Oral Answers to Questions

Andrew Jones Excerpts

Monday 23rd March 2020 Commons Chamber

[James Cartlidge (South Suffolk) (Con)]

12. What steps her Department is taking to dismantle the operations of county lines drugs gangs.

[Andrew Jones (Harrogate and Knaresborough) (Con)]

18. What steps her Department is taking to dismantle the operations of county lines drugs gangs.

[Sally-Ann Hart (Hastings and Rye) (Con)]

19. What steps her Department is taking to dismantle the operations of county lines drugs gangs.

--- Later in debate ---

[Priti Patel]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. It is important that we recognise the nature of the vulnerability of young people and children. It is a fact that, throughout this crisis, children are not at school. They could therefore become prey to gangs and are, equally, more vulnerable, so we are working with the police to make sure that greater work takes place on protecting young people. We are doing the same with local authorities, but the public need to do much more as well. It is a collective duty of the state to protect our children and make sure that they are safeguarded. Right now across Government, with covid-19 taking place, we are absolutely determined to make sure that we safeguard children, protect vulnerable children and ensure that more kids do not become vulnerable to county lines drugs gangs.

[Andrew Jones]

It is very good to hear about the Government’s robust approach to tackling county lines. The issue of dealing around schools, including even at school gates, has been raised with me by anxious teachers and parents over the past year. Will my right hon. Friend ensure that when schools reopen, her focus will be on making sure that they do so safely for all those attending?

[Priti Patel]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. This is about protecting children, including vulnerable children, but it is also about safeguarding. Everyone has a duty and a responsibility when it comes to safeguarding children. When schools finally reopen, they will play a very important role in making sure that children are protected, that they get back into education and on a stable footing, and that they will not be susceptible and vulnerable to these types of criminal activities.