Tag: Home Office

The press release issued by the Home Office on 1 June 2026.

A new Support Hub has launched delivering tailored, trauma-informed care for victims and survivors of terrorism.

Victims and survivors of terrorism will receive around the clock support to help them navigate recovery through a dedicated Support Hub, which opens on 1 June.

The hub will provide specialist, trauma-informed support for anyone affected by a terrorist incident, ensuring victims can access the help they need at any stage of their recovery.

Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, said:

For too long, victims and survivors of terrorism have had to navigate complicated and fragmented support services. I am pleased to say that ends today with the launch of our new Support Hub.

It will offer a simpler, more joined-up approach for those rebuilding their lives after an attack – providing a single point of contact for timely emotional and practical support, dedicated caseworkers and personalised support plans.

Delivered in partnership, Victim Support will work with the Peace Collective and West London NHS Trust to bring together leading expertise into one coordinated service.

Together, they will combine clinical expertise and practical assistance to deliver a coordinated service tailored to the needs of victims and survivors – bringing dedicated caseworkers, personalised support and specialist provision for children and young people together into one place.

Katie Kempen, Chief Executive at Victim Support, said:  

The horror of experiencing a terror attack is far-reaching and can have a devastating impact on victims, survivors and their families. The road to recovery can be a long and complicated one. Being able to access the right help at the right time can make a huge difference.    

We are proud to be working in partnership to deliver specialist trauma-informed support services – including immediate emotional reassurance, practical help, specialist psychological support, and longer-term recovery assistance – to anyone who needs it.

Delivering on a government commitment, the new Support Hub will operate 24/7 and will assign each victim and survivor a single point of contact for tailored, trauma-informed support.

Victims and survivors can access the Support Hub via the website or by phone, ensuring support is available quickly and simply when it is needed.

Dedicated caseworkers will coordinate services and build personalised support plans, with specially trained caseworkers involved to work with children and young people.

Where needed, the hub will also provide specialist mental health assessments and psychological support via the National Psychology Service for Victims and Survivors of Terror at West London NHS Trust.

Cheryl Stollery, wife of the late John Stollery – Sousse, Tunisia, said:

Since surviving the Sousse, Tunisia terrorist attack on 26 June 2015, in which my husband John was killed, I have lived with the profound trauma, grief and challenges it brought to my family. Learning to survive such an attack is beyond belief; the aftermath is different for everyone and often too complex to manage alone, especially where incidents occur overseas.

Since 2015, I have campaigned for improved, centralised support and championed the survivor voice. Today, I welcome the new victim and survivors Support Hub, which will provide tailored support, clear guidance and renewed hope for those affected.

Travis Frain OBE, survivor of the Westminster Bridge attack, said:

Following a terrorist attack, one of the hardest challenges for many victims is navigating how to access support. From medical care to compensation and the legal system, there is no clear structure and victims are passed from pillar to post whilst their condition worsens, and society moves on.

Terrorism seeks to shatter our confidence in the government’s ability to keep us safe, and if we don’t properly support those affected, we risk doing the terrorists’ job for them. The Support Hub is an important step forward, and we stand ready to support, and – where required – scrutinise its work.

William Roberts – Victims and Survivors Service Manager, Peace Collective, said:

We are very proud to be part of this new partnership with Victim Support and West London NHS Trust. We know that people will need different kinds of support at different points in their lives, and often many years after their experience. The Support Hub is an important step in making support more coordinated, accessible and responsive to those changing needs over time.

West London NHS Trust Chief Executive, Maria O’Brien, said: 

It’s vital that victims and survivors of terrorist attacks get the support they need and the launch of this pioneering Support Hub makes that a reality.  

West London NHS Trust has a strong track record of providing specialist mental health support to those managing the long-term impact of a terrorist attack and other major incidents in London, and we’re proud to bring this expertise nationally so that more people get the help they deserve.

Tom Clementi, Pool Re CEO, said:

We know only too well that terrorism has devastating consequences, affecting not only the victims but also disrupting and undermining confidence within the wider community and across the UK.

As a country we must be prepared should there be an incident, and that means being primed to support those impacted in its aftermath. Pool Re is proud to be part of this launch, which will provide the crucial care to those who need it most.

The launch of the Support Hub comes just over 2 months out from the nation coming together on 21 August to mark the UK’s very first national day for victims and survivors of terrorism.

The day will honour those whose lives have been tragically cut short as a result of terrorism and recognise those whose lives have been forever changed. It will provide an opportunity for remembrance, reflection and a moment of solidarity across the country.

Victims, survivors and all members of the public are encouraged to observe the national day in a way which is meaningful to them. This may be in their homes, with loved ones, or together in their local communities.

The Home Office will host a hybrid inaugural event to mark the first national day.

The event will be an intimate commemoration, bringing together a small cross‑section of the victim and survivor community, alongside government representatives.

Invitations are being issued for the event in central London, with a livestream of the commemoration available to anyone wishing to participate. Further details will be shared in due course.

The delivery of the new Support Hub and national day for victims and survivors of terrorism follows campaigning from victims and survivors for better recognition and the government’s commitment to improve support available to them – ensuring their voices are heard and that they receive the support they need to rebuild their lives.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 20 May 2026.

Knife robberies have fallen by 21% as government action takes effect.

Knife robberies have fallen sharply in major cities thanks to joint government and police action to tackle one of the most harmful forms of violence and make communities safe.

New Home Office data shows that robberies involving a knife in the 7 highest volume areas are now more than a fifth lower (21%) than they were in June 2024. Offences fell from 15,918 in summer 2024 to 12,633 by March 2026, meaning thousands fewer people experiencing the fear and financial impact of this violent crime.

The continuing fall follows a period when knife robberies were rising. Since 2024, the new focused national leadership and close partnership with policing have turned the tide. The results, published at the start of Knife Crime Awareness Week, demonstrate the impact of innovation, collaboration and focusing on proven-to work tactics, that has come out of the Home Office‑led Knife‑Enabled Robbery Group.

The group, set up in October 2024, brings together the Metropolitan, Greater Manchester, West Midlands, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Avon and Somerset and British Transport police forces to work together on tackling the issue. It has helped forces make better use of intelligence and analysis to spot crime patterns early, strengthen investigations by improving how technology such as CCTV is used to identify suspects and build stronger cases. It has also tightened offender management by targeting repeat and high‑harm offenders in hotspot areas and keeping closer grip on performance and outcomes.

Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones said:

These results show what can be achieved when we bring a clear focus and relentless grip to tackling knife crime, working hand in hand with the police and our frontline and grassroots partners.

I know knife robbery has a devastating impact on victims and communities, so sustained reductions like this matter because they mean fewer people at risk of harm. 

I am determined to build on this progress as part of this government’s mission to halve knife crime, combining tough enforcement with early intervention and prevention to protect young people and keep communities safe.

Every police force involved has recorded sustained reductions. The largest percentage falls were seen in West Midlands Police and British Transport Police, both down by 39%, alongside a 17% reduction in the Metropolitan Police. Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, Avon and Somerset and South Yorkshire have also seen decreases, ranging from 10% to 21%.

As part of their ongoing efforts, Greater Manchester Police this month launched its new City of Manchester robbery team with dedicated officers targeting knife robberies and offenders in the heart of the city. Part of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, officers will provide a visible deterrent, proactively targeting offenders and offences when they occur.

Force lead for robbery at Greater Manchester Police, Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley said:

Knife-enabled robbery is a crime that causes untold and lasting harm to its victims. In addition to the impact on the victims themselves these offences often happen in open and public spaces, and so affect feelings of safety in the local community.

Within GMP, we are committed to the role of effective neighbourhood policing in providing public reassurance, preventing these offences and responding efficiently when they do.

As part of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee the force has invested in the creation of a new City of Manchester robbery team who will be tackling all aspects of robbery, including knife-enabled robbery. These frontline officers will provide a visible deterrent, proactively target offenders and when offences do occur, they will provide a best standard of initial investigation to maximise opportunities to bring offenders to justice.

We are proud to support the government’s ambition to reduce knife-enabled robbery and to be part to the Home Office taskforce set up to achieve this goal. Through the taskforce we are able to increase knowledge, share best practice and test new ideas to keep our communities safe.

The reductions are part of a wider and sustained downward trend in knife crime. Recent figures show a 27% fall in knife‑related homicides, alongside an overall reduction in knife crime in England and Wales. 63,611 knives have also been removed from the streets through police seizures, surrender schemes and border interventions. Together, these indicators show real progress in reducing the most serious harm and keeping communities safer.

This targeted action is one example of the government’s broader response to knife crime. The latest results and the week of intensified police activity follow the publication of ‘protecting lives, building hope: a plan to halve knife crime’, which brings together action across government, policing and local partners to drive progress and end the cycle of knife crime. The plan sets out a long‑term approach combining tough enforcement with prevention, early intervention and community‑led solutions, as part of the government’s mission to halve knife crime over the next decade.

Knife Crime Awareness Week is a national week of action and engagement led by organisations including the Ben Kinsella Trust. The week shines a spotlight on the devastating impact of knife crime, while highlighting the action being taken across government, policing and communities to prevent violence, protect young people and save lives.

Patrick Green, CEO of the Ben Kinsella Trust and member of the government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime said:

These figures show that coordinated national leadership from the government, and targeted policing, are making a tangible difference, with thousands fewer knife robberies than just 2 years ago. It’s important to recognise that behind every reduction is a life spared the fear, harm or long-lasting impact of violence.

However, Knife Crime Awareness Week highlights that real, lasting change depends on all of us. We cannot rely on enforcement alone; we must continue to prioritise prevention, work closely with young people, and ensure they feel supported, informed and empowered to make safe decisions long before they ever feel pressure to carry a knife.

The week also sees a wave of activity across England and Wales for Operation Sceptre, with intensified action from forces up and down the country to tackle knife crime by taking dangerous weapons off the streets and preventing violence before it happens. Led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), the week will see forces carry out targeted enforcement alongside community engagement, including weapons sweeps, test-purchase operations to stop illegal knife sales, knife surrender activity and work in schools and neighbourhoods.

Commander Stephen Clayman, NPCC lead for knife crime and Head of the National Knife Crime Centre, said:

The impact of knife crime on individuals, families and communities is truly devastating and long lasting.

While the causes and drivers of knife crime are complex, early intervention and putting in place measures to tackle the root causes are essential and this is a key focus of our work in the newly launched National Knife Crime Centre.

Reducing knife crime remains a priority and policing plays a pivotal role in enforcement activity, but we can’t do it alone. By working together with our partners and supporting communities we know that we can be more effective, responsive and take steps to prevent young people carrying knives.

Officers and staff work tirelessly every day to tackle knife crime and this week, Sceptre highlights the many activities policing undertakes to keep our communities safe.

Delivering on its plan, and building on these results, the Home Office will continue to work closely with policing partners to build on this progress, expand what works and keep the pressure on knife crime – driving down violence now, while building a safer future for the next generation.

Pooja Kanda, founder of Justice for Ronan Kanda, and member of the government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime said:

It is encouraging to see knife-enabled robberies down by 21% across key hotspot areas, and over 63,000 knives removed from our streets since July 2024. We must remember that behind every statistic is a real child, a real family and a community affected by violence. These reductions show that working in partnership together, targeted policing and stronger prevention measures can make a real difference when action is sustained and coordinated.

Knife Crime Awareness Week is not only about recognising progress, but about maintaining momentum. Through stronger laws such as Ronan’s Law, better education, earlier intervention and continued accountability around how weapons are sold, we can help protect future generations. The recent reduction in knife-related homicides is positive, but one young life lost is still one too many, and we must continue working together to build safer communities and lasting change.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 19 May 2026.

The Home Office has announced £100 million to fight child sex offences and protect victims and survivors, including £38 million for Operation Beaconport.

A historic £100 million will drive a crackdown on child sexual abuse, including tracking down vile grooming gang members, protecting victims and bringing offenders to justice. Perpetrators who thought they got away with horrific grooming gang offences will be held to account as closed cases are reopened.

Operation Beaconport will receive a tenfold cash injection, building on the £4 million the operation received when it launched last autumn. £38 million has been set aside for the National Crime Agency (NCA) and operational partners to reopen and investigate cases and put more offenders behind bars. It is focused on furthering critical work to protect victims wherever abuse takes place – in our communities, families, online and institutions.

Police forces in England and Wales will also have greater access to pioneering artificial intelligence (AI) technology to weed out and bring predators to justice more rapidly. To support this, the Tackling Organised Exploitation Programme, led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), will receive £9.3 million this year.

This includes a suite of advanced, AI-enabled intelligence tools, ensuring all forces, regardless of size or local resources, can use cutting-edge technology to pursue offenders faster and better safeguard victims.

