Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, following recent moped-related snatch crimes and acid attacks, they intend to introduce special measures to tackle those crimes.

In July 2017, the Home Secretary announced an action plan to tackle the use of acid and other corrosives substances in violent attacks. The action plan is based on four key strands: ensuring effective support for victims and survivors; effective policing; ensuring that relevant legislation is understood and consistently applied; and working with retailers to restrict access to acids and other harmful corrosive substances.

We are also consulting on new legislative proposals on new offences in respect of selling the most harmful corrosive substances to under 18s and possession of a corrosive substance in a public place.

On moped related crime, the Government is working with motorcycle and insurance industry leaders, the police, the Local Government Association, charities and representatives from the motorcycle riding community to identify a set of actions so that more can be done to prevent these crimes. This work sits alongside the review we have announced into the law, guidance and practice in relation to police pursuits and response driving.

Officials have met representatives from Uber and UberEats to discuss this issue. We have ensured they are in contact with the Metropolitan Police Service so that they are aware of these concerns and to discuss what practical advice can be provided to their couriers and drivers.