Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Home Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Julian Lewis Excerpts
Monday 15th September 2025

(3 weeks, 6 days ago)

Commons Chamber
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Shabana Mahmood Portrait Shabana Mahmood
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The neighbourhood policing guarantee is absolutely critical to dealing with the issues that my hon. Friend raises and to raising confidence more generally. The guarantee will ensure that all areas, including her constituency, will have a named, dedicated officer, guaranteed patrols and reliable response times, and will give communities absolute clarity about local policing priorities.

Julian Lewis Portrait Sir Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con)
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How can persistent shoplifters be deterred if short sentences are abolished?

Shabana Mahmood Portrait Shabana Mahmood
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The right hon. Gentleman is asking me a question relating to my previous brief, but he will be pleased to know that I expect the new Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor to set out proposals for dealing with prolific shoplifters in particular, based on some of the conversations and exchanges he and I have had. I know it is a big problem, but the Government will have a response to tackle the scourge of prolific shoplifting.