Chancellor and Energy Secretary to meet with petrol retailers and energy suppliers in Downing Street today with a clear message: drivers must get a fair deal at the pump.
Chancellor asks CMA to crack down on any rip‑offs on road fuel and heating oil — warning she “will not tolerate” firms exploiting the situation to make excess profits.
Fuel Finder will help drivers spot the cheapest forecourt nearby, as Government takes action to ensure all major fuel retailers are signed up.
Rachel Reeves has written to the Competition and Markets Authority requesting it stays on high alert for unjustifiable price rises on petrol, diesel and heating oil, to support families and businesses.
The Chancellor said she is determined to support people with the cost of living amid conflict in the Middle East and will not stand by if firms use uncertainty as cover to push up prices and protect margins at the expense of drivers.
Her intervention comes ahead of a Downing Street roundtable on Friday evening, where petrol retailers and energy suppliers will be pressed on what they are doing to keep prices down — and what more they can do to ensure changes in costs are passed on fairly.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “I will not tolerate any company exploiting the current situation to make excess profits at consumers’ expense.
“I’m backing drivers and families — and I expect a fair deal at the pump.”
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:“Tackling the cost of living is our number one priority – all fuel retailers must sign up for Fuel Finder so drivers can find the cheapest price at the pump.
“We will not hesitate to act to protect consumers against any unfair practices.”
TODAY (Friday), the Chancellor and Energy Secretary will call on industry to explain why prices vary so widely, how quickly forecourts respond when costs ease, and what immediate steps firms will take to make sure motorists aren’t left paying over the odds.
The Chancellor noted earlier this week that prices varied from £1.27 per litre to £1.80 per litre between forecourts.
This comes after the Energy Secretary met with the CEO of the Competition and Markets Authority on Tuesday 10 March to discuss ensuring consumers were protected from any unfair price rises.
Drivers should not have to guess whether they’re being overcharged — so the UK Government is accelerating its Fuel Finder, making it easier to see who’s cheapest locally and to take business away from the priciest pumps.
All major supermarkets have confirmed they are now providing real-time data to the government’s Fuel Finder scheme, with almost 90% of retailers already registered, and government taking action on the final 10%.
Greater transparency on prices will drive up competition and is set to see households who own a car save on average £40 a year at the pump.
And the message to any retailer dragging their feet is straightforward: if you won’t be transparent, you’ll be called out — because sunlight on prices is one of the strongest tools consumers have to force competition and drive costs down.
UK Government plans to crackdown on illegal underage sunbeds use to cut cancer risks to teenagers
Unsupervised sunbed use by young people to be banned as part of National Cancer Plan
Consultation to launch in Spring 2026, new rules could come into force as soon as 2027
Drive to tackle avoidable cancer and help make the NHS Fit for the Future
More young people will be better protected from skin cancer through a proposed crackdown on sunbed harms, clamping down on rogue businesses flouting the law and putting children’s health at risk by selling sessions to under-18s.
New proposals under the soon-to-be launched National Cancer Plan will strengthen requirements around commercial sunbed use, including banning unsupervised sessions and introducing mandatory ID checks to verify users are over 18.
Recent investigations have shown that teenagers as young as 14 are gaining access to tanning salons, routinely flouting the existing ban on under-18s using sunbeds.
Sunbeds are as dangerous as smoking.
Using them before 20 increases risk of melanoma by 47%, yet teens as young as 14 still do.
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) January 25, 2026
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classed sunbeds to be as dangerous as smoking. Using a sunbed before the age of 20 increases the risk of melanoma skin cancer by 47% compared to those who have never used one, according to the WHO.
Reducing avoidable cancer risks is a central action in the upcoming National Cancer Plan and will help make England a world leader for cancer survival.
Health Minister Karin Smyth said: “Stronger protections on sunbeds are needed so people understand risks that could have deadly consequences.
“The evidence is clear: there is no safe level of sunbed use, yet too many young people are being exposed to a known carcinogen with little understanding of the risks.
“These proposals will crack down on rogue operators and ensure the law is properly enforced. Prevention saves lives, and we will do everything we can to protect people from avoidable cancers.”
There are inherent risks associated with exposure to UV radiation emitted from sunbeds. This is why the Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 bans under 18s from using commercial sunbeds and requires businesses to prevent children from using them. Despite this, there is evidence that rogue operators are continuing to sell these services to teenagers.
Louise Dodds, who is living with melanoma, said: “My melanoma was found completely by chance during a private consultation for something unrelated, a mole that had become dark and itchy was removed quickly, and within a week I was told it was stage 1B melanoma.
“Hearing the word ‘cancer’ sent me into shock. I was rushed back into the NHS system for more surgery and lymph node tests, all within weeks. The procedures and the waits for results were brutal.
“Although some results were clear, others were inconclusive, leaving me living with constant uncertainty. If I’d known earlier how dangerous UV exposure and sunbeds were, I would never have taken the risk.”
Susanna Daniels, Chief Executive Officer of Melanoma Focus, said: “We are delighted that the Government is taking real steps to tackle the use of sunbeds by those under 18, as well as planning to consult on the use of sunbeds more broadly.
“The need for action is clear, with 34% of UK 16-17 year olds using sunbeds despite them being illegal for under 18s. Additionally, the rates of melanoma in the UK have risen considerably.
