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Police Presence on High Streets
05 June 2025
Lead MP
Paulette Hamilton
Birmingham Erdington
Lab
Responding Minister
Dame Diana Johnson
Tags
Policing & ResourcesCrime & Law EnforcementEmployment
Word Count: 14289
Other Contributors: 21
At a Glance
Paulette Hamilton raised concerns about police presence on high streets in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The speaker calls for funding to ensure every high street has a named and contactable police officer, real partnerships between policing and communities, and additional officers on the frontline to address crime issues.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The constituency of Birmingham Erdington routinely suffers from one of the highest crime rates in Birmingham, with antisocial behaviour, drug dealing and violent crime costing the local economy an estimated £7 million annually. The community has been neglected, leading to fear among residents and shopkeepers.
Angela Rayner
Lab
Ashton-under-Lyne
Called for better funding for community policing and more resources to help local communities feel safe.
Anna Dixon
Lab
Shipley
Commended the Labour Government's commitment to increase neighbourhood policing, which will allow more patrols on streets in Shipley and other areas.
Ben Obese-Jecty
Con
Huntingdon
The allocation formula for police funding is unfair, with Cambridgeshire receiving only 30 new warranted officers over the remaining four years of Parliament. The Metropolitan Police announced cuts including a reduction in the MO7 taskforce that tackles moped and e-bike robbers. Discusses police funding, advocating for an extension of the south-east allowance to Cambridgeshire police as part of a tri-force initiative.
Daniel Francis
Lab
Bexleyheath and Crayford
He welcomed the Government’s commitment to restore neighbourhood policing, emphasizing its impact in reducing crime when Labour was in power. He detailed successes such as live facial recognition arrests and closure orders for illegal shops. Noted that cuts from the previous Government resulted in his local authority making all CCTV staff redundant, impacting their ability to assist police in fighting crime.
Danny Beales
Lab
Uxbridge and South Ruislip
He highlighted the reduction in police visibility on high streets due to cuts, leading to increased antisocial behaviour. He welcomed steps taken by the Government but called for further action including tougher penalties for theft and shoplifting.
Jas Athwal
Lab
Ilford South
Stressed the importance of police presence being more than just uniformed officers, emphasising trust between communities and the force. Highlighted innovative enforcement and engagement hubs implemented in Redbridge as alternatives to traditional stations. Welcomes government steps to restore police presence but calls for more than just money, requiring bold reform and increased funding.
Jessica Toale
Lab
Bournemouth West
Discussed the importance of visible local policing and highlighted significant cuts over the past decade, mentioning a 21% drop in violent crime due to hotspot policing. Asked for assurance on proper training and deployment of new recruits to maximise visibility in high streets and community hubs.
Josh Newbury
Lab
Cannock Chase
Highlights the rise of antisocial behaviour, theft, and shoplifting in Cannock Chase, noting a 60% increase in shoplifting over two years. Criticises the low police response rate to retail worker assaults and welcomes new measures in the Crime and Policing Bill.
Kris Hopkins
Con
Keighley
Emphasised the importance of police officers on the high street to deter crime and give people confidence.
Matt Vickers
Con
Stockton West
Welcomed the news that Neil Coyle's brother joined the police force in Durham, acknowledging challenges faced by high streets due to crime and antisocial behaviour. Criticised Stockton’s Labour council for poor management and misuse of funds.
David Davis
Con
Haltemprice and Howden
Questioned how many more police officers will be in place by the end of the year compared to March 2024. Raised concerns about funding shortfalls affecting policing ambitions.
Neil Coyle
Lab
Bermondsey and Old Southwark
Welcomed the use of live facial recognition technology to apprehend criminals, similar to its application by the Metropolitan Police. Asked the hon. Member about whether the Lib Dem position has changed since they introduced police and crime commissioners, highlighting cuts in officers as unnecessary.
Olly Glover
LD
Kingston upon Hull North
Pays tribute to the hon. Member for Birmingham Erdington for her work on tackling crime in her constituency and discusses issues of antisocial behaviour and funding in his own Oxfordshire constituency. Discussed retail crime concerns, citing a 18% increase in shoplifting offences recorded by police forces in the year ending 2024. Emphasised the need for prevention and early intervention.
Paul Kohler
LD
Wimbledon
Called attention to cuts in police funding leading to fewer neighbourhood officers, impacting community security. Highlighted the importance of visible policing on high streets and proposed practical steps for restoring safety.
Walthamstow
Thanked the Chair for presiding and all Members for participating. Highlighted that high streets are crucial to communities and constituents want them safe.
Rachel Hopkins
Lab
Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Stressed that during 14 years of Conservative austerity, there were significant cuts to police service and neighbourhood policing leading to an increase in crime and antisocial behaviour on high streets.
Robin Swann
UUP
South Antrim
Asked whether funding shortfalls have led to a shortage of neighbourhood police officers in Northern Ireland.
Discussed retail crime incidents, including a brick thrown through a window in Kettering. Emphasised the need for safer high streets with less intimidation of workers and businesses.
Welwyn Hatfield
Questions the impact of making shoplifting a criminal offence, suggesting it could lead to increased case loads and delays in court proceedings.
Wolverhampton North East
Championed her local shops and highlighted the alarming rise in shoplifting, emphasising the need for sustained investment to rebuild what was lost under previous cuts. Announced plans for dedicated neighbourhood officers per ward with an additional role for Wednesfield high street.
Tulip Siddiq
Lab
Hampstead and Highgate
Describes increased violence on Kilburn High Road in her constituency, highlighting six recent stabbings that have shaken the community.
Government Response
Dame Diana Johnson
The Minister for Policing and Crime Prevention
Government Response
Commended initiatives like Operation Fearless in Birmingham and acknowledged the need for more action to build on such operations around the country. Highlighted the previous Government's erosion of neighbourhood policing and its impact on antisocial behaviour and crime. Discussed rebuilding neighbourhood policing as part of safer streets mission, aiming to halve violence against women and girls and knife crime in a decade. Announced £200 million funding for forces to kick-start year one of programme, supporting an increase to the neighbourhood policing workforce towards achieving 13,000 additional officers by 2025-26. Emphasized commitment to reversing decline in visible policing through clear objectives set out with chief constables and police and crime commissioners. Mentioned additional funding for training and tackling shop theft.
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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.