Home Office

Our priority is to maintain a secure border. We will not compromise on this. Border Force performs checks on all passengers arriving at the UK border on scheduled services to identify individuals who pose, or are suspected to pose, a risk to the national interest.

Border Force checks all passengers arriving at the UK border on scheduled services to identify individuals who pose, or are suspected to pose, a risk to the national interest.

The UK-France Treaty is an innovative pilot designed to deter illegal migration across the Channel. Litigation related to this pilot was anticipated and we are concentrating resources on robustly defending this so that removals can continue as planned. As of 7 November, 94 individuals have been returned to France through this agreement.

The Home Office maintains records on legal challenges. Operational details on the pilot are sensitive, and we will not be disclosing such information as it could inadvertently assist the organised immigration crime gangs that are behind small boats crossings.

The UK-France Treaty is an innovative pilot designed to deter illegal migration across the Channel. Litigation related to this pilot was anticipated and we are concentrating resources on robustly defending this so that removals can continue as planned. As of 7 November, 94 individuals have been returned to France through this agreement.

The Home Office maintains records on legal challenges. Operational details on the pilot are sensitive, and we will not be disclosing such information as it could inadvertently assist the organised immigration crime gangs that are behind small boats crossings.

The UK-France Treaty is an innovative pilot designed to deter illegal migration across the Channel. Litigation related to this pilot was anticipated and we are concentrating resources on robustly defending this so that removals can continue as planned. As of 7 November, 94 individuals have been returned to France through this agreement.

The Home Office maintains records on legal challenges. Operational details on the pilot are sensitive, and we will not be disclosing such information as it could inadvertently assist the organised immigration crime gangs that are behind small boats crossings.

The UK-France Treaty is an innovative pilot designed to deter illegal migration across the Channel. Litigation related to this pilot was anticipated and we are concentrating resources on robustly defending this so that removals can continue as planned. As of 7 November, 94 individuals have been returned to France through this agreement.

The Home Office maintains records on legal challenges. Operational details on the pilot are sensitive, and we will not be disclosing such information as it could inadvertently assist the organised immigration crime gangs that are behind small boats crossings.

We are working towards a more fair and equitable spread of asylum accommodation across the UK, working in partnership with Local Government through our Place Based engagement structures and asylum accommodation plans.

Under those plans and through that engagement structure, we consider a range of local factors including the housing market. Additionally, accommodation sourced through the Asylum Accommodation and Support Contracts has set requirements for providers to consult with local authorities before procuring each individual property. This consultation process allows local authorities to raise concerns about potential impacts of accommodation.

The latest published Immigration Statistics detail the number of supported asylum seekers accommodated by local authority area, not constituency. These statistics can be found in the Immigration system statistics data tables - GOV.UK(opens in a new tab).

We are working towards a more fair and equitable spread of asylum accommodation across the UK, working in partnership with Local Government through our Place Based engagement structures and asylum accommodation plans.

Under those plans and through that engagement structure, we consider a range of local factors including the housing market. Additionally, accommodation sourced through the Asylum Accommodation and Support Contracts has set requirements for providers to consult with local authorities before procuring each individual property. This consultation process allows local authorities to raise concerns about potential impacts of accommodation.

The latest published Immigration Statistics detail the number of supported asylum seekers accommodated by local authority area, not constituency. These statistics can be found in the Immigration system statistics data tables - GOV.UK(opens in a new tab).

The government continue to engage the European Commission and member states, and have been working particularly closely with France, to understand their plans for the progressive rollout of EES and to ask for flexible and pragmatic implementation to minimise delays for passengers and freight.

We are also supporting ports and carriers to make sure they have the right technology and processes in place to make EES registration as smooth as possible.

The government have been assured by Kent and Medway Resilience Forum that comprehensive traffic management plans are in place to monitor and respond to any disruption caused by EES registrations at the juxtaposed ports in Kent.

The Home Office cannot comment on the specifics of French activity, but the Sandhurst agreement and related finances are referred to in this Press release from the beginning of the year - New UK-French action to go after smuggler gangs - GOV.UK

We continue close cooperation with France to strengthen border security and disrupt criminal gangs.