This enables officers to analyse large datasets, translate foreign-language material in seconds, and identify patterns and relationships between suspects. By reducing manual processes and unifying access to proven tools, the programme focuses on accelerating investigations and creates a more consistent, intelligence-led national response.

£11.7 million will also back the Undercover Child Abuse Online Network, which targets predators in the darkest corners of the internet and stops abuse before it happens. The network tracks and identifies offenders, intervenes early and drives arrests and prosecutions. Their work helped safeguard 1,748 children between April 2024 and 2025, with 1,797 arrests also made.

Today’s funding sits alongside the Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs, which seeks to root out past failures wherever they occurred. It is laser‑focused on grooming gangs and will explicitly examine the role of ethnicity, religion and culture of the offenders and the response of institutions.

Shabana Mahmood, Home Secretary, said:

The grooming gangs scandal is one of the darkest moments in our country’s history – where the most vulnerable people were abused and exploited at the hands of evil child rapists.

There will be no hiding place for the predatory monsters who committed unimaginable crimes of child sexual abuse and exploitation. We will track down these vile rapists and put them behind bars.

Last year, the police delivered record levels of enforcement – with 10,693 prosecutions and 8,681 convictions for child sexual offences. This investment increase means forces can take this vital work even further, reach more victims and stop more offenders in their tracks.

A further £8.9 million will go towards a key part of the NCA’s work targeting the highest-risk offenders like Jamie Beckett who was sentenced to 23 years after he sexually abused 7 vulnerable children by offering cash for medical appointments in exchange for indecent images.

NCA investigators were able to bring him to justice through an investigation which traced complex digital and financial trails. Increased NCA funding will enable even faster and stronger investigations to bring more high‑harm predators like Beckett to justice.

NCA Director of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Investigations Jav Oomer said:

We welcome the continued Home Office funding to support the NCA’s vital work in tackling the highest harm offenders, whether they operate in our communities or online, and will use the full force of our capabilities to protect children.

We continue to see the increasing complexity and severity of CSA offending, with offenders becoming more technologically sophisticated, but also producing more severe and more sadistic material.

NCA co-ordinated efforts across UK policing result in almost 1,000 arrests and 1,200 children being safeguarded each and every month.

Adult survivors who, as children, experienced sexual abuse will also be supported through £3.2 million of funding to help rebuild their lives through the National Support for Adult Survivors.

The grooming gangs scandal is one of the darkest moments in this country’s history, where the most vulnerable were abused at the hands of evil child rapists and let down by a system meant to protect them.

That is why part of the Operation Beaconport funding will strengthen how police forces investigate these crimes, ensuring a consistent response wherever abuse is reported and better, trauma‑informed support for victims.

The remaining spend will be spread across a series of vital work through law enforcement and partner agencies to address child sexual exploitation and violence against women and girls.

Chief Constable Becky Riggs, National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Child Protection and Abuse Investigation said:

Protecting children and young people and supporting all victims and survivors of abuse and exploitation must be at the heart of everything we do. This investment is a significant step forward in ensuring that anyone who has experienced these crimes is met with a response that is compassionate, consistent and trauma informed.

No single agency can tackle child abuse and exploitation alone. The strength of this approach lies in the way policing and law enforcement are working together with partners across government and specialist services to build a truly whole-system response.

By bringing together expertise, intelligence, and support services, we are better equipped to prevent harm, safeguard victims and survivors, and pursue those responsible for these crimes in all their forms.

The additional investment in advanced technology, through the Tackling Organised Exploitation Programme, will transform the pace at which we can identify and disrupt offenders. By enabling us to analyse large volumes of digital material more quickly and effectively, we can act faster to protect those at risk and bring perpetrators to justice sooner.

Above all, this funding helps ensure that all victims and survivors are seen, heard, and supported – whether their experiences are recent or non‑recent, online or offline. It strengthens our collective ability to respond with care, consistency, and determination, as we continue to improve how we disrupt these devastating crimes.

Gabrielle Shaw, Chief Executive, National Association for People Abused in Childhood, said:

This funding is a positive and necessary step towards improving the national response to child sexual abuse and exploitation. Meaningful investment in preventing abuse and supporting survivors is essential if victims and survivors are to receive the protection, care and justice they deserve.

As a thematic co-lead for victim and survivor engagement within the CSE taskforce, NAPAC is heartened by the collaborative approach that government, policing and the third sector are taking to deliver better outcomes for survivors. There is still a long way to go, but progress is being made at a national level.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 19 May 2026.

Organised crime gangs will be hit with raids, shop closures, and cash seizures in a £30 million crackdown on dodgy high street shops.

Organised crime gangs operating across Britain’s high streets will be hit with a major police offensive in a new nationwide crackdown on dodgy shops.

Rogue barber shops, vape stores, mini-marts and sweet shops linked to organised crime will face raids, closures and cash seizures under a new £30 million crackdown targeting money laundering, tax evasion, and illegal working over 3 years.

£20 million of funding will go towards an enhanced law enforcement response, including establishing a new multi-agency co-ordination cell based out of the National Crime Agency (NCA).

Police officers will also be uplifted across forces in hotspot regions. Altogether, 75 new police officers will be recruited across the NCA, Greater Manchester Police, West Midlands Police and a joint Kent Police and Essex Police Unit, to build intelligence at a national level and increase the number of dedicated officers tackling organised crime on the ground.

Trading Standards will also be backed with £6 million in new funding to bolster the response to sham businesses in at-risk local authorities. New officer training will be rolled out to identify suspicious businesses, strengthen business compliance, and boost enforcement.

A new High Street Organised Crime Unit has also been established to bring together government departments, policing partners, and Trading Standards. Together, the additional funding and new unit builds on strong enforcement action such as Operation Machinize, to boost the national and local response to targeting criminal networks operating in plain sight on Britain’s high streets.

Overseen by the Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, the unit will be responsible for identifying what more is needed – from stronger powers to better co-ordination – to stop this criminal activity from happening in the first place.

A rapid review of local responders’ powers is underway to explore how these can be strengthened, starting with a consultation on extending the duration of closure orders, where appropriate, to shut criminal businesses down for longer.

Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said:

Criminal gangs have exploited our high streets to launder their dirty money and undercut honest businesses.

We are hitting back with a nationwide crackdown to shut these fronts down, seize dirty cash and drive organised crime off our high streets and put bosses behind bars.

It comes as the NCA estimate at least £12 billion of criminal cash is generated in the UK each year, with £1 billion laundered through high street businesses like mini-marts, barber shops, vape stores and sweet shops. Some businesses are also connected to the sale of fake goods, tax evasion, illegal working, and illegal drug supply.