“To protect your skin and reduce your chances of being diagnosed with melanoma or other skin cancers, we strongly advise against using sunbeds. Melanoma skin cancer is the 5th most common cancer in the UK. The time to act is now and we therefore support the action the Department of Health and Social Care is proposing.”
The crackdown forms part of the government’s wider focus on prevention in the forthcoming National Cancer Plan, which will set out our ambition to reduce lives lost to cancer.
By tackling avoidable risk factors before they lead to serious illness, the government is taking a proactive approach to reducing pressure on the NHS and improving outcomes for patients. Prevention is not just good for public health—it is essential to building a sustainable health service for the future.
In 2023, there were almost a quarter of a million new skin cancer diagnoses in the UK, costing the NHS an estimated £750 million annually.
Despite these risks, public awareness remains dangerously low. Polling from Melanoma Focus shows that only 62% of adults know that sunbed use increases cancer risk, and nearly a quarter of 18-25 year olds wrongly believe sunbeds actually reduce their risk of cancer.
The consultation will also seek views from businesses, including the many small and medium-sized enterprises that operate in the tanning industry.
The government recognises the need to balance public health protections with the impact on businesses and will use the consultation to gather evidence on costs and practicalities. This will ensure that any new requirements are proportionate, enforceable, and deliver meaningful improvements to public safety.
Additionally, a call for evidence will also be launched to understand whether further action to reduce cases of melanoma is justified.
Professor Meghana Pandit, National Medical Director at NHS England, said: “A sunbed tan might only last a few weeks, but the damage can last a lifetime.
“Sunbeds blast your skin with high levels of UV radiation raising the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers, particularly for young people.
“These proposals, as part of the National Cancer Plan, will help close dangerous loopholes, crack down on illegal sunbed use and keep people safe.”
Record number of arrests and raids of illegal workers across the UK
Illegal working arrests and raids have reached the highest level in UK history thanks to ‘relentless activity’ by the Home Office’s Immigration Enforcement teams.
Latest figures reveal the number of raids have soared by 77% in the UK since the government came into power, leading to an 83% rise in arrests (July 2024 to end of December 2025).
There were 695 raids across Scotland leading to around 400 arrests.
Over 17,400 raids were made to dodgy businesses – such as nail bars, car washes, barbers and takeaway shops – targeting those attempting to undercut honest workers and hide in plain sight.
The major uplift, which led to more than 12,300 arrests, was made possible by a £5m funding boost last year for Immigration Enforcement, to target and pursue illegal working criminality.
In Northern Ireland, 187 raids were carried out in 2025, leading to 234 arrests – a 76% and 169% rise respectively compared to 2024.
The crackdown on illegal working builds on this Labour government’s work to restore order to the immigration system and end the lure of illegal working that gangs use to sell spaces on small boats.
The activity sits on top of the government’s wider work to remove and deport 50,000 illegal migrants from the UK – a 23% increase under this government.
Today’s figures come after the Home Secretary set out sweeping reforms to the immigration system – making it less attractive for illegal migrants to come to the UK and easier to deport and remove those with no right to be here.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: ”There is no place for illegal working in our communities.
“That is why we have surged enforcement activity to the highest level in British history so illegal migrants in the black economy have nowhere to hide.
“I will stop at nothing to restore order and control to our borders.”
Northern Ireland Secretary, Hilary Benn, said: “Illegal working undercuts honest businesses across Northern Ireland and fuels the criminal gangs who profit from human exploitation.
“This Government has increased enforcement to record levels, and the message is clear: there is no place for those flouting the law.”
The new figures come as Immigration Enforcement officers across the UK are now equipped with body worn video technology.
Following the start of the launch in September last year, all teams are now benefitting from this capability which will help bolster arrests and prosecutions further.
Immigration Compliance and Enforcement Lead for Northern Ireland, Paul McHarron, said: “Illegal working is against the law and will not be tolerated.
“My teams will continue working around the clock to ensure those involved face the full force of the law.”
During illegal working raids last year, officers visited a range of sectors including restaurants, construction sites and nail bars:
An immigration enforcement visit was conducted at VN Nail & Spa Salon in Belfast City Centre on 1 May. Three workers of Vietnamese nationality were arrested for illegal working. As a result, one individual was detained for removal.
On 28 June, officers visited Europa Car Wash in Bangor. Four individuals of Romanian, Ethiopian and Jordanian nationality, were arrested for illegal working, with two detained for removal from the UK as a result.
On 25 October, officers visited Beijing House in Londonderry. Three illegal workers of Chinese nationality were arrested. A Civil Penalty Referral Notice was served on the business owner. Further inquiries to establish any liability and the liable employer will now take place. The liable employer could face a substantial fine if it’s found they employed illegal workers and failed to conduct relevant pre-employment checks.
And through the new Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act, the government is expanding right to work checks, so they cover the gig, casual, subcontracted and temporary worker economy, ensuring there is no hiding place for illegal workers to flout the rules.
On top of this, the Organised Immigration Crime Domestic Taskforce is bringing together law enforcement and government partners, including the National Crime Agency, National Police Chiefs Council, Border Security Command and Immigration Enforcement, to use every available tool to identify, disrupt and dismantle criminal smuggling gangs operating in the UK.
