Asked by: Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the number of illegal immigrants residing in the UK.
Answered by Lord Hanson of Flint - Minister of State (Home Office)
By its very nature, it is not possible to know the exact number of people living in the UK illegally, or produce official estimates of that illegal population. In June 2019, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) published a note on ‘measuring illegal migration’, which can be found here: Measuring illegal migration: our current view - Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk).
Asked by: Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Home Office Introducing Public Health Measures Impact Assessment 2019, published on 4 July 2019, which found that the Cardiff Model for violence reduction would cut the costs of violence by £858 million over 10 years if five per cent of Community Service Partnerships implemented it, what plans they have to extend its use throughout (1) England, and (2) Wales.
Answered by Lord Sharpe of Epsom - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
The Cardiff Model is a multi-agency approach to violence prevention that relies on the strategic use of information and data from health and law enforcement services to improve policing and community violence prevention initiatives. The Government recognises the benefits of using the Cardiff Model to tackle serious violence and have adopted the approach across a number of policies and projects.
For example, the Serious Violence Duty will commence on the 31st January 2023 and will be rolled out across England and Wales. Introduced through the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, the Serious Violence Duty will require a range of specified authorities, such as the police, local government, youth offending teams, health and probation services, to work collaboratively, sharing data and information to analyse the local problem, and put in place a strategy to prevent and reduce serious violence within their local communities, through existing partnership structures where possible.
The proactive sharing of data between health and law enforcement, as set out in the Cardiff Model, has also been adopted and built upon by our Violence Reduction Units (VRUs) who also seek to incorporate data from wider multi-agency partners to generate new insights into violent crime trends and drivers. As of this financial year, we now have 20 VRUs operating in the 20 police force areas worst affected by serious violence. Effective data sharing is a key priority for VRUs, and the Home Office closely monitors progress against this.
The Government also encourages all Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs) to meet the expectation to work with local hospitals to implement the sharing of appropriate health data to tackle serious violence, as detailed in the 2018 Serious Violence Strategy for England and Wales.
Asked by: Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what percentage of Community Safety Partnerships in England and Wales are using the Cardiff Model (A&E) data to identify serious violence hotspots; whether they have plans to extend the usage of this data; and what is the timetable for that extension.
Answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford - Shadow Chief Whip (Lords)
This government recognises the benefits of using the Cardiff Model to identify serious violence hotspots. That is why we continue to encourage all Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs) to meet the expectation to work with local hospitals to implement the sharing of appropriate health data to tackle serious violence, as detailed in the 2018 Serious Violence Strategy for England and Wales. At this time, data on the percentage of CSPs using this model is not held centrally.
Asked by: Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the additional resources required to implement the provisions of the Domestic Violence Bill; and by when they expect to provide those resources.
Answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford - Shadow Chief Whip (Lords)
The Department is currently focused on securing the successful passage of the landmark domestic abuse bill. The bill will achieve better support and protection for victims of domestic abuse and their children and bring more perpetrators to justice.
We have acquired additional resource to begin bill implementation planning. Whilst it is anticipated that further resource will be needed after Royal Assent, our final assessment on requirements will be made once debate on the bill has been completed.
Asked by: Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government, following the findings of the report by NHS Health Scotland Evaluating the impacts of minimum unit pricing for alcohol on the alcoholic drinks industry in Scotland, published on 2 October 2019, what plans they have to introduce a minimum unit price for alcohol in England.
Answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford - Shadow Chief Whip (Lords)
Minimum Unit Price (MUP) has been in place in Scotland for less than two years and the Scottish Parliament will not consider its extension until 2024. A decision on its introduction in England is for the future.
Asked by: Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have any plans to produce an alcohol strategy.
Answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford - Shadow Chief Whip (Lords)
Although alcohol consumption has fallen in recent years, the harms associated with alcohol remain too high. The Government remains committed to reducing alcohol-related harms and continues to deliver actions from our Modern Crime Prevention Strategy which identified alcohol as a driver of crime.
The 2016 UK Chief Medical Officers low risk drinking guidelines provide the public with the most up to date scientific information to help people make informed decisions about their own drinking. The Government continues to keep alcohol policy under review.
