Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between James Duddridge and Amber Rudd

Monday 20th November 2017 Commons Chamber

[Amber Rudd]

I assure the hon. Gentleman that we will always make sure that police forces have the resources they need.

[James Duddridge (Rochford and Southend East) (Con)]

Sadly, children as young as 14 are dealing drugs in Southend. What can we do to protect those vulnerable individuals, but also to punish those who coerce vulnerable children into such pursuits?

[Amber Rudd]

It is a combination of enforcement and early intervention—enforcement because that sort of illegal abuse of children is wholly unacceptable and we need make sure that we stop it, but we also need to make sure that children do not fall victim to words that might be said to them that might lead them to fall into the trap of using drugs.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between James Duddridge and Amber Rudd

Monday 3rd July 2017 Commons Chamber

[Amber Rudd]

My hon. Friend is right. Where there is a strong business case and collaboration can improve outcomes and save money, which can then be used for the frontline, it should be encouraged. I welcome the good work that she has been doing with Matthew Ellis to deliver just that.

[James Duddridge]

Roger Hirst, the Essex police and crime commissioner, has moved himself and his staff into fire HQ, saving £1.5 million, and has identified a further £23 million of potential savings in governance. What more can be done to encourage such excellent work in Essex and across the country?

[Amber Rudd]

I thank my hon. Friend for giving me another great example of the sort of collaboration that we are trying to encourage to improve outcomes and save money that can be used on the frontline. I congratulate him on his good work with his PCC, Roger Hirst, and wish them well in that new endeavour.