Over the last 12 months, there has been a 33% surge in disruptions related to migrant smuggling – with nearly 4,000 disruptions since July 2024 – and a landmark deal with France means those who arrive on small boats are now being sent back.
To further ensure people can only work in the UK if they have permission, the government announced last year it will be introducing digital ID, which will be mandatory to prove someone’s right to work by the end of Parliament.
This will create a simpler, more consistent way for employers to check someone’s eligibility to work. The move will make it harder for illegal migrants to find work and allow the government to identify rogue business owners who are failing to conduct checks.
This work combined forms part of the government’s ‘laser focus’ to secure the UK’s borders and end the false promise of work used to sell spaces on dangerous small boats.
Victims and survivors of ‘honour’-based abuse will be kept safer and more perpetrators brought to justice in a raft of new measures, as part of the UK government’s pledge to halve violence against women and girls and the Plan for Change.
New statutory guidance and a legal definition of ‘honour’-based abuse will be brought in to help the police, social workers and others better support victims and make clear that frontline staff must take these crimes seriously. It will also help stop vital information, which could hold perpetrators to account in a criminal trial, from falling through the cracks.
On top of the new guidance, the National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) will work with the police to improve how officers assess the risks posed by ‘honour’-based abuse offenders, so they can step in and support victims as soon as possible. This year, that work will focus on identifying challenges alongside what works to identify areas for improvement.
To unearth the full scale of ‘honour’-based abuse, the Home Office will pilot a prevalence study looking at how widespread this crime is, and a community awareness campaign will be launched to encourage victims to come forward.
Teachers, police officers, social workers and healthcare professionals will also receive more training to help them better spot the signs of ‘honour’-based abuse and know how to deal with suspected cases.
These measures have been backed by the charity Karma Nirvana and 22 other specialist ‘honour’-based abuse organisations. The mother of Fawziyah Javed has also welcomed the changes after her daughter’s tragic murder in 2021. Fawziyah was pushed off Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh, Scotland by her husband. At the time of her death, Fawziyah was pregnant and she had planned to leave the marriage.
Recent statistics showed that 2,755 ‘honour’-based abuse related offences were recorded by the police in England and Wales. For too long, these devastating crimes which include ‘honour’-motivated killings, female genital mutilation and forced marriage, have been allowed to happen in the shadows.
Today’s measures are the latest step in the government’s efforts to tackle ‘honour’-based abuse. Earlier this year, the joint Home Office and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Forced Marriage Unit launched a new mission statement and action plan with the aim of improving all operations so the unit can continue to provide the best possible support to victims of forced marriage and the professionals who help them.
This remains a vital part of the government’s efforts to tackle forced marriage, a debilitating and devastating form of ‘honour’-based abuse, so victims can be supported at home and overseas.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “All forms of ‘honour’-based abuse are devastating crimes that can shatter lives. There is no ‘honour’ in them. For too long, these offences have often been misunderstood by professionals, resulting in victims not getting the support they deserve.
“Today we are announcing measures to put an end to this and shining a light on this debilitating abuse. This marks a crucial step in this government’s landmark mission to halve violence against women and girls within a decade and its Plan for Change.
“Make no mistake – we will use everything at our disposal to make sure perpetrators face justice and victims are protected.”
Jess Phillips, Minister for Safeguarding and Violence against Women and Girls, said: “These crimes can cause unimaginable long lasting physical and mental pain for their victims. They have no place in our society and we must do everything we can to put a stop to them.
“This starts with a clearer definition of the crime and guidance backed in law so that the government, law enforcement and the voluntary sector can work hand in hand to give victims the support they deserve.
“It is also vital that we understand the true scale and nature of these crimes in England and Wales. This will enable us and our partners to help make sure that more victims are protected and more perpetrators face time behind bars.
“This is the latest step in our mission to halve violence against women and girls, as part of the Plan for Change.”
Yasmin Javed, mother of Fawziyah Javed, said: “As Fawziyah’s mother, I am pleased that the government has listened to our calls for a statutory definition of ‘honour’-based abuse, and that this change has been made in Fawziyah’s memory.
“I hope that this will help many more people affected by HBA and ensure that the multiple perpetrators of this abuse are properly recognised and addressed.”
Natasha Rattu, Executive Director of Karma Nirvana, said: “Today marks a landmark moment in how ‘Honour’-Based Abuse is understood and responded to in this country. For years, Karma Nirvana and survivors have called for a statutory definition, and its introduction is a powerful recognition of their voices.
“This step will mean victims are no longer overlooked but seen, heard, and supported, while professionals are better equipped to act. Alongside investment in awareness, training, and the national helpline, this change, in Fawziyah’s memory, has the potential to save countless lives and protect future generations.”
Payzee Mahmod, survivor and campaigner, said: “I welcome the government’s commitment to introducing a statutory definition of so-called ‘honour’-based abuse, alongside multi-agency statutory guidance.
“As someone who has lost my sister, Banaz to an ‘honour’ killing and as a survivor of child marriage and “honour” based abuse myself, I know how vital it is that professionals from the police to social workers and teachers have the clarity and tools they need to recognise this abuse and act quickly to protect those at risk.
