Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Dan Jarvis and Laura Kyrke-Smith

Monday 5th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Laura Kyrke-Smith (Aylesbury) (Lab)]

In the light of the appalling antisemitic terror attack at Bondi Beach, the faith communities in Aylesbury are scared. I welcome the Government’s funding to protect places of worship, but it does not extend to my local Jewish community, who do not have their own synagogue. What further measures will the Minister consider to ensure that all faith communities, even those without their own premises, are well protected?

[The Minister for Security (Dan Jarvis)]

As the Home Secretary has said, we were all appalled by the antisemitic terror attack at Bondi Beach. As my hon. Friend will know, all faith communities should be able to worship in peace and without fear. That is why the Government are investing £70.9 million in 2025-26 to strengthen security at places of worship. I listened carefully to the point she raised and would be very happy to discuss it with her further.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Dan Jarvis and Laura Kyrke-Smith

Monday 29th July 2024 Commons Chamber

[Dan Jarvis]

I understand that the National Physical Laboratory has independently tested the algorithms that the police have been using in live facial recognition cases and has found them to be highly accurate. It found no statistically significant differences based on ethnicity at the settings the police generally use.

It is extremely important that any new technology used by the police is accompanied by strong safeguards, including to prevent bias or disproportionality, and that a robust legal framework is in place to govern the use of these new technologies. My hon. Friend still has concerns, and I am sure the policing Minister, my right hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham (Dame Diana Johnson), or I will be happy to meet her.

[Laura Kyrke-Smith (Aylesbury) (Lab)]

10. What steps her Department is taking to clear the asylum backlog.