Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate her Department has made of the scale of keyless car theft enabled by signal-amplifying technology in Surrey Heath constituency.
Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)
Estimates from the Crime Survey for England and Wales for the year ending March 2024 show that 58% of vehicle theft offences involved the offender manipulating the signal from remote locking device.
In the Crime and Policing Bill we are banning the electronic devices used to steal vehicles, empowering the police and courts to target the criminals using, manufacturing, importing and supplying them.
We are also working with the police and industry, to ensure a strong response to vehicle crime, including keyless car theft.
The National Vehicle Crime Reduction Partnership and the police-led National Vehicle Crime Working Group are focusing on prevention and deterrence of theft of, and from, vehicles. This includes training police officers on the methods used to steal vehicles, encouraging vehicle owners to secure their vehicles, and working with industry to address vulnerabilities in vehicles.
Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent discussions she has had with police authorities in the South East on (a) delays and (b) variations in the processing of firearms licence (i) applications and (ii) renewals.
Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)
The Government publishes Statutory Guidance for Chief Officers of Police on firearms licensing. The Statutory Guidance was most recently refreshed and strengthened in August this year and it is helping to ensure consistency in the assessment of those who hold, or who apply for, firearms licences across all police forces, in the interests of public safety.
The Statutory Guidance requires all applicants for a firearms licence to provide information from their doctor about whether they have experienced any relevant medical conditions, including mental health conditions and drug and alcohol abuse. There is a defined list of medical conditions which is set out in the Statutory Guidance and in the information that is provided to the applicant’s GP. A firearms marker which all applicant’s GPs are asked to place on the patient’s medical record then ensures that the doctor can alert the police to any material change to the licence holder’s relevant medical condition, to allow the police to then review whether the licence holder remains suitable to hold a firearms licence.
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.
The Government has no plans to introduce a new central national body for firearms licensing. The Firearms Act 1968 places statutory responsibility for firearms licensing on the Chief Officer of Police of each individual force in England, Wales and Scotland. This framework is supported by the Statutory Guidance to Chief Officers of Police issued by the Home Secretary in respect of firearms licensing and by Authorised Professional Practice issued by the College of Policing.
Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of guidance provided to police forces on firearms (a) licensing and (b) variation procedures in the South East.
Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)
The Government publishes Statutory Guidance for Chief Officers of Police on firearms licensing. The Statutory Guidance was most recently refreshed and strengthened in August this year and it is helping to ensure consistency in the assessment of those who hold, or who apply for, firearms licences across all police forces, in the interests of public safety.
The Statutory Guidance requires all applicants for a firearms licence to provide information from their doctor about whether they have experienced any relevant medical conditions, including mental health conditions and drug and alcohol abuse. There is a defined list of medical conditions which is set out in the Statutory Guidance and in the information that is provided to the applicant’s GP. A firearms marker which all applicant’s GPs are asked to place on the patient’s medical record then ensures that the doctor can alert the police to any material change to the licence holder’s relevant medical condition, to allow the police to then review whether the licence holder remains suitable to hold a firearms licence.
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.
The Government has no plans to introduce a new central national body for firearms licensing. The Firearms Act 1968 places statutory responsibility for firearms licensing on the Chief Officer of Police of each individual force in England, Wales and Scotland. This framework is supported by the Statutory Guidance to Chief Officers of Police issued by the Home Secretary in respect of firearms licensing and by Authorised Professional Practice issued by the College of Policing.
Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to improve consistency in firearms licensing decisions across police authorities.
Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)
The Government publishes Statutory Guidance for Chief Officers of Police on firearms licensing. The Statutory Guidance was most recently refreshed and strengthened in August this year and it is helping to ensure consistency in the assessment of those who hold, or who apply for, firearms licences across all police forces, in the interests of public safety.
The Statutory Guidance requires all applicants for a firearms licence to provide information from their doctor about whether they have experienced any relevant medical conditions, including mental health conditions and drug and alcohol abuse. There is a defined list of medical conditions which is set out in the Statutory Guidance and in the information that is provided to the applicant’s GP. A firearms marker which all applicant’s GPs are asked to place on the patient’s medical record then ensures that the doctor can alert the police to any material change to the licence holder’s relevant medical condition, to allow the police to then review whether the licence holder remains suitable to hold a firearms licence.
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.
The Government has no plans to introduce a new central national body for firearms licensing. The Firearms Act 1968 places statutory responsibility for firearms licensing on the Chief Officer of Police of each individual force in England, Wales and Scotland. This framework is supported by the Statutory Guidance to Chief Officers of Police issued by the Home Secretary in respect of firearms licensing and by Authorised Professional Practice issued by the College of Policing.
Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a national firearms licensing system.
Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)
The Government publishes Statutory Guidance for Chief Officers of Police on firearms licensing. The Statutory Guidance was most recently refreshed and strengthened in August this year and it is helping to ensure consistency in the assessment of those who hold, or who apply for, firearms licences across all police forces, in the interests of public safety.
The Statutory Guidance requires all applicants for a firearms licence to provide information from their doctor about whether they have experienced any relevant medical conditions, including mental health conditions and drug and alcohol abuse. There is a defined list of medical conditions which is set out in the Statutory Guidance and in the information that is provided to the applicant’s GP. A firearms marker which all applicant’s GPs are asked to place on the patient’s medical record then ensures that the doctor can alert the police to any material change to the licence holder’s relevant medical condition, to allow the police to then review whether the licence holder remains suitable to hold a firearms licence.
