Home Office

Unchecked, anti-social behaviour blights our communities. But it is not inevitable and I won't accept it. For too long, we have lacked the powers we need to deal with this problem properly. From today, that changes: authorities will be able to take tough action against these offenders. This delivers on a commitment we made to the British people in our manifesto. And, most importantly, those who make life a misery for others will now face the consequences of their actions.

Some chatter on social media would have you believe that crime is out of control. The facts tell a different story. As @frasernelson has shown in his Substack today: Violence is at its lowest level since the crime survey began in 1981. Robbery is at a record low. Crime, excluding fraud, is 78% down on its peak in 1995. And the stats show this Government is delivering on its promises too: Knife crime is down 11%. Knife murders are at their lowest level in 35 years. Thefts including phone snatching have fallen by 20% in the last year alone. But I know there is more that we must do, and we will: We’ve put more than 3,800 extra neighbourhood officers into roles, with named, contactable officers for every neighbourhood. We’re introducing the most significant reforms to policing in a generation. We are tackling rising rates of violence against women and girls through our landmark strategy. And we are tackling crimes like fraud, more prevalent in our increasingly online world, with £250 million directed to this challenge in our Fraud Strategy published this year.

Eritrea has had every chance to accept the return of criminals and those with no right to be in the UK. Unlike other countries, it has refused. My message to the Eritrean government is simple: take back your nationals or face a complete ban on your citizens entering the UK. I will not hesitate to impose further measures on other countries refusing to co-operate.

Five years on, we remember Sir David Amess, a dedicated parliamentarian who served his constituents with kindness and determination. Today, my thoughts are with his family, friends and all who came to know him. His murder struck at the heart of our democracy. We owe it to him and others we have lost to protect those who dedicate themselves to public service. We will not allow hatred and violence to deter those who step forward to serve.

Over 50,000 crossing attempts have been prevented since the election and arrivals are down significantly. Our collective efforts, on both sides of the Channel, are having an impact. Every prevention made by officers is a blow to the smugglers behind this trade. But we are not complacent. We will be relentless in pursuing the criminal gangs and bearing down on the small boats.

Those who enter public life do so to serve. They should never face threats, abuse or violence. We owe it to those we've lost, and those serving today, to ensure they receive the protection they deserve.

One year on from the vile antisemitic terrorist attack at Heaton Park Synagogue, my thoughts remain with the families of Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby, and all who loved them We also remember all those who were affected by that awful day, including Jewish communities across the country, who were marking the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Today and always, we stand with the Jewish community. They must not be forced to live a smaller life in this country. We will do everything within our power to stamp out antisemitic hatred.

I would like to thank the emergency services for their swift response to the major incident in Gloucestershire this morning and their reassurance that they believe the incident is contained. Whilst investigations are ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment further.

I know today's news on the counter-terror arrests that took place over the weekend will be deeply distressing to our Jewish communities, in Manchester and across the country. I would like to thank our police and intelligence services, for the work they do to keep us safe, each and every day. Whilst the police investigation is ongoing, it wouldn’t be appropriate to comment further. But I can say that we continue to do all in our power to address threats against our Jewish community, including through record funding for policing. I also know that our policing response is necessary, but not sufficient. We cannot expect our Jewish community to live behind higher walls. We must also tackle antisemitism at its source and root it out wherever it rears its head. This Government is committed to that effort.

Today marks 25 years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks. We remember all the lives lost and changed forever on that day. And we honour the heroic first responders who ran towards danger. We will never forget them all. And our determination to confront terrorism will never cease.

I've signed a new agreement with Belgium to target organised criminal gangs, like those behind the small boat crossings. Here’s why it matters 👇

This agreement will help UK and Belgian police tighten the net around the criminal gangs behind small boat crossings. The migrant smuggling trade doesn’t start and stop on the beaches of northern France. These gangs operate across borders, so we’ll work with every international partner available to track them down, shut them down and bring them to justice. Our efforts are delivering results. Small boat crossings are down significantly. But we know there is much more to do. I will do whatever it takes to bear down on these vile criminals and bring them to justice.

Policing is not just a profession, it is a calling. Answered only by those who are willing to place themselves in harm’s way. In their all too brief lives, PC Blades and PC Clough epitomised that courage. We will never forget them.