and drug dealing. The cost to businesses and individuals due to heightened fear of crime is estimated at over £70 billion a year. Additionally, there has been a 76% increase in local crime and a significant reduction in police numbers.
Alex Ballinger
Lab
Halesowen
Stressed the importance of local engagement and highlighted an incident where his office involvement was necessary to address antisocial behaviour. He supports Sonia Kumar's call for more neighbourhood police officers.
Cat Eccles
Lab
Stourbridge
The MP agreed with Sonia Kumar on the need for resources and collaboration between councils, police, and stakeholders to tackle antisocial environmental crime such as fly-tipping.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Agreed with Sonia Kumar on the importance of community engagement, especially through youth groups and church organisations to improve social cohesion and reduce antisocial behaviour.
Responded to concerns about antisocial behaviour and drug misuse, highlighting actions such as restoring neighbourhood policing and introducing respect orders. Emphasised tackling illegal drugs and strengthening enforcement with support from treatment services.
Government Response
Jess Phillips
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department
Government Response
The Minister thanked Sonia Kumar for securing the debate and acknowledged the widespread issue of antisocial behaviour in Dudley and across the country, causing distress among residents. She mentioned support for the Crime and Policing Bill and its efforts to tackle antisocial behaviour. Addressed issues of antisocial behaviour, drug misuse, and hotspot policing funding. Mentioned plans to expand drugs testing under the Crime and Policing Bill, committing to evidence-based treatment services and prevention efforts. Discussed youth work initiatives and interventions through Young Futures programme.
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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.