Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many cases of gun crime were reported in the Turks and Caicos Islands in each of the last five years.

The FCDO does not hold this data. The Royal Turks and Caicos Island Police Force (RTCIPF), who hold this data, is regulated under Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) law and is independent of the UK Government. However, we are acutely aware of the increase in gun crime in TCI, as well as the rising number of fatal shootings in TCI. I have already responded to a clear request for additional support from the Governor, Premier and local authorities, and visited in person last week to see the situation on the ground, including undertaking a patrol with police and to view training of the Royal TCI Regiment in support of local police. Our support has included deploying externally contracted Authorised Firearms Officers to boost police numbers and embedding investigators within the RTCIPF to support the investigation of cases of fatal shootings and to build long-term local capability. I was also able to announce our plans to provide two additional vessels to enhance maritime patrols by the police. I will continue to discuss additional ways we can provide sustainable support with ministerial colleagues.