The Home Office strengthened cooperation with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency through the agreement of the UK-Frontex Working Arrangement in 2024. It would not be appropriate to disclose specific operational details of this framework as this could prejudice operational effectiveness. More information on the UK-Frontex Working Arrangement can found here.

The issuing of firearms certificates, resourcing of firearms licensing teams and the efficiency of police forces is a matter for individual Chief Officers of Police and Police and Crime Commissioners. In the interests of consistency and transparency, the National Policing Chiefs Council Lead for Firearms Licensing has published performance data for firearms licensing teams in all forces. This includes performance against a target for forces to complete applications for the grant or renewal of firearm and shotgun certificates within four months, unless there are concerns about the suitability of the applicant.

Working with the National Policing Chiefs Council Lead for Firearms Licensing, we continue to review the licensing performance of all forces and we will continue to engage with individual Chief Officers and Police and Crime Commissioners where there are specific concerns about any forces’ performance.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), law enforcement and industry offer a comprehensive package of cyber protection measures designed to strengthen national resilience against online threats.

One of those measures is the NCSC Early Warning Service, which is a free, easy-to-use alert system that notifies UK organisations of potential cyber threats affecting their networks. By signing up, businesses receive timely alerts that can help detect and respond to threats before they escalate, improving visibility and resilience across their digital infrastructure. Businesses can register via the MyNCSC portal: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/active-cyber-defence/early-warning

The regional network of Cyber Resilience Centres (CRCs) in England and Wales, funded by the Home Office, offer the full package of measures to small and medium-sized enterprises, that often lack in-house expertise or awareness of cyber threats and risks.

CRCs bridge that gap by providing trusted guidance aligned with NCSC standards, offering tailored, bitesize advice and long-term support. CRCs also help organisations achieve Cyber Essentials certification – the UK Government-backed scheme setting five baseline controls proven to reduce cyber risk. Certification signals a commitment to security, strengthens supply chain assurance, and is recommended by NCSC as the minimum standard for all organisations.

The Early Warning Service is a key tool offered as part of this package of measures, with sign-up promoted to businesses in Fylde by the Cyber Resilience Centre for the North-West. We would advise all businesses in Fylde to join this local CRC, which can provide advice and tailored services appropriate to the individual needs of each business.

The Home Office does not hold this information requested.

The National Crime Agency is the competent authority for all extradition requests between the UK and EU Member States and, as such, is the holder of all verified data concerning UK-EU extradition cooperation.

The Government has tabled an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill which will allow senior officers to take account of the cumulative impact of protest activity when considering whether to impose conditions under sections 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act 1986.

This provision will help protect communities from repeated disruption caused by protests, while protecting the right to peaceful protest.

We have launched the Border Security Command (BSC) whose work is imperative not only to stop criminals from entering the UK via small boats in the first place but to stop anyone from making these dangerous journeys. This is why the BSC is working with partners internationally to tackle and disrupt organised immigration crime gangs.

All individuals arriving in the UK via small boats undergo a comprehensive screening process. This is designed to gather key information about each person, including any indicators of criminality.

As part of this process, the Home Office collects biometric data—such as facial images and fingerprints—to verify identity. These biometrics are checked against Home Office systems and other law enforcement databases, including Interpol’s wanted list. This enables us to identify individuals, assess whether they pose a risk to public safety, and determine any breaches of immigration law. These checks are essential to maintaining a secure, fair, and effective immigration system.

In line with the Refugee Convention, refugee status will be denied to those who have committed serious crimes, pose a danger to the community, or present a threat to national security.

For further details on security checks during the asylum screening process, please refer to: Screening and routing

This process also ensures that individuals who should not be granted bail are identified promptly.

I am unable to comment specifically on discussions with the Security Service given that, for reasons for national security, it has been a long-standing position that the Government does not comment on intelligence matters.

The Home Secretary has been clear about the priorities that she wants police forces across the country to focus on, and that a consistent and common-sense approach must be taken in relation to non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs).

