Home Office

The Gang Violence Matrix (GVM) was an operational intelligence tool used by the Metropolitan Police to identify and risk-assess individuals involved with gangs across London.

The deletion of the data held on the GVM is an operational matter for the Metropolitan Police as the data controller, and it is their sole responsibility to exercise their retention policies in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 and authorised professional practice from the College of Policing. The Metropolitan Police’s use of the GVM is subject to an enforcement notice from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). We understand that since the enforcement notice the names on the GVM have been under regular review, and since its inception in 2012 over 4,000 names have been removed.

Following the enforcement notice from the ICO, the Metropolitan Police made a decision that GVM data would be retained for a period of 12 months, from the date of decommission (13 February 2024), as there was no policing purpose to justify the continued retention of the data. This means that all data will permanently be destroyed on 13 February 2025. This decision was taken in order to satisfy Right of Access requests from persons seeking clarity on their inclusion on the GVM. Any individual that considers they may have been included on the GVM is therefore entitled to submit a Subject Access Request to the Metropolitan Police by 13 February 2025, and the Metropolitan Police advise the public of this on their website.

Additionally, the ICO’s enforcement notice already requires that the Metropolitan Police review their sharing of information with third parties and, as the relevant supervisory authority, the ICO have the necessary powers to enforce compliance with said notice.

The Home Office does not hold any data on individuals being charged, prosecuted or incarcerated based on information held on the GVM.

In relation to the transparency of the process by which the Police collect retain and use data, the Police are subject to the Data Protection Act 2018 and authorised professional practice from the College of Policing. However, as part of the Home Office’s police reform agenda we will explore how best to support policing in the collection, use and management of their data for a range of operational and analytical purposes.

The Gang Violence Matrix (GVM) was an operational intelligence tool used by the Metropolitan Police to identify and risk-assess individuals involved with gangs across London.

The deletion of the data held on the GVM is an operational matter for the Metropolitan Police as the data controller, and it is their sole responsibility to exercise their retention policies in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 and authorised professional practice from the College of Policing. The Metropolitan Police’s use of the GVM is subject to an enforcement notice from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). We understand that since the enforcement notice the names on the GVM have been under regular review, and since its inception in 2012 over 4,000 names have been removed.

Following the enforcement notice from the ICO, the Metropolitan Police made a decision that GVM data would be retained for a period of 12 months, from the date of decommission (13 February 2024), as there was no policing purpose to justify the continued retention of the data. This means that all data will permanently be destroyed on 13 February 2025. This decision was taken in order to satisfy Right of Access requests from persons seeking clarity on their inclusion on the GVM. Any individual that considers they may have been included on the GVM is therefore entitled to submit a Subject Access Request to the Metropolitan Police by 13 February 2025, and the Metropolitan Police advise the public of this on their website.

Additionally, the ICO’s enforcement notice already requires that the Metropolitan Police review their sharing of information with third parties and, as the relevant supervisory authority, the ICO have the necessary powers to enforce compliance with said notice.

The Home Office does not hold any data on individuals being charged, prosecuted or incarcerated based on information held on the GVM.

In relation to the transparency of the process by which the Police collect retain and use data, the Police are subject to the Data Protection Act 2018 and authorised professional practice from the College of Policing. However, as part of the Home Office’s police reform agenda we will explore how best to support policing in the collection, use and management of their data for a range of operational and analytical purposes.

Information on Prevent referrals is already publicly available in the published annual statistics on GOV.UK: Individuals referred to Prevent: to March 2024, including the outcome of each referral.

It is important for all who are travelling to check the entry, exit and transit requirements of other countries, and they may be asked to show evidence of their UK immigration status to authorities in the country they are travelling to. It is a matter for individual countries to set their own policies on what evidence they will accept but we have extensively engaged with them, through FCDO, about what the transition to eVisas mean, and continue to do so. People should check what an individual country’s requirements are before travelling or applying for a visa.

We have advised other countries that there are multiple evidence sources that they may consider accepting as proof of a person’s UK immigration status, including:

• A share code from the ‘view and prove' service, which the person may wish to create before travel
• Viewing a screen from the person’s UKVI account which shows their status
• A physical document confirming their permission in the UK, for example a valid physical document confirming their permission in the UK, evidence of ILR/ILE in a current or expired passport, or a current Home Office Travel Document
• A copy of a letter or email received from the Home Office when they were granted UK immigration status
• A BRP or BRC which expired on or after 31 December 2024 (this is a temporary measure, allowing carriers such as airlines to accept a BRP or BRC which expires on or after 31 December 2024 as valid evidence of permission to travel. These will currently be accepted until 31 March 2025, with this date being kept under review.)