Thousands of businesses are expected to be raided, hundreds of arrests made and millions in cash seized as a national intensification campaign will be put on permanent footing annually to drive co-ordinated enforcement across the country.

Sal Melki, Deputy Director of Illicit Finance at the National Crime Agency, said: 

For the past 18 months, the NCA, in conjunction with policing partners, has led Operation Machinize, the largest operation against economic crime on our high streets. By bringing together policing, HMRC, Immigration Enforcement, Trading Standards, and other partners in a co-ordinated approach, over 950 people have been arrested and over £10 million worth of criminal value seized.

This criminal activity makes our communities less safe and less prosperous. It undermines legitimate business, deprives public services of tax revenues, and fuels a range of predicate offences such as the drugs trade, illicit goods, trafficking, and organised immigration crime.

We will not stop and having the support of the High Street Organised Crime Unit to grow the Machinize partnership will enable us to target and disrupt more high harm offenders. The HSOCU will be key to a whole of government response, where enforcement action is backed up with the laws, policies and powers required at all levels to get this criminal element out of our high streets.

Lord Bichard, Chair, National Trading Standards, said:

Organised high street crime, including the illegal sale of tobacco and counterfeit goods, is damaging communities across the country. These criminal networks undercut honest businesses, draw money away from local economies and expose consumers to unregulated and potentially unsafe products. They are also often linked to wider offending, including money laundering, exploitation, and violence.

The creation of a new High Street Organised Crime Unit will help drive a co-ordinated national response while strengthening local enforcement capability through additional support and funding for Trading Standards, police and partner agencies on the ground, who will work together to disrupt organised offenders, protect the public and support honest businesses that play by the rules.

The latest Operation Machinize in November saw 2,734 premises visited and raided, 924 individuals arrested, over £13 million of suspected criminal proceeds seized or restrained, and more than £2.7 million worth of illicit commodities destroyed. It builds on the £300 million in criminal assets recovered by law enforcement last year, with money invested back to the front lines to support agencies leading the fight against crime.

The new National Police Service will go further by bringing together the National Crime Agency, Counter Terrorism Policing, and regional organised crime units’ capabilities to strengthen the response to serious and organised crime.

Deputy Commissioner Nik Adams, City of London Police and National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Financial Investigation and Asset Recovery, said:

Our high streets should be places where legitimate businesses can grow, not places where organised criminals hide behind shopfronts.

This task force will harness the efforts of the National Crime Agency, national economic crime leads, local community policing, specialist officers and partners to target the businesses being used to launder criminal money, recover criminal assets and protect legitimate traders.

Operation Machinize has shown that the most effective response comes when neighbourhood officers, financial investigators and national agencies work as one team. Local officers understand their communities and can identify suspicious activity, while financial investigators, the City of London Police as national lead force, and the NCA help connect that activity to the organised crime groups and the money flows behind it.

The message to organised criminals is clear. If criminal cash is being pushed through high street businesses, policing and our partners will act. Through the High Street Organised Crime Unit, we will use intelligence, asset recovery and financial investigation to turn local disruption into lasting national impact.

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said:

The new High Street Organised Crime Unit will be welcome news for people across the country. Illegitimate businesses and retail theft are major issues and too often linked to criminal gang activity. Stolen goods are commonly funnelled through illicit supply chains and resold through unscrupulous businesses, helping fund further criminality. This harms businesses, puts colleagues at risk, and pushes up prices for honest shoppers.

Tackling it requires prioritisation from police and government, and co-ordination and intelligence sharing between retailers, law enforcement, and local partners. We look forward to working together to deliver real progress.

Association of Convenience Stores Chief Executive Ed Woodall said:

Local shops tell us that rogue traders on high streets are causing massive damage to their businesses and the wider community, so we strongly welcome this Government action to back responsible retailers and crack down on the organised crime gangs that are fuelling the illicit trade.

John Herriman, Chief Executive of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, (CTSI), said:

CTSI welcomes the introduction of the High Street Organised Crime Unit, which will bring together partner agencies – including Trading Standards – to tackle organised criminality on our high streets. The proliferation of so called “dodgy shops” puts consumers at significant risk and undermines the legitimate businesses who drive economic growth across the UK. The new unit will bring a much-needed focus to help clamp down on a blight on our high streets and communities.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 15 May 2026.

Access to UK eGates expanding to children aged 8 and 9 years.

Up to 1.5 million more children will soon be able to use UK eGates, speeding up journeys for them and their families this summer.

Children aged 8 and 9 years, who are at least 120cm (3ft 11in) tall and accompanied by an adult will become eligible under plans announced today (14 May 2026).

The age limit change will help families returning from their holidays with young children.

Millions of passengers already use UK eGates each year.

Based on 2025 UK arrival figures, an estimated 1.5 million more children will be eligible to pass through eGates with their families over the next year as a result of the age change.

And there won’t be long for families to wait.

The expanded access is set to begin from Wednesday 8 July 2026, covering more than 290 eGates in UK and juxtaposed ports (where border checks take place in Europe).

Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp said:

Travel with young children can be stressful for parents.    

By expanding eGate access, more families can experience a swifter and smoother journey home – freeing up precious time this summer holiday season. 

We are delivering continued improvement to the passenger experience, while keeping our borders safe and secure.

Border Force Director General, Phil Douglas said:

eGates are an essential part of keeping our border secure.

Expanding access for families will deliver safe, smooth journeys whilst freeing up highly-skilled officers to focus on intercepting those who pose a threat to the UK.

Karen Dee, Chief executive of AirportsUK, the trade body for UK airports, said:

This is a welcome development as it will give more families the ability to take advantage of this technology, speeding up the border process and reducing waiting times for many.

Airports work very hard with border authorities to ensure the UK’s front door is both secure and welcoming, with those coming home and visiting enjoying a smooth experience.

 Patricia Yates, chief executive of Visit Britain said:

We want to provide a world-class experience for the millions of visitors who travel here every year.

Expanding eGate access boosts our competitive tourism offer and our message of welcome, inspiring even more visitors and families to book a trip to Britain this summer and beyond.

Using an eGate typically takes just minutes.

And with more people using eGates, this should also reduce queue times for those going through passport control.

The announcement is the latest step in UK border transformation, delivering smooth journeys for passengers and protecting border security.

As of February, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme has been enforced, providing a fuller picture of those seeking to come to the UK.