That is why the National Police Chiefs’ Council and College of Policing are currently conducting a review of NCHIs, which we have asked to be expedited. We must allow that process to conclude to give both police and citizens the clarity they need. We look forward to receiving the review’s recommendations shortly.

We will update Parliament on the findings, and any changes that may be required to the statutory Code of Practice on NCHIs introduced by the previous Government in 2023.

The Home Office does not centrally hold or collate information on the number of non-crime hate incidents recorded by police forces, nor on the costs of recording these incidents. The data collected from the police balances policy needs and the burden on forces.

NCHIs are not criminal offences and therefore cannot result in arrest, charge or prosecution.

The Home Secretary has been clear about the priorities that she wants police forces across the country to focus on, and that a consistent and common-sense approach must be taken in relation to non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs).

That is why the National Police Chiefs’ Council and College of Policing are currently conducting a review of NCHIs, which we have asked to be expedited. We must allow that process to conclude to give both police and citizens the clarity they need. We look forward to receiving the review’s recommendations shortly.

We will update Parliament on the findings, and any changes that may be required to the statutory Code of Practice on NCHIs introduced by the previous Government in 2023.

The Home Office does not centrally hold or collate information on the number of non-crime hate incidents recorded by police forces, nor on the costs of recording these incidents. The data collected from the police balances policy needs and the burden on forces.

NCHIs are not criminal offences and therefore cannot result in arrest, charge or prosecution.

The Home Secretary has been clear about the priorities that she wants police forces across the country to focus on, and that a consistent and common-sense approach must be taken in relation to non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs).

That is why the National Police Chiefs’ Council and College of Policing are currently conducting a review of NCHIs, which we have asked to be expedited. We must allow that process to conclude to give both police and citizens the clarity they need. We look forward to receiving the review’s recommendations shortly.

We will update Parliament on the findings, and any changes that may be required to the statutory Code of Practice on NCHIs introduced by the previous Government in 2023.

The Home Office does not centrally hold or collate information on the number of non-crime hate incidents recorded by police forces, nor on the costs of recording these incidents. The data collected from the police balances policy needs and the burden on forces.

NCHIs are not criminal offences and therefore cannot result in arrest, charge or prosecution.

The Home Secretary has been clear about the priorities that she wants police forces across the country to focus on, and that a consistent and common-sense approach must be taken in relation to non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs).

That is why the National Police Chiefs’ Council and College of Policing are currently conducting a review of NCHIs, which we have asked to be expedited. We must allow that process to conclude to give both police and citizens the clarity they need. We look forward to receiving the review’s recommendations shortly.

We will update Parliament on the findings, and any changes that may be required to the statutory Code of Practice on NCHIs introduced by the previous Government in 2023.

The Home Office does not centrally hold or collate information on the number of non-crime hate incidents recorded by police forces, nor on the costs of recording these incidents. The data collected from the police balances policy needs and the burden on forces.

NCHIs are not criminal offences and therefore cannot result in arrest, charge or prosecution.

The Home Secretary has been clear about the priorities that she wants police forces across the country to focus on, and that a consistent and common-sense approach must be taken in relation to non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs).

That is why the National Police Chiefs’ Council and College of Policing are currently conducting a review of NCHIs, which we have asked to be expedited. We must allow that process to conclude to give both police and citizens the clarity they need. We look forward to receiving the review’s recommendations shortly.

We will update Parliament on the findings, and any changes that may be required to the statutory Code of Practice on NCHIs introduced by the previous Government in 2023.

The Home Office does not centrally hold or collate information on the number of non-crime hate incidents recorded by police forces, nor on the costs of recording these incidents. The data collected from the police balances policy needs and the burden on forces.

NCHIs are not criminal offences and therefore cannot result in arrest, charge or prosecution.

The Home Secretary has been clear about the priorities that she wants police forces across the country to focus on, and that a consistent and common-sense approach must be taken in relation to non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs).

That is why the National Police Chiefs’ Council and College of Policing are currently conducting a review of NCHIs, which we have asked to be expedited. We must allow that process to conclude to give both police and citizens the clarity they need. We look forward to receiving the review’s recommendations shortly.

