Debates between Angela Eagle and Robert Buckland during the 2019-2024 Parliament

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Angela Eagle and Robert Buckland
Tuesday 14th September 2021

(3 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Angela Eagle Portrait Dame Angela Eagle (Wallasey) (Lab)
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Surely any beating crime plan worth its name should include fraud. Ministers must be aware that a person is more likely to be victim of fraud than of any other crime, yet according to the Home Affairs Committee, a mere 3% of cases reported to Action Fraud even result in a charge or a summons, let alone a conviction. The system is failing and failing badly. When are Ministers going to do something about it?

Robert Buckland Portrait Robert Buckland
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Well, we are. The announcement of a replacement of the Action Fraud system was made some time ago. That represents just the sharp end of the Government’s response to this growing issue. I can assure the hon. Member that the work that goes on with colleagues in the Home Office on fighting economic crime more generally and fraud is sustained. It involves work with the private sector, particularly the financial services industry, to help to design out fraud. So this is an end-to-end approach, and I can assure her that the work continues apace.