Asked by: Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to prevent powdered alcohol being mixed with soft drinks and consumed in places such as at football matches where consuming alcohol is presently prohibited.
Answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford - Shadow Chief Whip (Lords)
Alcohol is defined in the Licensing Act 2003 as “spirits, wine, beer, cider or any other fermented, distilled or spiritous liquor”. A provision in the Policing and Crime Bill will amend the definition of alcohol in the 2003 Act to include alcohol “in any state”. This will provide legal clarity that the sale of powdered and vaporised alcohol must be regulated under the 2003 Act in the same way as other forms of alcohol.
An impact assessment entitled powdered and vaporised alcohol has been published on gov.uk under the provisions in the Policing and Crime Bill: firearms and alcohol licensing.
As far as the Government is aware, powdered alcohol is not yet on sale in the UK or elsewhere, including online, or that there are any plans to sell it in the UK. Vaporised alcohol is sold in a few licensed premises as a novelty product, but the Government is not aware of it being sold without a licence.
Members of the public are protected from the effects of irresponsible alcohol sales through regulation under the 2003 Act. Regulation focuses on the prevention of harmful sales while retaining the benefits of responsible sales. The Act contains a number of criminal offences relating to the sale and supply of alcohol, including the offence of selling alcohol to a child under the age of 18. Licence holders must comply with the age verification requirements under the 2003 Act, including when alcohol is sold online.
Consultation on bringing powdered and vaporised alcohol into the definition of alcohol was undertaken via workshops in summer 2015, which were attended by industry partners such as the British Beer and Pub Association, Association of Convenience Stores, Wine and Spirits Trade Association, and Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers. These partners were in agreement that the legal position should be put beyond doubt.
The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc) Act 1985 prohibits the possession of alcohol when entering designated sports grounds and from areas where the event may be directly viewed. This includes, for example, entry into football stadia and within sight of the football pitch. The amendment to the definition of alcohol in the 2003 Act will carry over into this Act, so the possession of powdered alcohol will become an offence in these circumstances. Preventing people from taking alcohol, in any form, into football matches or similar places where alcohol is prohibited is a safety and security matter for the venues themselves.
Asked by: Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to prevent the sale of powdered and vaporised alcohol to children and under 18-year olds, especially online.
Answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford - Shadow Chief Whip (Lords)
Alcohol is defined in the Licensing Act 2003 as “spirits, wine, beer, cider or any other fermented, distilled or spiritous liquor”. A provision in the Policing and Crime Bill will amend the definition of alcohol in the 2003 Act to include alcohol “in any state”. This will provide legal clarity that the sale of powdered and vaporised alcohol must be regulated under the 2003 Act in the same way as other forms of alcohol.
An impact assessment entitled powdered and vaporised alcohol has been published on gov.uk under the provisions in the Policing and Crime Bill: firearms and alcohol licensing.
As far as the Government is aware, powdered alcohol is not yet on sale in the UK or elsewhere, including online, or that there are any plans to sell it in the UK. Vaporised alcohol is sold in a few licensed premises as a novelty product, but the Government is not aware of it being sold without a licence.
Members of the public are protected from the effects of irresponsible alcohol sales through regulation under the 2003 Act. Regulation focuses on the prevention of harmful sales while retaining the benefits of responsible sales. The Act contains a number of criminal offences relating to the sale and supply of alcohol, including the offence of selling alcohol to a child under the age of 18. Licence holders must comply with the age verification requirements under the 2003 Act, including when alcohol is sold online.
Consultation on bringing powdered and vaporised alcohol into the definition of alcohol was undertaken via workshops in summer 2015, which were attended by industry partners such as the British Beer and Pub Association, Association of Convenience Stores, Wine and Spirits Trade Association, and Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers. These partners were in agreement that the legal position should be put beyond doubt.
The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc) Act 1985 prohibits the possession of alcohol when entering designated sports grounds and from areas where the event may be directly viewed. This includes, for example, entry into football stadia and within sight of the football pitch. The amendment to the definition of alcohol in the 2003 Act will carry over into this Act, so the possession of powdered alcohol will become an offence in these circumstances. Preventing people from taking alcohol, in any form, into football matches or similar places where alcohol is prohibited is a safety and security matter for the venues themselves.