Almost 25 million (24.8 million) ETAs have been issued since their introduction. The ETA scheme takes us one step closer to a contactless border.

Contactless border will see state‑of‑the‑art facial comparison technology verify identity, rather than needing to present a passport. This is all whilst keeping our country’s borders secure.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 11 May 2026.

Football fans are being urged to guard against scams when buying match tickets for the upcoming FIFA World Cup – which kicks off next month – as newly-released data from Lloyds reveals football ticket scams increased over a third (36%) during the current Premier League football season. 

Which teams and fixtures do fraudsters target most?

The findings, based on thousands of scam cases between October 2025 and March 2026, show fraudsters focus heavily on popular teams such as Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United. Scammers also repeatedly target supporters looking for tickets to some of the most in‑demand football matches in the UK, such as the FA Cup Final and Champions League Final.

With the World Cup, hosted in the USA, Canada and Mexico, set to be the most spectated football event, it’s anticipated that fraudsters will target the big-name fixtures and attempt to exploit international demand.

How much are victims losing?

On average victims lost £215 during the current Premier League football season, but some fans paid hundreds or even thousands of pounds for ‘season tickets’ or VIP seats that never existed. Hopeful football fans are expected to pay much more for expensive World Cup tickets, meaning the potential loss for victims could be devastating – especially for those forking out on extra costs to travel across the pond.

The government and Lloyds are teaming up once again to highlight the issue to football supporters, as part of the Stop! Think Fraud campaign. Led by the Home Office and supported by partners across law enforcement, banking, tech, retail and the charity sector, the campaign empowers individuals and small businesses with the tools and knowledge they need to protect themselves from fraud.

Lord Hanson, Minister for Fraud, said:

As excitement builds for the World Cup, fraudsters are preparing to exploit loyal fans searching for tickets. I urge all football supporters hunting for tickets to Stop! Think Fraud and show fraudsters the red card. Only buy directly from FIFA or the FIFA Resale Marketplace. Missing out on a big match is disappointing, but becoming a victim to a scam makes it even harder to bear.

Our new fraud strategy sets out how we will use every tool at our disposal to disrupt and dismantle criminal operations, bring fraudsters to justice and strengthen support for victims.

Liz Ziegler, Fraud Prevention Director, Lloyds said:

Fraudsters thrive on urgency and target fans looking for hard‑to‑get tickets for big‑name fixtures. Most of the football ticket scams we see start on social media – especially Facebook and Instagram – before the criminal moves the buyer onto WhatsApp and insists on a bank transfer to pay. It’s incredibly convincing, and we don’t want fans to lose their money trying to support their team. We’re urging supporters to stay alert and stick to official ticketing channels.

How football ticket scams work

Most football ticket scams begin on social media. Criminals advertise a spare ticket, then shift the conversation to WhatsApp, where victims are pushed to make a bank transfer. Once the money is sent, the scammer blocks the buyer and disappears.

World Cup warning: scammers will use the same tactics

With the 2026 Men’s World Cup just one month away, Lloyds and the Home Office are taking action to protect fans by highlighting how criminals will try to exploit the excitement.

Scammers know demand will be huge and will mimic the methods seen in club‑level scams: fake listings on social media, pressure to act quickly and requests for bank transfers. Fraudsters move quickly, creating fake waiting lists, counterfeit QR codes or bogus “pre‑release” offers to lure people in.

Practical advice: Liz Ziegler’s tip for avoiding football ticket scams

Take your time

If you’re offered tickets for a match that’s in high demand, don’t let the fear of missing out make you rush your decision. Stop, think, and check if the offer is genuine.

Be careful with social media adverts, especially on marketplace platforms

If you see a last-minute ticket post on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, pause to consider whether it’s legitimate. Do some research and consult family or friends before proceeding.

Don’t pay by bank transfer

Genuine ticket retailers never ask for payment by bank transfer, but fraudsters do as it’s fast and hard to trace. Treat requests for bank transfers as a major warning sign, especially if the account details do not match the seller’s name.

Be wary of “too good to be true” offers

Derbies, European fixtures, and World Cup matches are magnets for scammers promising tickets that no one else can supply. If an offer seems unrealistic, it probably is.

Use official club channels or authorised sellers

For major events like the World Cup, only trust the tournament’s official ticketing platforms or club-approved sellers to ensure your purchase is safe. Don’t forget that artificial intelligence (AI) can help criminals to create professional content. Just because it has a good layout and graphics, doesn’t mean it is legitimate.

Be cautious of pressure tactics

Be cautious of classic pressure phrases like “lots of interest”, “I’ll send the QR code after payment”, or “I need to sell right now”. Scammers often use urgency to push you into making hasty decisions.

Report Fraud

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of fraud is encouraged to report it to Report Fraud at www.reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Case study

Robert Paterson, 39, Barber shop owner, Edinburgh.

Like any passionate Scotland supporter, I’m over the moon we’ve qualified for the World Cup for the first time in nearly 20 years. I’ve been on the hunt for tickets, particularly for the Brazil game. I’ve spent time on various platforms like X and Facebook in the hope of securing seats but am always nervous of what’s real and what could be a scam.

I own a popular chain of barber shops ‘Rag and Bone’, so have been swapping tips and stories with lots of clients in the barber’s chair who have also been looking for legitimate tickets.

In the process, I’ve definitely come across a number of suspected fake or questionable listings, with many tickets appearing either massively overpriced or outright dodgy, especially on Facebook. It definitely takes a bit of the excitement out of buying tickets when you’re having to worry if it’s real or not.

Earlier this year the government launched a new Fraud Strategy to tackle the UK’s most commonly experienced crime by strengthening partnerships across sectors, disrupting criminal operations and delivering better support for victims. This includes a £31 million investment for a new Online Crime Centre, combining the data, expertise and capabilities of the police, GCHQ, banks, telecommunications and tech firms to shut down the avenues that fraudsters exploit, wherever in the world they might be.    

About the Stop! Think Fraud campaign 

Stop! Think Fraud is the UK government’s national campaign to help people protect themselves from scams. Led by the Home Office and supported by partners across law enforcement, banking, tech, retail and the charity sector, the campaign empowers individuals and small businesses with the tools and knowledge they need to protect themselves. 

Launched in 2024, Stop! Think Fraud provides practical advice on how to spot the signs of fraud, secure personal information, and take action if targeted. The campaign encourages everyone to take a moment to stop, think and check before responding to suspicious messages or offers – because anyone can be a victim of fraud. 