We will update Parliament on the findings, and any changes that may be required to the statutory Code of Practice on NCHIs introduced by the previous Government in 2023.

The Home Office does not centrally hold or collate information on the number of non-crime hate incidents recorded by police forces, nor on the costs of recording these incidents. The data collected from the police balances policy needs and the burden on forces.

NCHIs are not criminal offences and therefore cannot result in arrest, charge or prosecution.

Tackling anti-social behaviour is a top priority for the Government, and a key part of our Safer Streets Mission. We are giving police the powers they need to tackle anti-social driving in both rural and urban areas so that they will be able to more easily seize these vehicles from offenders and dispose of them.

The Crime and Policing Bill, which is currently making its way through Parliament, will enhance police powers to seize nuisance vehicles which are used in an anti-social manner by removing the requirement to first give a warning to the offender and allow police to put an immediate stop to offending.

The Government has also recently consulted on proposals to allow the police to more quickly dispose of seized vehicles which have been used anti-socially. The consultation closed on 8 July and the Government response will be published in due course.

Combined, these proposals will help tackle the scourge of vehicles ridden anti-socially by sending a clear message to would-be offenders and local communities that this behaviour will not be tolerated.

Tackling anti-social behaviour is a top priority for the Government, and a key part of our Safer Streets Mission. We are giving police the powers they need to tackle anti-social driving in both rural and urban areas so that they will be able to more easily seize these vehicles from offenders and dispose of them.

The Crime and Policing Bill, which is currently making its way through Parliament, will enhance police powers to seize nuisance vehicles which are used in an anti-social manner by removing the requirement to first give a warning to the offender and allow police to put an immediate stop to offending.

The Government has also recently consulted on proposals to allow the police to more quickly dispose of seized vehicles which have been used anti-socially. The consultation closed on 8 July and the Government response will be published in due course.

Combined, these proposals will help tackle the scourge of vehicles ridden anti-socially by sending a clear message to would-be offenders and local communities that this behaviour will not be tolerated.

The Home Office does not routinely collect information on these areas of police costs.

However, we are exploring ways for the police to improve cost recovery for managing private events, including football matches, and are working with stakeholders to understand the costs involved.

The Home Office does not routinely collect information on these areas of police costs.

However, we are exploring ways for the police to improve cost recovery for managing private events, including football matches, and are working with stakeholders to understand the costs involved.

The Home Office established the Public Safety Group Commissioning Board as part of a broader reform programme to strengthen governance and accountability for major technology initiatives and investments. The Board and its sub groups include representatives from the policing sector to provide strategic oversight, ensure value for money, and manage risk across the complex national policing technology portfolio.

The purpose of the Commissioning Board is to drive improvements in public safety and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of policing and law enforcement through digital transformation. A key component of this portfolio is the Police National Database, which is regularly discussed given its critical role.

The Home Office does not prescribe requirements on police forces in relation to buying British vehicles.

It is a matter for each Force to assess and procure products and services that are proportionate to local needs to ensure effective policing for their area, and within their existing budget.

Decisions on the location of officers and staff in the Metropolitan Police Service are an operational matter for the Commissioner. This includes resources that support existing national units.

Any future proposals on structural reform to policing in England and Wales will be set out in the upcoming white paper on police reform.

Any decisions relating to staffing in the NHS is a matter for the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England.

The Right Care Right Person approach is an approach designed to end inappropriate and avoidable police involvement in cases where people have health and/or social care needs and help ensure that people receive support from the right person, with the right skills, training, and experience to best meet their needs.

The National Partnership Agreement (NPA), signed in July 2023 by Government, NHS England and national policing bodies, sets out the principles of Right Care Right Person and how they can jointly deliver the best care to communities. The NPA sets out that local areas should work towards handovers of care between the police and mental health services taking place within one hour as specified in local plans. This one hour handover will reduce the amount of time spent by police officers with mental health patients in hospital.

For 2025/26, we are providing a total of up to £376.8 million specifically to support officer headcount levels as set out in the Police Funding Settlement. This includes £270.1m which is administered through a ringfenced grant. Police and Crime Commissioners will be able to access this ringfenced funding by demonstrating that they have met their officer headcount targets.