As a temporary measure, to reassure people that they will be able
to travel without any issue during the transition period, we will allow carriers such as airlines to accept a BRP or BRC which expires on or after 31 December 2024 as valid evidence of permission to travel, provisionally until 31 March 2025. This will be kept under review. They should also keep their expired BRP as it may be helpful for future applications to stay in the UK. People can use their expired BRP to create their UKVI account and access their eVisa.

We are actively resolving any technical issues as and when they arise. If anyone does have issues accessing their eVisa or UKVI account and they need to prove their UK immigration status when applying for a Schengen visa, there are several options available to them. They should check that their eVisa is correct here: Check your eVisa is correct before you travel - GOV.UK and if not, they can report an error with their eVisa using the ‘Report an error with your eVisa - GOV.UK webform. Alternatively, they can contact the UKVI Resolution Centre for assistance with technical issues related to their online immigration status, and where necessary, to verify their status through alternative means if needed.

The Home Office has awarded two contracts with Fujitsu during the period in question, in both cases to renew existing services provided by the company where it was considered essential for law enforcement purposes to do so. Details of both contracts are published on Contract Finder:

Law Enforcement (LECN) Software Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) continuity

ES Hosting Hardware

On the 10th September 2024, the Home Secretary commissioned the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to review the financial requirements in the Family Immigration Rules.

The MAC has completed a call for evidence which gathered the views of stakeholders and those affected by changes to family rules and saw more than 2,000 responses. The comments received will inform the review being conducted by the MAC.

There have also been representations in the form of parliamentary questions and written correspondence both from members of both houses and members of the public.

On 20 January Members of Parliament took part in a debate regarding the MIR in Westminster Hall.

The findings of the MAC review will be carefully considered by Ministers alongside other representations received.

There will be no changes to the current threshold of £29,000, until the MAC review is complete.

The Home Office has a statutory obligation to provide destitute asylum seekers with accommodation and subsistence support whilst their application for asylum is being considered.

The Home Office liaises with statutory partners, including local authorities, through Multi Agency Forums and Regional Strategic Migration Partnerships (SMP) on matters relating to its asylum accommodation footprint.  SMPs are Local Government led partnerships funded by, but independent of, the Home Office, whose role is to coordinate and support delivery of national programmes in asylum and refugee schemes as well as agreed regional and devolved migration priorities.

China’s planning application to convert the former Royal Mint buildings into its new UK embassy has been called-in by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, in line with established planning policy. The planning decision sits solely with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government in her independent, quasi-judicial role.

We are clear that national security is the first duty of Government. It has been our core priority throughout this process. The Foreign Secretary and Home Secretary submitted written representations to the Planning Inspector on 14 January. That letter is clear that the Home Office has considered the breadth of national security issues but within those conditions would not be appropriate to comment in further detail on any specific matters relating to national security.

The Home Office applies the statutory eligibility criteria for shared parental leave. Some employees may qualify for statutory shared parental leave from their first day of service with the Home Office because they already have service with another Government department.

As with any changes to employment legislation, internal policies and processes will be updated as appropriate in preparation for when the Employment Rights Bill 2024 comes into effect.

The vast majority of airline passengers drink responsibly when travelling.

However, individuals who are drunk can be denied from boarding an aircraft, and tough penalties are in place for being drunk and disruptive on an aircraft (including imprisonment for up to two years or an unlimited fine, or both).

A call for evidence carried out in 2019 on imposing licensing restrictions on airside premises did not provide new evidence to make a compelling case for additional restrictions.

To date no assessment has been made. Both licensed cannabis-based medicines (i.e., those with a marketing authorisation granted in accordance with the medicines legislation applicable in the UK) and unlicensed cannabis-based products for medical use (CBPMs) can be lawfully prescribed. Anyone buying medicines from illicit or unregulated markets cannot be sure what they contain or whether they will cause them harm.

CBPMs are placed in Schedule 2 to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. They are available for prescribing by specialist clinicians. All other cannabis-based products containing controlled drugs, other than licensed cannabis-based medicines that have been separately scheduled, remain in Schedule 1 under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 and cannot ordinarily possessed except under a Home Office licence.

Cannabis is controlled as a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and the penalties for unauthorised possession, supply and production remain unchanged.

