Paul Davies
Main Page: Paul Davies (Labour - Colne Valley)Department Debates - View all Paul Davies's debates with the Leader of the House
(6 days, 8 hours ago)
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Lucy Powell
I join my hon. Friend in noting the importance of this matter. Local print newspapers, as well as online media, are vital to sharing factual, correct information about what is happening in our communities in an age of social media, misinformation and disinformation, which we have seen time and again recently. The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport is very committed to these issues, and I will ensure that my hon. Friend and the House are updated.
Paul Davies (Colne Valley) (Lab)
Rural communities often feel neglected when it comes to crime. House of Commons Library research shows a 32% rise in rural crime since 2011, compared with 24% in urban areas. That includes 130,000 more reported offences, and 30,000 additional cases of criminal damage and arson. Those figures highlight—[Interruption.] I will come to the question, Mr Speaker.
Paul Davies
May I ask the Leader of the House for a debate on rural crime in Government time?
Lucy Powell
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this important topic. Tackling rural crime is really important to the Government, and we are committed to safeguarding our rural communities. Were he to apply for a debate on the subject, I think it would be very popular.