“This step represents meaningful progress towards better safeguarding and ensuring that survivors are properly seen, heard, and supported. It is crucial that this commitment is upheld and delivered at the earliest opportunity, so that no one has to suffer in silence or fall through the gaps in our systems.
“I am proud to have campaigned for this change, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside government, statutory agencies, and partners to ensure that survivors are protected and that we move closer to a future free from abuse.”
Assistant Chief Constable Emma James, national policing lead for Honour-Based Abuse, said: “So-called ‘honour’-based abuse is a complex crime which often happens within community or family networks that many victims find it very difficult to speak out against and can face further threats, violence, or isolation if they do.
“That’s why it’s so important that policing works closely with other agencies to identify abuse and protect victims at the earliest opportunity. We welcome the announcements from the government today that will help policing pay its part in protecting the most vulnerable in our communities.”
Victims’ Commissioner, Baroness Newlove, said: “So-called ‘honour’-based abuse is a devastating crime, often leaving victims terrorised, isolated, and controlled by the very family and community that should be protecting them.
“The introduction of a statutory definition is a welcome and crucial next step in strengthening our collective response to this serious and complex abuse.
“The accompanying package of measures will ensure this crime is tackled in a joined-up way, helping victims access the support they need to flee and stay safe.
“This victory has been hard won by campaigners, families and survivors alike. I applaud their tireless dedication and commend the government for taking this critical step.”
Jaswant Narwal, Crown Prosecution Service National Lead for ‘honour’-based abuse, said: “We welcome the Home Office’s announcement to develop a statutory ‘honour’-based abuse definition.
“When introduced, it will provide clarity, consistency and confidence in the way these crimes are identified and brought through the criminal justice system.
“We are dedicated to working with government agencies, stakeholders, and survivors to improve the way we bring abusers to justice and break the silence against these crimes which are too-often hidden in plain sight.”
New Respect Orders will see repeat perpetrators of anti-social behaviour subject to tough restrictions
Hooligans who wreak havoc on local communities will face tough restrictions under new powers announced by the Home Secretary today.
Meeting a manifesto pledge to crack down on anti-social behaviour, the new Respect Orders will give the police and local councils powers to ban persistent offenders from town centres or from drinking in public spots such as high streets and local parks, where they have caused misery to local people. These will be piloted prior to national rollout to make sure they are as effective as possible.
Perpetrators can also be required to address the root cause of their behaviour by being mandated to undertake positive rehabilitation, such as attending drug or alcohol treatment services, or an anger management course to address the underlying causes of their behaviour.
Failure to comply with Respect Orders will be a criminal offence. Police will have the ability to immediately arrest anybody who is breaching their Respect Order.
Police will also be given stronger powers to seize vehicles involved in anti-social behaviour will also be strengthened, with officers no longer required to issue a warning before seizing the vehicles which bring misery to local communities.
This will allow police to deal more swiftly with the scourge of off-road bikes in public parks and dangerous e-scooters on pavements, street racing and cruising. It will also assist the police in tackling car meets, which can see hundreds of cars gather in public spaces that often include loud aggressive engine revving and intimidating music.
Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper said: “Too many town centres and neighbourhoods across our country are being plagued by anti-social behaviour, be it street drinking, harassment or vandalism on the high street or noisy and intimidating off-road bikes terrorising our estates.
“Antisocial behaviour chips away at communities’ sense of confidence and pride, undermines local businesses and can have a devastating impact on victims.
“This cannot be allowed to continue. Respect Orders will give police and councils the powers they need to crack down on repeated anti-social behaviour, keeping our communities safe and ensuring repeat offenders face the consequences of their actions. We will also make it easier to seize the vehicles causing misery in too many neighbourhoods, including deafening off-road bikes or e-scooters ridden dangerously on the pavement.
“These new powers alongside thousands more neighbourhood officers and PCSOs will help this government deliver on our mission to take back our streets.”
As well as prison sentences of up to two years, criminal courts will also be able to issue unlimited fines and community orders, such as unpaid work, and curfews as punishment for breaching a Respect Order. This will ensure that the most serious offenders are dealt with before their behaviour can escalate and cause further harm.
The new powers will be introduced as part of the forthcoming Crime and Policing Bill, partially replacing existing Civil Injunction powers for adults, to ensure a wider range of penalties as breaches will be dealt with in the criminal courts, alongside the new power of arrest. Existing legislation will be amended to allow the police to seize nuisance off-road bikes – and other vehicles which are used in an anti-social manner – without having to first give a warning to the offender.
Enhanced powers will complement the government’s commitment to restoring neighbourhood policing in England and Wales. The Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee will bring back police patrols to town centres, recruit thousands of additional officers to neighbourhood roles and ensure every community has a named local officer to turn to.
Deputy Chief Constable Andy Prophet, National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Anti-Social Behaviour, said: “I welcome the introduction of Respect Orders and stronger powers to seize vehicles being driven in an anti-social manner.
“Respect Orders will give the police and councils the ability crack down on those who persistently make our streets and public spaces feel unsafe. I am pleased to see the ability to ban offenders from our high street and parks, with a power of arrest for those who ignore such direction, as well as the power to require individuals to seek help for underlying causes of their poor behaviour such as drug or alcohol misuse.