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.
The Government has no plans to introduce a new central national body for firearms licensing. The Firearms Act 1968 places statutory responsibility for firearms licensing on the Chief Officer of Police of each individual force in England, Wales and Scotland. This framework is supported by the Statutory Guidance to Chief Officers of Police issued by the Home Secretary in respect of firearms licensing and by Authorised Professional Practice issued by the College of Policing.
Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has had recent discussions with the Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner on the (a) consistency, (b) efficiency and (c) adequacy of the resourcing of firearms licensing.
Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)
The Government publishes Statutory Guidance for Chief Officers of Police on firearms licensing. The Statutory Guidance was most recently refreshed and strengthened in August this year and it is helping to ensure consistency in the assessment of those who hold, or who apply for, firearms licences across all police forces, in the interests of public safety.
The Statutory Guidance requires all applicants for a firearms licence to provide information from their doctor about whether they have experienced any relevant medical conditions, including mental health conditions and drug and alcohol abuse. There is a defined list of medical conditions which is set out in the Statutory Guidance and in the information that is provided to the applicant’s GP. A firearms marker which all applicant’s GPs are asked to place on the patient’s medical record then ensures that the doctor can alert the police to any material change to the licence holder’s relevant medical condition, to allow the police to then review whether the licence holder remains suitable to hold a firearms licence.
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.
The Government has no plans to introduce a new central national body for firearms licensing. The Firearms Act 1968 places statutory responsibility for firearms licensing on the Chief Officer of Police of each individual force in England, Wales and Scotland. This framework is supported by the Statutory Guidance to Chief Officers of Police issued by the Home Secretary in respect of firearms licensing and by Authorised Professional Practice issued by the College of Policing.
Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to ensure consistency in the medical checks required for firearms licensing applications in the South East.
Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)
The Government publishes Statutory Guidance for Chief Officers of Police on firearms licensing. The Statutory Guidance was most recently refreshed and strengthened in August this year and it is helping to ensure consistency in the assessment of those who hold, or who apply for, firearms licences across all police forces, in the interests of public safety.
The Statutory Guidance requires all applicants for a firearms licence to provide information from their doctor about whether they have experienced any relevant medical conditions, including mental health conditions and drug and alcohol abuse. There is a defined list of medical conditions which is set out in the Statutory Guidance and in the information that is provided to the applicant’s GP. A firearms marker which all applicant’s GPs are asked to place on the patient’s medical record then ensures that the doctor can alert the police to any material change to the licence holder’s relevant medical condition, to allow the police to then review whether the licence holder remains suitable to hold a firearms licence.
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.
The Government has no plans to introduce a new central national body for firearms licensing. The Firearms Act 1968 places statutory responsibility for firearms licensing on the Chief Officer of Police of each individual force in England, Wales and Scotland. This framework is supported by the Statutory Guidance to Chief Officers of Police issued by the Home Secretary in respect of firearms licensing and by Authorised Professional Practice issued by the College of Policing.
Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate her Department has made of the number of British citizens who have been registered under the European Travel Information and Authorisation System at (a) airports and (b) the Port of Dover.
Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System is not due to launch until late 2026.
Information on the number of travellers registered by the European Entry/Exit System is not recorded by the Home Office as it is a matter for the European Commission and French authorities.
Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to (a) reduce and (b) prevent equipment theft in Surrey Heath constituency.
Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)
We will be implementing the Equipment Theft Act, making it harder for criminals to sell on stolen vehicles and equipment and assisting the police with identifying the owner.
The Act’s secondary legislation will require forensic marking to be applied to new All-Terrain Vehicles and for the details to be registered on a property database, for forensic marking to be applied to all new GPS units for use in agricultural and commercial settings, and for the details to be registered on a property database. This provides an important additional tool to help police identify if an item is stolen and to return it to its rightful owner.
Additionally, the Crime and Policing Bill introduces a new power for the police to enter and search premises to which items have been electronically tracked by GPS or other means, which will help the police in tackling stolen equipment and machinery.
This financial year we have provided the first Home Office funding since 2023 for the National Rural Crime Unit. This funding will enable the Unit to continue to increase collaboration across all police forces, including Surrey Police, to target the serious organised crime groups involved in crimes like equipment theft from farms.
Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that vulnerable adults are appropriately safeguarded during (a) arrest and (b) detention procedures.
Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)
The Home Office sets the statutory framework for the treatment of vulnerable adults through the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) and its Codes of Practice.
PACE Code C requires police to identify whether people brought into police custody are vulnerable and provide additional safeguards if so. Where there is any doubt, officers must treat the person as vulnerable and make reasonable enquiries to confirm this.
Vulnerable adults must be supported by an appropriate adult, independent of the police, whose role is to safeguard their rights and welfare, assist communication, and ensure fair treatment. Except in exceptional circumstances, the appropriate adult must be present for key procedures, including:
Custody officers must also ensure that detainees receive clinical attention as soon as practicable if they appear to require it, including where they show signs of mental disorder. Where the detainee is vulnerable, the appropriate adult should be involved in discussions about health and welfare needs.
Before releasing a detainee from custody, the custody officers must assess any ongoing risks with regard to health, mental state and vulnerability and ensure that appropriate support or referrals are in place.