Yes, subject to certain eligibility criteria, including having at least 26 weeks’ continuous service ending with the ‘qualifying week’ as set out in the legislation; and continuing to work in the department from the qualifying week until the date the baby is born or is placed for adoption. Some Home Office employees could qualify from their first day of service because they already have qualifying service with another Civil Service organisation.

As with any changes to employment legislation, internal policies and processes will be updated as appropriate in preparation for when the Employment Rights Bill 2024 comes into effect.

Halving knife crime is a top priority for this Government, and a key part of our Safer Streets Mission.

Policing and justice in Northern Ireland, apart from national security, is a devolved matter but the Home Office works with a wide range of partners to share best practice and knowledge.

I will work with my Northern Ireland Ministerial colleagues on this important Government priority.

The Home Office collects and publishes data annually on the number of police officers joining the police service in the ‘Police Workforce, England and Wales’ statistical bulletin which can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/police-workforce-england-and-wales.

Information on the number of police officers joining the police service between the years ending 31 March 2007 to 2024 can be found in the ‘Joiners Open Data Table’ here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/669a9161fc8e12ac3edb0081/open-data-table-police-workforce-joiners-240724.ods.

We recognise the profound impact burglary can have on individuals and the wider community. For too long a culture has been allowed to develop whereby victims of burglary believe if they report what has happened, no one will come and nothing will be done. We will tackle this perception through our Safer Streets Mission and our commitment to strengthen neighbourhood policing and restore confidence in policing.

This is why we have been clear that, when someone calls the police, they should come; and when a person reports a crime it should be properly investigated no matter who they are, or where they live.

We welcome the police's commitment across England and Wales to attending the scene of every home burglary, and the specific College of Policing good practice guidance on conducting residential burglary investigations; setting the standard for the entire investigation, not just initial attendance, including victim care. More information is available at: https://www.college.police.uk/guidance/residential-burglary.

In line with the current requirements of employment legislation regarding fair dismissal processes, new Home Office employees who have not previously completed a probationary period in the Civil Service are required to serve a period of at least six months’ probation.

During this time they can be dismissed, following a fair process, if their conduct, performance or attendance does not meet the expected standards.

The objective of system leadership in the context of border security is to ensure that all partners are working toward a single coordinated plan and unified response to border threats, particularly organised immigration crime.

Tackling threats to our border security is not exclusive to individual police forces which is why we work with the chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, similarly the National Crime Agency, Immigration Enforcement and Border Force should not be distinct in this regard. As set out in the Delivering Border Security statement published on gov.uk, the BSC as system leader will drive priorities across the border security system, ensuring the system has the appropriate resources, powers, capabilities, and mandates in place across the piece to deliver on priorities set by the Government.

The objective of system leadership in the context of border security is to ensure that all partners are working toward a single coordinated plan and unified response to border threats, particularly organised immigration crime.

Tackling threats to our border security is not exclusive to individual police forces which is why we work with the chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, similarly the National Crime Agency, Immigration Enforcement and Border Force should not be distinct in this regard. As set out in the Delivering Border Security statement published on gov.uk, the BSC as system leader will drive priorities across the border security system, ensuring the system has the appropriate resources, powers, capabilities, and mandates in place across the piece to deliver on priorities set by the Government.

The objective of system leadership in the context of border security is to ensure that all partners are working toward a single coordinated plan and unified response to border threats, particularly organised immigration crime.

Tackling threats to our border security is not exclusive to individual police forces which is why we work with the chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, similarly the National Crime Agency, Immigration Enforcement and Border Force should not be distinct in this regard. As set out in the Delivering Border Security statement published on gov.uk, the BSC as system leader will drive priorities across the border security system, ensuring the system has the appropriate resources, powers, capabilities, and mandates in place across the piece to deliver on priorities set by the Government.

The objective of system leadership in the context of border security is to ensure that all partners are working toward a single coordinated plan and unified response to border threats, particularly organised immigration crime.

Tackling threats to our border security is not exclusive to individual police forces which is why we work with the chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, similarly the National Crime Agency, Immigration Enforcement and Border Force should not be distinct in this regard. As set out in the Delivering Border Security statement published on gov.uk, the BSC as system leader will drive priorities across the border security system, ensuring the system has the appropriate resources, powers, capabilities, and mandates in place across the piece to deliver on priorities set by the Government.

There are many differences between the 2015 CARE police pension scheme and the legacy police pension schemes, including the age at which benefits can normally be drawn. The main public service pension schemes – including the police pension schemes – were reformed following the recommendations of the Independent Public Service Pensions Commission.