By raising awareness and promoting simple, effective steps to stay safe, Stop! Think Fraud is building a national movement to disrupt fraudsters and protect communities across the UK. 

For more information visit: Stop! Think Fraud – How to stay safe from scams 

Methodology

Football ticket scam data

Figures based on analysis of relevant purchase scams (football tickets) reported by Lloyds Banking Group customers between October 2025 and March 2026, with comparisons made to data from October 2024 and March 2025.

Ticket scam data

Figures based on analysis of relevant purchase scams (tickets) reported by Lloyds Banking Group customers between October 2025 and March 2026.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 30 April 2026.

National Threat Level increased to SEVERE following Golders Green attack and increasing threat of Islamist and Extreme Right Wing terrorism in the UK.

The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) has today (30 April 2026) raised the UK National Threat Level from SUBSTANTIAL, meaning an attack is likely, to SEVERE, meaning an attack is highly likely in the next six months.  

The increase in threat comes following yesterday’s stabbing in Golders Green in North London, but it is not solely a result of that attack. The terrorist threat level in the UK has been rising for some time, driven by an increase in the broader Islamist and Extreme Right Wing terrorist threat from individuals and small groups based in the UK.

While the UK National Threat Level set independently by JTAC reflects the terrorist threat in the UK, it comes against a backdrop of increased state-linked physical threats which is encouraging acts of violence, including against the Jewish community. 

This is an independent, systematic, and rigorous process, based on the very latest intelligence and analysis of internal and external factors which drive the threat.

Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said:

Yesterday’s abhorrent, antisemitic attack was a vile act of terrorism.  

My thoughts today remain with the victims, and with the whole Jewish community at a time of deep disquiet and fear.  

My deepest thanks go to the volunteers and emergency services, a number of whom I met today. Their actions saved lives and they are, and forever will be, heroes.  

Today, the national threat level has increased to “severe”, which means a terrorist attack is considered highly likely.  

I know this will be a source of concern to many, particularly amongst our Jewish community, who have suffered so much.  

The Government has today announced a significant increase in investment to protect our Jewish communities, with record funding for policing and security at synagogues, schools and community centres. And we will do everything in our power to rid society of the evil of antisemitism.  

As the threat level rises, I urge everyone to be vigilant as they go about their daily lives, and report any concerns they have to the police.  

And I can assure everyone that our world-class security services and the police are working day and night to keep our country safe.

The UK was last at SEVERE in November 2021, following the Liverpool Women’s Hospital bombing and murder of Sir David Amess, before being lowered to SUBSTANTIAL in February 2022. 

In light of yesterday’s attack and a spate of vile antisemitic arson attacks in London, the Government is investing an additional £25 million funding to protect Jewish communities against horrific antisemitic attacks.  

This brings the total funding to £58 million this year – the largest investment a government has made in protecting Jewish communities in history. This funding will go towards increasing police presence and patrols in communities, as well as added protective security in synagogues, schools, and community centres. 

 It will also be invested into the expansion of Project Servator, putting specialist and plain-clothes officers in the community who are trained to spot suspicious activity and identify individuals preparing to commit serious crimes. 

Legislation will also be fast tracked in the coming weeks to clamp down on individuals and groups carrying out hostile activity for foreign states, including those who act as their proxies. 
 
The Home Secretary will be given new proscription-like powers to ban the activities of state-backed organisations who pose a threat to the UK’s national security. It will give police and intelligence agencies stronger tools under the National Security Act to disrupt the activities of anyone acting on behalf of state-backed organisations.

More information about how the threat levels is set and what it means can be found by visiting the Security Service webpage.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 30 April 2026.

Biggest crime-fighting shake up in decades as police gain new powers to tackle local crime as the landmark Crime and Policing Bill receives Royal Assent.

Community policing will finally have the powers it needs to effectively tackle local issues as the landmark Crime and Policing Act becomes law.

For too long, community policing has been continuously downgraded, lacking the resources and powers it needs to properly protect the communities it serves.

Today, the government has delivered a series of vital measures to tackle the whole spectrum of criminality.

New powers for police and the wider criminal justice system will help realise this government’s mission to restore confidence in policing and to tackle the epidemic of serious violence and violence against women and girls.

Minister for Crime and Policing Sarah Jones said:

This is the biggest overhaul of our crime‑fighting powers in a generation. It puts policing back on the side of the public and gives officers the tools they need to tackle the problems people see on their streets every day.

From banning repeat offenders from town centres and protecting shop workers, to cracking down on exploitative gangs and strengthening victims’ rights, this Bill is about restoring order and rebuilding confidence.

Our message is clear: If you spread fear, exploit the vulnerable or fuel violence, the law will catch up with you.

The Crime and Policing Act has over 70 measures including tougher police powers to crackdown on antisocial behaviour and retail crime by:

• introducing respect orders to enable the police to ban repeat offenders from town centres and other locations
• removing the requirement for police to issue a prior warning before seizing any vehicle used in an anti-social manner
• ending the outdated treatment of theft under the value of £200 as a summary-only offence so perpetrators can be punished properly
• introducing a bespoke offence for assaulting a retail worker with a possible sentence of six months in prison

These new measures will be underpinned by the government’s neighbourhood policing guarantee to deliver an additional 13,000 neighbourhood officers by the end of this parliament.

To tackle the epidemic of online stalking and to protect children and vulnerable adults from harm:

• helping police manage online stalkers and protect victims through new ‘Right to Know’ guidance on disclosing the identity of an online stalker to victims at the earliest opportunity
• more powers for courts to impose stalking protection orders directly when a defendant is convicted or acquitted, to keep perpetrators away from victims and prevent further harm
• there will be a standalone offence of child criminal exploitation with a penalty of up to 10 years’ imprisonment and accompanying orders which will allow courts to intervene early to prevent children from being harmed
• the act introduces a new criminal offence of cuckooing (home takeover for illegal activity) with a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment
• it is also introducing a new offence for internal concealment of drugs and other specified items including forcing individuals to hide items inside their bodies

The act has also introduced further laws around the sale of knives online as the government aims to halve knife crime in a decade:

• tech bosses will have personal criminal liability for failing to act on illegal knife and weapons content on their platforms resulting in a total fine of up to £70,000 for each offence
• there will be a mandatory two-step verification for online knife purchases at both point of sale and delivery using photographic ID
• retailers are legally required to report any bulk purchases of bladed articles made online, to tackle organised crime
• there is a new offence of possession of a knife with intent to cause unlawful violence with a sentence of up to seven years in prison

This government has already delivered over 3,000 neighbourhood officers, launched a national centre for tackling knife crime and deployed the largest crackdown on violence against women and girls in British history.

