Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to tackle organised crime.

My Department is working tirelessly with government and law enforcement partners to crack down on the organised criminal groups exploiting the most vulnerable for their own gain. This includes:

• Operation Venetic: The National Crime Agency, policing and other agencies working together as part of the UK’s biggest ever law enforcement operation, which has seen more than 746 arrests, and the seizure of £54 million in criminal cash and over two tonnes of Class A and B drugs.
• Introducing new measures to strengthen the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and ensure that large businesses and public bodies tackle modern slavery risks in supply chains.
• Alongside governments from the US, New Zealand, Canada and Australia, launching the Voluntary Principles to Counter Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.
• Funding a £25 million county lines programme, resulting in nearly 140 deal lines being closed and the seizure of over 100 weapons, and cash and drugs worth over £3 million.

We are also considering the findings of Sir Craig Mackey’s Independent Review of Serious and Organised Crime, alongside the outcome of the recent Spending Review and the constantly evolving threats we face. We will announce details, and key findings from the Serious and Organised Crime Review in due course.