Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to take steps to allow police forces to increase the use of stop and search without suspicion.

Stop and search is a vital tool which enables police to tackle crime and keep the public safe. The Government supports the lawful and appropriate use of these powers.

Where serious violence has occurred or is anticipated, senior officers may authorise the use of stop and search of any individual or vehicle for weapons, with or without reasonable suspicion. These authorisations are limited to a particular area for a specific period of time, usually no longer than 24 hours.

In the year to March 2025, there was a 5% increase in the use of these powers (under section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994), compared to the previous year.