With the Crime and Policing Act now law, those efforts will go further and faster, delivering safer streets and stronger communities across England and Wales.

John Hayward-Cripps, Chief Executive of Neighbourhood Watch said:  

The nature of crime has changed considerably, and major police reform is needed to keep pace. Greater focus on and investment in police capacity, particularly neighbourhood policing, has been needed for a long time.  

People want to feel safe and to have greater trust in law enforcement. So it is reassuring for our members and the wider public to see that the government is listening to these concerns and is willing to act.

Neil Basu QPM former head of Counter Terrorism Policing said: 

I welcome the Crime and Policing Act as a serious and necessary step in keeping order on our streets and giving the police the powers they need to tackle modern crime. 

Measures such as stronger action against prolific offenders, better protection for shop workers, and a renewed focus on neighbourhood safety are not only justified, but overdue. 

The act reflects the reality that crime has changed. From organised fraud to technology-enabled theft, law enforcement must be equipped to act quickly and effectively if it is to keep pace. 

Professor Emmeline Taylor, Professor of Criminology at City St George’s, University of London said: 

This is a welcome and important step forward from the government in tackling the harms that most affect everyday life. Alongside stronger action on antisocial behaviour, theft and violence, it also recognises the serious impact of stalking, child exploitation and the abuse of vulnerable people. With effective enforcement and sustained neighbourhood policing, these reforms have the potential to make a real difference.

Ryan Wain, Senior Director at the Tony Blair Institute, said: 

These new measures are a welcome signal that government is taking not just crime, but its impact on Brits, seriously. Last week’s crime statistics showed, thankfully, there’s been a decrease in serious crimes including homicide, knife crime, and robbery under this government. 

But we know there’s often a difference between the statistics and what people feel. And what people feel is scared. The communities they want to take pride in are vandalised. Antisocial behaviour is a given. Phones are gripped tighter as we walk down the street.

By bringing power back to our local police, today’s measures should protect our town centres and our community. Britain doesn’t just need to be told that crime is being tackled, it needs to see it, and it needs to feel it.

Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, said: 

This Crime and Policing Act is a crucial step in addressing the growing challenges facing our town and city centres, particularly at night. Antisocial behaviour and repeat offending have placed significant strain on venues, workers, and public safety.

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BRC, said: 

The new Crime and Policing Act is a long-overdue turning point in the fight against retail crime. With 1,600 incidents of violence and abuse every single day and 5.5 million thefts a year, the extraordinary levels of retail crime cannot be accepted as simply part of the job.  

The BRC, alongside others, have campaigned relentlessly for these changes. Stronger laws on assault and theft will send a clear warning to would-be offenders, but laws alone won’t keep retail workers safe. What matters now is consistent, visible police enforcement so colleagues can genuinely feel safe and protected at work. 

Harvinder Saimbhi, CEO of ASBHelp said: 

As the national charity supporting victims of anti-social behaviour, we welcome the dual approach respect orders bring, tackling both the harmful behaviour and the underlying causes, whilst also offering the potential for safer communities and better long-term outcomes for victims. We look forward to working with government on their implementation, at both a local and national level.

Rebecca Bryant, CEO of Resolve said: 

Resolve welcomes the government’s continued focus on tackling anti‑social behaviour and strengthening neighbourhood policing. Our members see every day the impact that persistent ASB, exploitation and serious violence have on victims and communities, and it is vital that frontline practitioners have the tools, powers and support they need to respond effectively. 

The measures set out in the Crime and Policing Act represent a significant shift in the national approach. Powers such as respect orders, strengthened vehicle‑seizure provisions and new offences relating to exploitation and cuckooing have the potential to improve outcomes for victims when used confidently and proportionately as part of a wider problem‑solving approach.

A spokesperson for Samsung said: 

Samsung is committed to continuing to work closely with both the Home Office and Met Police on tackling the issue of phone theft in the UK. We are supportive of the new phone theft search measures included in the Crime and Policing Act.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: 

RAC data shows a quarter of drivers have suffered some form of vehicle crime, so the government’s move to make the possession and distribution of tech designed to steal cars illegal is very welcome.  

Currently, the number of cars being stolen far outstrips the number of people convicted of committing the offence, and it’s so often the case that signal jammers and signal amplifiers are used to do this right outside owners’ homes. We hope this law change will reduce the number of vehicles stolen so fewer people have to go through this traumatic experience.

Edmund King, AA president, said:

Strengthening the penalties for thieves caught carrying signal jammers is an important measure from the government which is widely supported. Too many cars are stolen to order and literally ‘gone in 60 seconds’ by crooks using signal jammers. 

While ‘smash and grab’ car crime has declined, those using modern techniques has increased, so it is right that the law keeps pace. It could also help bring down insurance premiums as every claim for a stolen vehicle adds pounds to everyone’s premiums.

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BRC, said: 

The BRC has long advocated for these additional protections, which send a clear message that violent and abusive behaviour, as well as theft will not be tolerated. Retail crime has escalated since the pandemic, with our latest survey showing 1,600 incidents of violence and abuse every single day, alongside 5.5m shoplifting offences last year. 

Retailers have been playing their part, spending £5bn over the past five years on crime prevention measures. Government has now taken action, so now it is now essential that the police make full use of this new legislation to step up their response to such incidents.  

By working together, we can achieve better outcomes that support and protect all our hardworking colleagues.

Association of Convenience Stores chief executive Ed Woodall said: 

The Crime and Policing Act marks a turning point in the way that shop theft and abuse will be treated by the justice system. Convenience retailers and shopworkers can feel more confident that action will be taken against prolific shop thieves as the government enshrines in law tougher penalties for attacks on shopworkers and clarity on how shop theft will be dealt with in courts.  

These new powers need to be backed by local police forces on the ground and the wider justice system sending a clear message that when shop theft incidents are reported, police will respond and justice will be served to break the awful cycle of reoffending that causes significant damage to communities.

Paul Gerrard, Director of Campaigns, Public Affairs and Policy, Co-op, said:  

Shopworkers have had to tolerate unacceptable levels of theft, abuse and violence for far too long, and it’s not right. Local shops are an anchor in communities, and that is why Co-op, my colleagues and our members spoke-up, often when others wouldn’t, to say criminal behaviour, violence and abuse ‘should not be part of the job’. The tide of criminality can be turned, we saw crime levels reducing in the Co-op by more than 20% in 2025. But this is just the start.  

