Oral Answers to Questions

Bob Blackman Excerpts

Wednesday 14th September 2011 Commons Chamber

[Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con)]

6. What assistance police forces in Scotland provided during the public disorder in England in August 2011; and if he will make a statement.

[Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con)]

7. What assistance police forces in Scotland provided during the public disorder in England in August 2011; and if he will make a statement.

--- Later in debate ---

[David Mundell]

I entirely agree. There are many examples of Scottish forces’ playing an important role in incidents elsewhere in the United Kingdom, not least in dealing with the shootings that took place in Cumbria in 2010.

[Bob Blackman]

Londoners welcomed the robust standard of policing brought from Scotland during the recent riots. What plans are there for closer co-operation, joint operations and further training, so that we can learn the lessons of the past?

[David Mundell]

As the Prime Minister made clear on 11 August, Strathclyde police have achieved significant success—particularly in Glasgow—in pursuing gang-related initiatives, including a community initiative to reduce violence. They are committed to working with the Metropolitan police and other forces in England to share best practice in that regard.