The 2015 scheme offers valuable pensions, improves affordability and sustainability, and is fairer to lower and middle earners. It is backed by the taxpayer, index-linked, and offers guaranteed benefits on retirement.

There are also valuable protections for the benefits that members have accrued in their legacy schemes, including the point at which they can draw benefits.

The National ANPR infrastructure is governed by national standards which are available here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-anpr-standards. Prior to the deployment of ANPR cameras an assessment must identify a need, which could include the impact on local crime, community confidence, serious organised crime, or national security.

Police Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies are responsible for ensuring additional static ANPR cameras within their area are appropriate in line with national standards and the Data Protection Act. The Home Office has no plan to alter this arrangement.

The Home Office publishes data on asylum on gov.uk as part of the 'Immigration System Statistics Quarterly Release'. Data on inadmissibility is published in tables Asy_09a and Asy_09b in the 'Asylum and resettlement summary tables'. Inadmissibility data for January 2024 onwards is currently unavailable due to ongoing work on a new case working system.

Between 2021 and 2023, 34,113 'notices of intent' were issued to individuals.

The issuing of firearms certificates and the efficiency of police forces is a matter for individual Chief Officers of Police and they are held to account by Police and Crime Commissioners. However, the performance of forces is being actively monitored by the National Police Chiefs' Council's lead for firearms licensing, Deputy Chief Constable David Gardner, who is developing a new performance framework for firearms licensing teams, which it is planned to be published to provide greater transparency on application turnaround times. This will include a performance target for forces to complete applications for the grant or renewal of firearm and shotgun certificates within four months, unless there are concerns about the suitability of the applicant.

Any announcements on this and other related issues concerning asylum accommodation will be announced in the normal way in due course but the Government is determined to restore order to the asylum systems and cut the overall costs of the asylum system.

Any announcements on this and other related issues concerning asylum accommodation will be announced in the normal way in due course but the Government is determined to restore order to the asylum systems and cut the overall costs of the asylum system.

Any announcements on this and other related issues concerning asylum accommodation will be announced in the normal way in due course but the Government is determined to restore order to the asylum systems and cut the overall costs of the asylum system.

Any announcements on this and other related issues concerning asylum accommodation will be announced in the normal way in due course but the Government is determined to restore order to the asylum systems and cut the overall costs of the asylum system.

Any announcements on this and other related issues concerning asylum accommodation will be announced in the normal way in due course but the Government is determined to restore order to the asylum systems and cut the overall costs of the asylum system.

Any announcements on this and other related issues concerning asylum accommodation will be announced in the normal way in due course but the Government is determined to restore order to the asylum systems and cut the overall costs of the asylum system.

Any announcements on this and other related issues concerning asylum accommodation will be announced in the normal way in due course but the Government is determined to restore order to the asylum systems and cut the overall costs of the asylum system.

As I said to Parliament on the 16th December, the government plans to lay the regulations that underpin the scheme in early 2025, ahead of the scheme going live in the summer. I also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to provide three months’ notice of the scheme’s go-live date to give all those affected by it adequate time to prepare.

Once the scheme is in force those carrying out political influencing activities at the direction of a foreign power will need to register under the political influencing tier. Work is underway to identify which foreign entities will be placed on the enhanced tier. It would not be appropriate to comment on the scope of any specifications under the enhanced tier at this stage.

The requested data is not readily accessible from published statistics, and could only be collated and verified for the purpose of answering this question at a disproportionate cost.

Official statistics published by the Home Office are kept under review in line with the code of practice for statistics, taking into account a number of factors including user needs, the resources required to compile the statistics, as well as quality and availability of data.

The Government encourages businesses to monitor their global supply chains with rigour, uncover and remedy any instances of modern slavery they may find. Under Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, commercial businesses who operate in the UK and have a turnover of £36 million or more must report annually on the steps they have taken to prevent modern slavery in their operations and supply chains by publishing an annual modern slavery statement.

The Home Office is currently working with a wide group of stakeholders to update the Section 54 statutory guidance. This will further support businesses to produce high quality statements, which are underpinned by effective measures to prevent and effectively respond to instances of modern slavery in supply chains.

Border Force does not routinely assess whether goods on freight entering the UK may have been made using forced labour, but we work closely with law enforcement partners to share intelligence to ensure all goods abide by customs and excise rules.

Since coming into office last July, the Government has been focused on delivering meaningful change for victims and survivors impacted by these horrendous crimes. We have continued to engage with many stakeholders and stand ready to meet and have met with MPs who have an interest in these important issues.

