Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Ben Goldsborough and Diana Johnson

Monday 29th July 2024 Commons Chamber

[Ben Goldsborough (South Norfolk) (Lab)]

T8. Under the Conservatives, rural crime rocketed by 22%, costing our economy an estimated £49.5 million—those are National Farmers Union figures, so hon. Members can question the NFU if they are not convinced. What action will the Minister take to ensure that this Tory mess is sorted and that our country lanes are protected from crimes such as heating oil theft, machinery theft and livestock theft?

[Dame Diana Johnson]

The Government recognise the importance of tackling rural crime. We are committed to safeguarding rural communities with tougher measures to clamp down on antisocial behaviour and strengthen neighbourhood policing and stronger laws to prevent farm theft and fly-tipping. The national rural crime unit provides police forces with specialist operational support in respect of the theft of farming or construction machinery, livestock theft, fly-tipping, fuel theft and equine crime.