Oral Answers to Questions

Rachel Hopkins Excerpts

Monday 5th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Mike Tapp]

As I said earlier, those here on these bespoke routes have access to full work, healthcare and education, but I will take the hon. Lady’s point away to my team after this session.

[Rachel Hopkins (Luton South and South Bedfordshire) (Lab)]

10. What steps her Department is taking to help improve police efficiency.

[The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Shabana Mahmood)]

There is far too much duplication and waste in policing. I want to see police on the beat, not stuck behind a desk doing paperwork. We must embrace the potential of technology to transform policing. The Government have already established a police efficiency programme, which will save £354 million and free up millions of officer hours by 2029. In the coming weeks, I will set out further reforms in a White Paper on policing.

[Rachel Hopkins]

Bedfordshire police have been using both modern technology and AI to ensure that they make the best use of resources over the medium term. However, Bedfordshire faces a disproportionate level of demand due to complex, serious and organised crime, and it relies on special grant support to tackle these challenges. Can the Secretary of State confirm that she will ensure these special grants are protected for Bedfordshire police? When might we expect an announcement on that?

[Shabana Mahmood]

First, let me say that I recognise the challenges posed by serious and organised crime, and I thank Bedfordshire police for their tireless work to tackle the issue. Applications for special grants in 2026-27 will be considered shortly, and details will be confirmed with police and crime commissioners in due course.