Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the means by which police forces are enforcing the lockdown, particularly in regard to police on horseback questioning people in parks; what representations they have received about the behaviour of the police when carrying out such enforcement; and what guidance they have provided to police to ensure adherence with Government guidelines.

Our police forces face unprecedented challenges as they play the critical role of maintaining public order during this public health emergency.?The police response has and will follow the four-step escalation principles – engaging, explaining, encouraging, and then enforcing as a last resort.

I welcome the conclusions of the Home Affairs Select Committee report on police preparedness, which was published on 17 April. The report concluded that the overall police response to the current crisis has been proportionate and effective.

We have and will continue to work closely with our policing partners to ensure there is clear guidance to officers on any changes to the Health Protection Regulations and the powers available to them.