“Similarly, giving officers the option to immediately seize vehicles from those who use their vehicle in an anti-social manner is welcome addition to the powers available to officers to crack down on ASB and make our street safer.”
Harvinder Saimbhi, ASB Help CEO said: “As the national charity that supports victims of ASB, we regularly hear from victims who share with us the impact and harm they experience from repeated incidents of ASB.
“We welcome the approach of addressing the root causes of the anti-social behaviour which will in turn work towards reducing reoffending rates, therefore bringing respite to victims and communities. We are keen to see how the respect orders will be implemented.”
A Home Office crackdown against people-smuggling gangs and people exploiting the Common Travel Area (CTA) has led to the arrest of 31 people in multiple locations across the UK.
As the UK government steps up its pursuit against the criminal groups abusing our borders on all fronts, Immigration Enforcement teams, alongside UK police forces and international partners, descended on locations in the UK including Belfast, Scotland, Liverpool and Luton as part of a three-day operation.
Checks were conducted at major ports, airports, and road networks across the country, targeting illegal migration and disrupting smuggling routes. Ruthless criminal gangs, operating both in the UK and internationally, often exploit vulnerable migrants, charging them thousands of pounds to enter the UK illegally, luring them with false promises of a better life.
During the operation, £400,000 of criminal cash and 10 fraudulent identity documents were seized. These documents, which are critical tools used by people-smuggling gangs, enable them to evade immigration controls.
Created by criminal networks, counterfeit documents allow migrants to bypass border checks, trapping vulnerable people in further illegal activities. By exploiting these people, the gangs not only profit but also place them at risk of severe legal and personal consequences.
The multi-agency operation was led by Immigration Enforcement’s Criminal and Financial Investigations team in Northern Ireland, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the National Crime Agency (NCA), other UK police forces, and international partners.
This operation is part of a national effort to stop irregular migration and human trafficking at key entry points across the UK, as the government works to tackle people-smuggling gangs and bring those exploiting vulnerable people to justice.
Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle, said: “This government will not stand by as criminal gangs exploit vulnerable people, risking their lives and giving them false hopes of a better life in the UK.
“Driven by greed, these gangs have no regard for human life or safety, charging outrageous fees, preying on those desperate to escape hardship, and forcing them into illegal and dangerous situations.
“We are taking the fight to them on all fronts under the leadership of our new Border Security Commander. Dismantling the business models of these gangs does not just apply to the small boats trade – we are also stamping out other routes into the UK to bring them to justice and slash their profits.”
Home Office Immigration Enforcement Inspector, Jonathan Evans, said: “This operation has been a huge success and sends a clear message that the smuggling gangs who break our laws will face serious consequences.
“We are taking action day in, day out to ensure we stay a step ahead of these criminal groups, disrupting them at the earliest possible stage. We will continue working relentlessly to ensure no one abuses the Common Travel Area or the UK’s borders.
“I’m incredibly proud of our teams across the country, as well as our partners from the police, the National Crime Agency, and international counterparts, for their hard work and collaboration in carrying out this important operation.”
The Westminster government has pledged to crack down on ‘snatch thefts’ after this criminality soared by more than 150 per cent in the last year.
An estimated 78,000 people had phones or bags grabbed from them on the streets, with policing intelligence suggesting that this is being driven by increased demand for second hand smartphones, both in the UK and overseas.
To tackle this challenge head on, tech companies and manufacturers will be called to attend a Home Office summit on the issue, looking at the new innovations that could take on the illegal market. This will build on anti-theft smartphone features that some tech firms have already rolled out to protect their customers.
The government will also task police chiefs to tackle this scourge in neighbourhood theft. Operation Opal, the national police intelligence unit will launch an intelligence probe to gather urgent intel on the criminals who steal mobile phones, and where these devices end up. This will provide a stronger picture of the stolen mobile phone market, and identify what more needs to be done to tackle the problem.
Local police will also continue to surge police patrols in areas most at risk of serious violence, including robberies at knifepoint, with the government working with forces across the country to ensure that there is visible police presence in these hotspot areas to deter criminals and protect our communities.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1830884206081143100
New Home Office analysis commissioned by ministers concerned by growing reports of this issue has revealed:
Crime Survey data estimates for the latest 12 months indicates the equivalent of more than 200 snatch thefts every day on streets across England and Wales, the highest rate in more than a decade, and almost 60 per cent higher than the annual average since 2012/13
the latest Crime Survey estimates also showed overall theft from the person, which includes snatch and stealth thefts as well as attempts to steal from the person, increased by more than a third in the past year
latest published estimates from the Crime Survey for England and Wales show that over one third (36 per cent) of theft from the person offences involved theft of a mobile phone in the past year
Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson said: “With new phones coming to market and young people going back to school and university, many of us will have a new phone in our hands at this time of year.
” These figures are troubling and the government is determined to do whatever’s necessary to protect people entitled to walk the streets without the threat of robbery.
“As part of our Safer Streets mission, this new government is determined to crack down on snatch theft, knife-enabled robbery, and other crimes that make people feel unsafe in our communities, and we are working to get thousands more uniformed officers into our communities to restore neighbourhood policing.