In addition, we have made £200 million available in FY 2025/26 to support the first steps towards delivering 13,000 more neighbourhood policing personnel across England and Wales by the end of this parliament, including up to 3,000 additional neighbourhood officers by the end of March 2026.

On 13 August 2025, the College of Policing published interim guidance for police forces on the disclosure of suspects’ ethnicity and nationality in serious cases. This interim guidance is included in the College’s public consultation of the Media and Communications Authorised Professional Practice (APP), formerly the Media Relations APP which launched on 5 November 2025. The public are invited to share their views on the guidance as part of this consultation, which will conclude in January next year.

Guidance on police communications for officers is provided by the College of Policing, which operates independently of government. Forces are responsible for implementing this guidance, and officers are expected to exercise professional judgement in line with the law and operational priorities.

Ministers regularly meet with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and College of Policing as part of their responsibilities to maintain oversight and discuss policing priorities.

Following the feedback we have received from police stakeholders, clauses 107 to 109 of the Crime and Policing Bill introduces two new offences aimed at protecting emergency workers with from abuse in a private welling. This will include racially or religiously aggravated abuse towards an emergency worker.

This measure seeks to ensure the full protection of the law follows emergency workers wherever their duties take them, including behind closed doors.

The Home Office does not hold any data on the number or proportion of police officers in England and Wales that were authorised to carry Conducted Energy Devices or PAVA. However, to ensure transparency and accountability around police use of force, Home Office publishes annual statistics on police use of force.

The published data includes official statistics in development on the number of use of force reports that recorded that a Conducted Energy Device (Taser) was readily available for use during the incident. It is important to note that this data will only account for where a Taser was carried by an officer during a use of force incident and will not account for all instances in which police were deployed with Taser. The latest available data can be accessed at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/police-use-of-force-statistics

This publication also includes information on the number of times a Taser was recorded as a tactic (both discharge and non-discharge uses). Data are available by calendar year for 2015 and 2016 and by financial year from the year ending 31 March 2018. The latest available data can be accessed at the link above.

Decisions around the number of Taser trained officers within a police force are operational decisions for Chief Officers to determine in line with their assessment of threat and risk.

The Home Office collects information on the number of offences and their investigative outcomes recorded under a broad category of ‘possessing or distributing prohibited weapons designed for discharge of noxious substances etc.’. However, it is not possible to separate identify possession offences and the type of substance related to these offences.

Table: the number of offences, charge/summons and cautions for the offence ‘Possessing Or Distributing Prohibited Weapons Designed For Discharge Of Noxious Liquid’, 2015/16 to the year ending June 2025, England and Wales (excluding Humberside police).

Note – figures are for England and Wales, excluding Humberside police who were unable to provide figures to the Home Office Data Hub for this period.

The government is clear police use of force must be reasonable, proportionate and necessary in all circumstances.

The College of Policing is the body responsible for setting out the guidance and training for the police. Guidance on the use of force is set out in Authorised Professional Practice which can be found here APP (authorised professional practice) | College of Policing. Given the operational nature of use of force, the College of Policing is best placed to set these standards.

Before officers can be authorised to use force, they must pass comprehensive training in Public and Personal Safety each year. This training reinforces the importance and legitimacy of use of force at every level.

The government publishes annual statistics on police use of force. The latest publication can be found here - https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/police-use-of-force-statistics. These statistics have been developed in coordination with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and other stakeholders to ensure there is transparency and accountability around the police use of force,

The Home Office does not hold any data on the number of police use of force reports that involved individuals recorded as property owners, occupiers or complainants.

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The government is clear police use of force must be reasonable, proportionate and necessary in all circumstances.

The College of Policing is the body responsible for setting out the guidance and training for the police. Guidance on the use of force is set out in Authorised Professional Practice which can be found here APP (authorised professional practice) | College of Policing. Given the operational nature of use of force, the College of Policing is best placed to set these standards.

Before officers can be authorised to use force, they must pass comprehensive training in Public and Personal Safety each year. This training reinforces the importance and legitimacy of use of force at every level.