We have been clear that local authorities, who are responsible for delivering local services, are best placed to commission local inquiries. And we stand ready to support as we can. That is why the Home Secretary announced to Parliament on the 6th and 16th January 2025 a range of measures, including stronger national backing for local inquiries.

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is operationally independent from the Home Office and works directly with police forces to process disclosure applications.

Overall, police performance remains strong: the DBS sends approximately 3 million checks each year to the 52 police forces and law enforcement agencies commissioned to carry out checks on DBS's behalf. The DBS regularly published updates on performance for their enhanced checks. Thelatest data set can be found here: DBS dataset 1: DBS checks, the DBS Update Service, and disputes - GOV.UK

A small number of forces are currently experiencing delays in completing checks. The DBS supports police forces by funding additional staff to handle increases in volumes of checks where necessary, and funding overtime. Police forces with capacity are also helping other forces with outstanding cases, where shared IT platforms allow.

The Home Office will be guided by decisions made under the Animal Welfare Act regarding any consideration as to whether decapod crustaceans are regulated under the Animals (Scientific Procures) Act.

The Home Office does not require additional advice from the Animals in Science Committee at this stage.

The first duty of the Government is to keep the country safe, and we are committed to responding to foreign interference, including those actions which amount to transnational repression. We continually assess potential threats in the UK, and take protection of individuals' rights, freedoms, and safety very seriously. Any attempt by any foreign state to intimidate, harass or harm individuals in the UK will not be tolerated.

We have a broad suite of powers available to counter this threat, and we continue to implement measures in the National Security Act 2023, which make the UK a harder target for those states which seek to conduct hostile acts.

The Defending Democracy Taskforce is reviewing the UK's existing response to transnational repression to ensure it is robust and joined across Government and law enforcement. Anyone who thinks they might be a victim should report incidents or suspicious activity to the Police via 101, a local police station, or 999 in emergencies.

Tackling illicit finance in the Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories, as well as the UK, is a priority for the UK Government. Publicly accessible beneficial ownership registers are a critical tool for tackling illicit finance. Access to accurate information on who ultimately controls a company is also vital for the enforcement of sanctions and for combating kleptocracy, tax evasion and corruption.

The Crown Dependencies are separate, self-governing jurisdictions responsible for their own domestic affairs, including financial services regulation. The Home Office continues to work closely with the Crown Dependencies on this agenda and welcomes their commitments for greater corporate transparency. The Crown Dependencies have committed to increase the transparency of their beneficial ownership registers and are working towards implementing access to those with legitimate interest, including media and civil society. I have written to the Crown Dependencies requesting that legitimate interest access should be delivered to a clear and reasonable timetable, with the maximum degree of access and transparency.

The UK Government is committed to tackling illicit finance and expects implementing legitimate interest access is an interim step to publicly accessible beneficial ownership registers and I look forward to meeting with the Crown Dependencies to discuss this agenda.

His Majesty's Government has committed to resetting the UK’s relationship with the EU. As set out in the Government’s manifesto, this includes seeking a new security agreement with the EU on access to real-time intelligence sharing. Having left the Schengen Information System following the UK’s departure from the EU, the UK now uses INTERPOL to exchange real time alerts with EU countries, as well as the rest of the world.

We are rolling out the International Law Enforcement Alerts Platform (I-LEAP) to frontline UK law enforcement and border officers to provide real-time access to INTERPOL nominal data, stolen-lost travel documents and stolen motor vehicles; phase 2 of I-LEAP will strengthen alert-sharing capabilities with international partners.

The information requested by the Hon Member is not currently held by the Department but we are committed to improving the collection and publication of data in this area, as confirmed by the Home Secretary in her statements to Parliament on the 6th and 16th January. That important work is in train and further details will be confirmed in due course.

The information requested by the Hon Member is not currently held by the Department but we are committed to improving the collection and publication of data in this area, as confirmed by the Home Secretary in her statements to Parliament on the 6th and 16th January. That important work is in train and further details will be confirmed in due course.

The information requested by the Hon Member is not currently held by the Department but we are committed to improving the collection and publication of data in this area, as confirmed by the Home Secretary in her statements to Parliament on the 6th and 16th January. That important work is in train and further details will be confirmed in due course.

The information requested by the Hon Member is not currently held by the Department but we are committed to improving the collection and publication of data in this area, as confirmed by the Home Secretary in her statements to Parliament on the 6th and 16th January. That important work is in train and further details will be confirmed in due course.