“Phone companies must ensure that any stolen phones can be quickly, easily and permanently disabled, rather than re-registered for sale on the second-hand market, and we will be meeting them soon to discuss what further action is required to make that happen.
“If we work together, government, tech companies and law enforcement can break the business model of the phone thieves and moped gangs who rely on this trade.”
National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Personal Robbery, Commander Richard Smith, said: “Personal robbery can have a devastating impact on victims, leaving them with trauma which can be lasting.
“Criminals often target some of the most vulnerable in society, such as children, with threats that violence may be used, making robbery particularly traumatic. We continue to target those habitual criminals responsible for prolific offending, whilst working to prevent young people from being into this type of offending.
“During Operation Calibre, our national police week of action against personal robbery, police forces targeted their activity in over 1,250 known hotspot areas, increasing our visibility and operational activity and arresting those intent on committing crime.
“However, we know that we cannot arrest our way out of this problem. Manufacturers and the tech industry have an important role in reducing opportunities for criminals to benefit from the re-sale of stolen handsets.
“There are several tips you can do to reduce the chances of you becoming a victim, I encourage everyone to follow these and share them with family and friends. If in the unfortunate circumstances you are a victim of robbery, report it to the police or contact Crimestoppers.”
Criminals intent on causing violence and unrest on our streets will be stopped in their tracks thanks to a new National Violent Disorder Programme, the Prime Minister has announced today.
At a meeting of police chiefs in Downing Street this afternoon, he offered his clear backing to forces up and down the country – pledging that the government will work in direct partnership with them to stamp out the violent disorder seen in recent weeks.
Following the meeting, he has announced the immediate creation of the new programme, which will bring together the best policing capabilities from across the country to share intelligence on the activity of violent groups so the authorities can swiftly intervene to arrest them.
Local insight and data will be used to gain a national understanding of where these criminals are operating, including the British Transport Police alerting where they see a spike in train ticket sales that could be linked to organised violent disorder.
It will also consider how we can deploy facial recognition technology, which is already used by some forces, more widely across the country. This will mean criminals can be targeted, found and brought to justice quickly.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said this afternoon: “I’ve just held a meeting with senior police and law enforcement leaders where we’ve resolved to show who we are. A country that will not allow understandable fear to curdle into division and hate in our communities and that will not permit, under any circumstances a breakdown in law and order on our streets.
“Because let’s be very clear about this. It’s not protest. It’s not legitimate. It’s crime and violent disorder. An assault on the rule of law and the execution of justice.
“And so, on behalf of the British people who expect their values and their security to be upheld, we will put a stop to it.”
The programme will also support the swift deployment of surge teams to forces who need them, for example, when they’re faced with intelligence that suggests organised violence in a particular area.
The tragic events in Southport on Monday shone a light on the heroism of our emergency services and the work they do to keep the public safe. However, this was exploited by a criminal minority who directly targeted the police in a shocking display of aggression later that day which left fifty officers injured.
The Prime Minister was clear that criminals will never be allowed to hide behind the legitimate right to protest in order to wreak havoc and intimidation in our communities.
The plans form part of the government’s mission to take back our streets by halving serious violent crime and raising confidence in the police and criminal justice system.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “Southport suffered a horrific attack that no community should ever have to face. But instead of being shown respect for their grief, the community had to endure violent disorder and thuggery.
“For the emergency services who responded with bravery to save lives on Monday to then face attack themselves on Tuesday is disgraceful and it only adds to the trauma when we should be thinking of the families of the little girls, and making sure they can get justice.
“Communities have a right to feel safe without deliberate organised violence or thuggery in our streets. Criminals need to face the full force of the law and today we made clear that the police have our strong support in keeping the streets safe. We will work with senior police officers across the country to make sure there is rapid intelligence sharing and swift action to stop violent disorder and make sure criminals pay the price.”
Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, NPCC Chair said: “I would like to thank all the officers and first responders involved for their bravery and unity. At times like these it is encouraging to see the way forces come together to support each other, as well as the wider public.
“All of us in public leadership or in positions of influence have a responsibility to use our platform to help bring people together. It is more important than ever for us to call out disinformation, highlight harmful practices, report and condemn criminal and work together for a better society.”
“We welcome any support which helps us to strengthen our policing capability to deal with these types of incidents. We look forward to working with government and receiving more details on the creation of a National Violent Disorder Programme and further work on tools such as Live Facial Recognition.”
Chief Constable Sir Andy Marsh, CEO at the College of Policing, said: “My thoughts remain firmly with the families of the little girls killed in Southport and the other people who are still recovering. I cannot begin to comprehend the extent of their grief and trauma at this time.
“This violence, from thugs who are hijacking the terrible grief felt across the country, is despicable, unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The same police officers who run towards harm to protect us are now being pelted with bricks, bins and fireworks. I’m grateful to the prime minister for extending his support to my colleagues as they deal with this criminality.
“Tonight, and over the weekend, police officers will be out in large numbers to protect us and our families. The College of Policing is making sure public order commanders have the support and guidance to utilise the full extent of the law and the tactics available to us.
“I say clearly to anyone who is seeking to bring further violence to our streets that your thuggish behaviour is not acceptable and not welcome in our communities. Police are already tracking down those involved in violence and anyone else thinking of joining in should know they will face the full force of the law.”
