Oral Answers to Questions

Gill German Excerpts

Monday 13th July 2026 Commons Chamber

[Harpreet Uppal (Huddersfield) (Lab)]

20. What assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of the high streets organised crime unit.

[Gill German (Clwyd North) (Lab)]

22. What assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of the high streets organised crime unit.

[The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Shabana Mahmood)]

Last year saw over 3,000 illegitimate premises raided and nearly 1,000 arrests, and I have provided £30 million of additional funding over the next three years to go even further. As a result, thousands more businesses will be raided, hundreds of people will be arrested and millions in cash will be seized as part of a permanent national crackdown.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Speaker]

I call Harpreet Uppal—not here.

[Gill German]

Many seaside towns, like Rhyl and Colwyn Bay in my Clwyd North constituency, are working really hard to regenerate their high streets and attract investment. Can the Home Secretary confirm that the high streets organised crime unit will ensure that coastal towns facing issues with organised criminal activity receive the same support as larger urban centres?

[Shabana Mahmood]

Let me very clearly offer my hon. Friend that reassurance. The nationwide crackdown, which is led by the National Crime Agency, will involve enforcement activity across the country, including in coastal areas like hers. Enhanced funding is currently available for all police forces to bid for, via the National Crime Agency, and I would encourage her to make sure that her force is involved.