The government publishes annual statistics on police use of force. The latest publication can be found here - https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/police-use-of-force-statistics. These statistics have been developed in coordination with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and other stakeholders to ensure there is transparency and accountability around the police use of force,

The Home Office does not hold any data on the number of police use of force reports that involved individuals recorded as property owners, occupiers or complainants.

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The government is clear police use of force must be reasonable, proportionate and necessary in all circumstances.

The College of Policing is the body responsible for setting out the guidance and training for the police. Guidance on the use of force is set out in Authorised Professional Practice which can be found here APP (authorised professional practice) | College of Policing. Given the operational nature of use of force, the College of Policing is best placed to set these standards.

Before officers can be authorised to use force, they must pass comprehensive training in Public and Personal Safety each year. This training reinforces the importance and legitimacy of use of force at every level.

The government publishes annual statistics on police use of force. The latest publication can be found here - https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/police-use-of-force-statistics. These statistics have been developed in coordination with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and other stakeholders to ensure there is transparency and accountability around the police use of force,

The Home Office does not hold any data on the number of police use of force reports that involved individuals recorded as property owners, occupiers or complainants.

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Following the horrific terrorist attack at Heaton Park Synagogue, the Prime Minister announced £10 million of emergency funding on 16 October as part of a wider package of measures to combat antisemitism in the UK.

The funding will be provided to the Community Security Trust (CST) through the Jewish Community Protective Security (JCPS) Grant and is intended to be used within this financial year. The funding brings the total allocated through the JCPS Grant in 2025/26 to £28 million.

The additional funding will support increased security staffing and enhanced protective measures around Jewish sites, including synagogues, schools, and community centres. These measures include security personnel, CCTV, alarm systems, and floodlights.

The data requested is not held centrally.

The Home Office collects data on arrests by offence group in England and Wales as part of the Police Powers and Procedures statistical series. The latest data is available here: Stop and search, arrests, and mental health detentions, March 2025 - GOV.UK

However, the data is collected by broader offence group, such as ‘violence against the person’ or ‘miscellaneous crimes against society’. Data on arrests for non-notifiable offences is not collected. Additionally, we do not collect information centrally on whether a person was on bail at the time of their arrest.

We keep the Home Office Type Approval (HOTA) process under continuous review to ensure it is sufficient to assure equipment is sufficiently robust for evidential purposes.

My officials are currently carrying out a comprehensive review to update the HOTA standard in collaboration with safety camera manufacturers and suppliers and technical experts from the scientific community.

We keep the Home Office Type Approval (HOTA) process under continuous review to ensure it is sufficient to assure equipment is sufficiently robust for evidential purposes.

My officials are currently carrying out a comprehensive review to update the HOTA standard in collaboration with safety camera manufacturers and suppliers and technical experts from the scientific community.

We keep the Home Office Type Approval (HOTA) process under continuous review to ensure it is sufficient to assure equipment is sufficiently robust for evidential purposes.

My officials are currently carrying out a comprehensive review to update the HOTA standard in collaboration with safety camera manufacturers and suppliers and technical experts from the scientific community.

Stop and search is a vital tool which enables police to tackle crime and keep the public safe. The Government supports the lawful and appropriate use of these powers.

Where serious violence has occurred or is anticipated, senior officers may authorise the use of stop and search of any individual or vehicle for weapons, with or without reasonable suspicion. These authorisations are limited to a particular area for a specific period of time, usually no longer than 24 hours.

In the year to March 2025, there was a 5% increase in the use of these powers (under section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994), compared to the previous year.

The Home Office collects information on the number of notifiable offences recorded by the police in England and Wales, including violence and fraud.

However, this does not include information on the birthplace of offenders since this is not pertinent to the initial investigation of such crimes and is unlikely to be known by the victim reporting that crime.

The Home Office collects information on the number of notifiable offences recorded by the police in England and Wales, including violence and fraud.

However, this does not include information on the birthplace of offenders since this is not pertinent to the initial investigation of such crimes and is unlikely to be known by the victim reporting that crime.