EARLIER this afternoon, Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered a statement in Downing Street:
This week – we are a nation in shock.
A country coming to terms with an attack so inexplicably vile…
That fear is an understandable reaction.
Our first thoughts of course are with the families at the heart of this…
Their pain is unimaginable.
And so I call on everyone to give them and indeed the wider community at Southport…
The space to grieve.
And time for the authorities in Merseyside…
To do their job.
There will be a time for questions.
And we will make sure that the victims and families in Southport…
Are at the heart of that process…
That’s the very least that we owe these families.
But we also owe them justice.
So while there’s a prosecution that must not be prejudiced…
For them to receive the justice that they deserve…
The time for answering those questions is not now.
And I remind everyone that the price for a trial that is prejudiced…
Is ultimately paid by the victims and their families.
Who are deprived of the justice that they deserve.
Let me turn now to the actions of a tiny, mindless minority in our society.
Because in the aftermath of this attack
The community of Southport had to suffer twice.
A gang of thugs, got on trains and busses…
Went to a community that is not their own…
A community grieving the most horrific tragedy…
And then proceeded to throw bricks at police officers.
Police officers who just 24 hours earlier…
Had been having to deal with an attack on children in their community.
Their community.
And make no mistake…
Whether it’s in Southport, London – or Hartlepool…
These people are showing our country exactly who they are.
Mosques targeted because they are Mosques.
Flares thrown at the statue of Winston Churchill.
A Nazi salute at the Cenotaph.
And so I’ve just held a meeting with senior police and law enforcement leaders…
Where we’ve resolved to show who we are.
A country – that will not allow understandable fear…
To curdle into division and hate in our communities.
And that will not permit, under any circumstances…
A breakdown in law and order on our streets.
Because let’s be very clear about this.
It’s not protest.
It’s not legitimate.
It’s crime…
Violent disorder.
An assault on the rule of law and the execution of justice.
And so on behalf of the British people…
Who expect their values and their security to be upheld…
We will put a stop to it.
I want to thank all of the police officers, across the country…
Who have already, as they so often do…
Stood up to intimidation and violence in the past few days…
And indeed, throughout the summer.
And let me be clear – the meeting this afternoon was not about pointing the finger of blame…
That is not how this Government of Service conducts its business…
Because it doesn’t work.
Rather – this was a meeting to pull together our response…
A response both to the immediate challenge…
Which is clearly driven by far-right hatred.
But also – all violent disorder that flares up.
Whatever the apparent cause or motivation – we make no distinction…
Crime is crime.
And so – to that end…
I can announce today, that following this meeting…
we will establish a national capability, across police forces…
To tackle violent disorder.
These thugs are mobile…
They move from community to community…
And we must have a policing response that can do the same.
Shared intelligence…
Wider deployment of facial recognition technology…
And preventive action – criminal behaviour orders…
To restrict their movements…
Before they can even board a train…
In just the same way we do with football hooligans.
And let me also say to large social media companies and those who run them…
Violent disorder clearly whipped up online…
That is also a crime.
It’s happening on your premises.
And the law must be upheld everywhere.
That is the single most important duty of Government…
Nine people have been charged in connection with road traffic offences in Leith during a day of action to target illegal e-bikes and e-scooters.
Officers visited the Leith Walk area on Friday, 10 May, 2024 following concerns from local residents.
Six riders were charged in connection with road traffic offences relating to the illegal use of the electric bikes and scooters resulting in their vehicles being seized.
Three drivers were charged in connection with using mobile phones while driving.
Constable Allan MacDonald, Leith Community Policing Team, said: “The safety of all road users is a priority for us and we’ll continue to tackle illegal, dangerous acts which put others at risk.
“Unregistered electric scooters and non-compliant electric bikes should not be used on public paths or roads. They can only be used on private land with the owner’s permission. They are classified as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs) and are subject to the same legal requirements as any other motor vehicle, meaning that they must be insured and drivers must have a valid driving licence.
“Anyone purchasing an e-scooter or e-bike should be aware of the law and the implications of using one in a public place.”
Serial or abusive shoplifters will face tougher punishments as the Prime Minister sets out tough new action to crack down on retail crime and protect UK highstreets.
Assaulting a retail worker will be made a standalone criminal offence in England, sending a clear message that there will be tough consequences for this unacceptable behaviour.
Perpetrators could be sent to prison for up to six months, receive an unlimited fine and be banned from going back to the shop where they committed their crimes, with Criminal Behaviour Orders barring them visiting specific premises.
Breaching an order is also a criminal offence and carries a five-year maximum prison sentence. For the most serious cases of assault, such as causing grievous bodily harm with intent, offenders could face a life sentence.
The move to create the new offence follows longstanding campaigning on this issue from Matt Vickers MP, and some of the biggest retailers, calling for more action to better protect their staff.
The UK government is also stepping up action to clamp down on offenders who repeatedly target the country’s high streets, with serial offenders forced to wear tags to track their movements.
These tags will be a constant and physical reminder to offenders that the Probation Service can find out where they have been and when, and that they risk being sent to prison if they refuse to obey the rules. Under an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill, if an offender is found guilty of assaulting staff three times, or is sentenced for shoplifting on three separate occasions, they should be made to wear a tag as part of any community order.