Asked by: Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have had discussions with the alcohol, tobacco and food industries about the licensing for sale of powdered and vaporised alcohol.
Answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford - Shadow Chief Whip (Lords)
Alcohol is defined in the Licensing Act 2003 as “spirits, wine, beer, cider or any other fermented, distilled or spiritous liquor”. A provision in the Policing and Crime Bill will amend the definition of alcohol in the 2003 Act to include alcohol “in any state”. This will provide legal clarity that the sale of powdered and vaporised alcohol must be regulated under the 2003 Act in the same way as other forms of alcohol.
An impact assessment entitled powdered and vaporised alcohol has been published on gov.uk under the provisions in the Policing and Crime Bill: firearms and alcohol licensing.
As far as the Government is aware, powdered alcohol is not yet on sale in the UK or elsewhere, including online, or that there are any plans to sell it in the UK. Vaporised alcohol is sold in a few licensed premises as a novelty product, but the Government is not aware of it being sold without a licence.
Members of the public are protected from the effects of irresponsible alcohol sales through regulation under the 2003 Act. Regulation focuses on the prevention of harmful sales while retaining the benefits of responsible sales. The Act contains a number of criminal offences relating to the sale and supply of alcohol, including the offence of selling alcohol to a child under the age of 18. Licence holders must comply with the age verification requirements under the 2003 Act, including when alcohol is sold online.
Consultation on bringing powdered and vaporised alcohol into the definition of alcohol was undertaken via workshops in summer 2015, which were attended by industry partners such as the British Beer and Pub Association, Association of Convenience Stores, Wine and Spirits Trade Association, and Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers. These partners were in agreement that the legal position should be put beyond doubt.
The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc) Act 1985 prohibits the possession of alcohol when entering designated sports grounds and from areas where the event may be directly viewed. This includes, for example, entry into football stadia and within sight of the football pitch. The amendment to the definition of alcohol in the 2003 Act will carry over into this Act, so the possession of powdered alcohol will become an offence in these circumstances. Preventing people from taking alcohol, in any form, into football matches or similar places where alcohol is prohibited is a safety and security matter for the venues themselves.
Asked by: Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the public benefit accruing from licensing the sale of powdered and vaporised alcohol.
Answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford - Shadow Chief Whip (Lords)
Alcohol is defined in the Licensing Act 2003 as “spirits, wine, beer, cider or any other fermented, distilled or spiritous liquor”. A provision in the Policing and Crime Bill will amend the definition of alcohol in the 2003 Act to include alcohol “in any state”. This will provide legal clarity that the sale of powdered and vaporised alcohol must be regulated under the 2003 Act in the same way as other forms of alcohol.
An impact assessment entitled powdered and vaporised alcohol has been published on gov.uk under the provisions in the Policing and Crime Bill: firearms and alcohol licensing.
As far as the Government is aware, powdered alcohol is not yet on sale in the UK or elsewhere, including online, or that there are any plans to sell it in the UK. Vaporised alcohol is sold in a few licensed premises as a novelty product, but the Government is not aware of it being sold without a licence.
Members of the public are protected from the effects of irresponsible alcohol sales through regulation under the 2003 Act. Regulation focuses on the prevention of harmful sales while retaining the benefits of responsible sales. The Act contains a number of criminal offences relating to the sale and supply of alcohol, including the offence of selling alcohol to a child under the age of 18. Licence holders must comply with the age verification requirements under the 2003 Act, including when alcohol is sold online.
Consultation on bringing powdered and vaporised alcohol into the definition of alcohol was undertaken via workshops in summer 2015, which were attended by industry partners such as the British Beer and Pub Association, Association of Convenience Stores, Wine and Spirits Trade Association, and Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers. These partners were in agreement that the legal position should be put beyond doubt.
The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc) Act 1985 prohibits the possession of alcohol when entering designated sports grounds and from areas where the event may be directly viewed. This includes, for example, entry into football stadia and within sight of the football pitch. The amendment to the definition of alcohol in the 2003 Act will carry over into this Act, so the possession of powdered alcohol will become an offence in these circumstances. Preventing people from taking alcohol, in any form, into football matches or similar places where alcohol is prohibited is a safety and security matter for the venues themselves.