Ahead of this legislation coming in, the UK government will partner with a police force to pilot a bespoke package of community sentencing measures which can be used by judges to tackle high levels of shoplifting, sending a clear message that repeat criminality will not be tolerated.
The government is also ramping up the use of facial recognition technology to help catch perpetrators and prevent shoplifting in the first place. Backed by a £55.5m investment over the next four years, the police will be able to further roll this new state of the art technology.
This will include £4m for bespoke mobile units that can be deployed to high streets across the country with live facial recognition used in crowded areas to identify people wanted by the police – including repeat shoplifters.
The mobile units will take live footage of crowds in towns and on highstreets, comparing images to specific people wanted by the police or banned from that location. Police in the area will then be alerted so they can track down these offenders.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “Since 2010, violent and neighbourhood crime in England and Wales has fallen dramatically, showing our plan to keep our streets safe is working. Yet shoplifting and violence and abuse towards retail workers continues to rise.
“I am sending a message to those criminals – whether they are serious organised criminal gangs, repeat offenders or opportunistic thieves – who think they can get away with stealing from these local businesses or abusing shopworkers, enough is enough.
“Our local shops are the lifeblood of our communities, and they must be free to trade without the threat of crime or abuse.”
The action set out today builds on the successes already through the police’s Retail Crime Action Plan, which was commissioned by the Crime and Policing Minister, Chris Philp last year.
This included a range of measures, such as a police commitment to prioritise urgently attending the scene of shop theft involving violence against a shop worker, where security guards have detained an offender or where attendance is needed to secure evidence, which is showing signs of progress.
Home Secretary James Cleverly said: “There is quite simply no excuse for threatening behaviour or stealing – which can run other people’s livelihoods into the ground, while being traumatic for workers.
“To turn a blind eye to retail crime shakes the foundations of law and order which protect our society and that is unacceptable. We are enhancing our plan and doubling down on the zero-tolerance approach needed to fight back.
“The number of offenders being charged for these crimes is increasing and while I want to see more people face consequences for their actions, our plan is designed to help put a stop to these crimes happening in the first place.”
The government has driven forward significant efforts to tackle retail crime in the past year, bringing together policing and business to commit to smarter, more joined up working to reduce criminal behaviour and rebuild public confidence in the police response when it does occur.
Crime and Policing Minister Chris Philp said: “Sadly if you speak to anyone working in retail, they will tell you of the verbal abuse and sometimes violent assaults they’ve been victims of, simply for trying to do their job.
“In no other work place would this be accepted. I have been driving forward action to improve the police response to retail crime since I became Policing Minister, because nothing less than a zero-tolerance approach will do.
“That’s why today we’re sending a clear message to criminals that enough is enough bringing forward further measures to protect retail workers and crack down on those who continuously disregard the law.”
A specialist new police team set up last year is building intelligence on organised retail crime gangs funded through ‘Pegasus’, a first-of-its-kind business and policing partnership backed by 14 of the UK’s biggest retailers, National Business Crime Solutions and the Home Office, launched to radically improve the way retailers are able to share intelligence with police to identify more offenders. The unit forms part of Opal, the national police intelligence unit for serious organised acquisitive crime.
Where CCTV or other digital images are secured, police are committed to running this through the Police National Database, as standard, to aid efforts to identify prolific offenders or potentially dangerous individuals. This builds on the pledge by police forces across England and Wales that they will follow up on all lines of enquiry, where there is a reasonable chance it could lead them to catching a perpetrator and solving a crime.
All police forces across England and Wales made another significant commitment last year to prioritise police attendance at the scene of a retail crime incident where violence has been used towards shop staff, where an offender has been detained by store security, or where evidence needs to be secured and can only be done by police personnel.
Paul Gerrard, Campaigns and Public Affairs Director of The Co-op Group, said: “The Co-op sees every day the violence and threats our colleagues, like other retail workers, face as they serve the communities they live in.
“We have long called for a standalone offence of attacking or abusing a shopworker and so we very much welcome the Government’s announcement today.
“The Co-op will redouble our work with police forces but these measures will undoubtedly, when implemented, keep our shopworkers safer, protect the shops they work in and help the communities both serve.”
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “After relentless campaigning for a specific offence for assaulting retail workers, the voices of the three million people working in retail are finally being heard.
“The impact of retail violence has steadily worsened, with people facing racial abuse, sexual harassment, threatening behaviour, physical assault and threats with weapons, often linked to organised crime. Victims are ordinary hardworking people – teenagers taking on their first job, carers looking for part-time work, parents working around childcare.
“This announcement sends a clear message that abusive behaviour will not be tolerated and it is vital the police use this new legislation to step up their response to incidents. Together, we must stamp out this scourge in crime that has been sweeping the nation and ensure retail workers are given the vital protections they deserve.
Sharon White, Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, said: “Retail crime is never victimless – it costs retailers over £1 billion every year and can have a huge impact on the shop workers involved.
“We’ve long called for violence towards retail workers to be recognised as a standalone offence so welcome this announcement, which sends a clear message that abuse will never be tolerated. It will help deter acts of aggression, and allow police to drive prosecutions should instances escalate.”