As we continue to invest significantly in wide-ranging safety and security measures, forge successful partnerships with local police forces and see a significant increase in police attendance, this landmark Act from the government has the power to drive further sustained change, and we all must seize this opportunity and continue to do all we can to protect local community stores, and those that work in them.

Kari Rodgers, UK Retail Director at Primark:  

Primark welcomes the government’s Crime and Policing Act becoming law. This is a significant and positive step forward for the retail sector and shows what can be achieved through strong collaboration between government and retailers. 

Making assault against a retail worker a specific offence sends a clear signal that violence and abuse will not be tolerated, while removing the effective £200 threshold for shoplifting ensures every offence is taken seriously. Together, these measures will help protect hardworking colleagues, improve the shopping experience for customers and support the long-term future of our high streets and town centres as vital hubs of employment, economic activity and community life.  

We look forward to continuing to work with government, the police, fellow retailers and others to support their effective implementation.

Hetal Patel, National President of the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) said:

Retail crime, including violence, theft and harassment, remains a deep concern for our members.  

Theft is traumatic for shopkeepers and a social blight but also imposes a series of direct and indirect economic costs for shops in lost stock and expensive security measures, which undermine their financial viability.  

For these reasons, the Fed has campaigned long and hard for measures like the removal of the £200 threshold and the introduction of a standalone offence of assaulting a shopworker.  

We welcome the government’s active approach in this area and the measures outlined in the Act. More broadly, we will continue to call for more active intervention from Community Policing teams so that this issue is taken more seriously and that shoplifting is not seen as a victimless crime.

Nick McDonnell – Auror VP Global Trust & Safety and Law Enforcement Partnerships, said:  

The Crime and Policing Act is an important step towards creating safer stores and high streets across the UK. This is about recognising that retail crime is not just about shoplifting – it’s also about the violence, threats and intimidation directed at vulnerable frontline colleagues every day. We know through retailer reporting in Auror that 10 per cent of offenders are responsible for up to 70 per cent of retail crime, while those repeat offenders are also four times more likely to be violent, and this new Act will be part of the solution to hold those repeat offenders to account.  

It’s now up to the retail sector, law enforcement and government to support the effective reporting of retail crime, information sharing and collaboration to surface the scale of the issue so we can stop violent and organised crime in its tracks. Auror is proud to support that collaboration across the UK and through further government leadership like this Act, we’ll see safer stores for millions of frontline colleagues and the communities they serve. 

Currys COO Lindsay Haselhurst said:  

The Crime & Policing Act is an important step towards tackling retail crime and will make a real difference to our store colleagues.  It’s particularly welcome that assaulting a retail worker will now be treated as a standalone offence. No one should face the threat of violence for simply doing their job, and treating these offences properly will help protect our colleagues and send a clear message that this kind of behaviour isn’t acceptable. 

Ending the outdated approach to theft under £200 is another welcome change. Shop theft is not a victimless crime, so it’s great to see that perpetrators can no longer act with impunity.

Ken Murphy, Tesco Group Chief Executive, said: 

The Crime and Policing Act is a significant piece of legislation and we are pleased that the government engaged with retailers and listened to the experiences of our store colleagues in dealing with retail crime.

No one should feel unsafe at work, and we’ve invested tens of millions of pounds over the last four years on a range of security measures to keep people safe. We strongly welcome the government introducing a standalone offence for assaulting a retail worker and hope it will make a real difference in improving the safety of our high streets.

Dal Babu, former Chief Superintendent at the Metropolitan Police, said:   

The new Crime and Police Act is a piece of legislation that I welcome. It will help police to deal with the emerging problems of some demonstrators masking up to use anonymity to attack police and deliberately disrespect memorials to the dead. 

Although the majority of protestors are law abiding a hard core from across the political spectrum attend marches masked up, with pyrotechnics designed to attack police and oppositions. The new legislation will help deal with this worrying trend.

Ian Morrison, Director of Policy and Evidence at Historic England said:  

Our war memorials are important for keeping parts of our national story from being forgotten and the government’s Crime and Policing Act will help protect the stories these memorials help to tell. 

Patrick Green, CEO of The Ben Kinsella Trust and member of the government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime said:  

The Crime and Policing Act is a major step forward from this government because it brings our knife crime laws up to date with the online world young people are growing up in. By tightening online sales, strengthening age verification, criminalising possession with intent to cause harm and improving enforcement, it closes dangerous loopholes that have existed for far too long. These changes will help prevent serious violence and better protect children and young people.

Pooja Kanda, member of the government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime said:  

I lost my innocent son three years ago to knife crime he was murdered with a ninja sword obtained online. Since then, my family and I have campaigned for stricter laws to protect youths from obtaining weapons online and stricter age verifications.  

The Crime and Policing Act is a big step forward, and I’m grateful the government has listened to our relentless campaigning and introduced what we now call Ronan’s Law. This law will close loopholes and introduce a vital level of safety that was missing. By passing this legislation, they have taken a crucial step towards protecting lives.

Pastor Lorraine Jones Burrell MBE, CEO of Dwaynamics and member of the government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime said: 

I welcome the progression of the Crime and Policing Act and the strengthened measures being introduced. From my lived experience of losing my son to knife crime, and through my daily work supporting young people and families impacted by violence, I know just how critical it is that we take firm and decisive action. 

The tougher penalties around knife possession, sales, and intent send a clear message and the focus on tackling child criminal exploitation is both necessary and long overdue.

However, laws alone cannot solve this. It takes partnership, prevention, and sustained support on the ground all of which this government is pioneering with passion and determination to make happen.

Martin Cosser, CEO of Charlie’s Promise, father of Charlie Cosser and member of the Government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime said: 

We are encouraged to see meaningful and positive progress through the government’s introduction of the Crime and Policing Act, which represents one of the most significant steps forward in tackling serious violence in recent decades. 

At Charlie’s Promise, we work every day with young people, families and communities affected by knife crime. We know first-hand the devastating and far-reaching impact it has. Measures such as stronger action on illegal knife content online, a new offence for child criminal exploitation, and increased powers to address anti-social behaviour are all important and welcome developments. 

In particular, holding technology companies to greater account is long overdue. The online space plays a critical role in shaping behaviour, and it is vital that those who enable harmful content are held responsible. 

While legislation alone cannot solve this complex issue, it is a crucial step in the right direction. What matters now is effective implementation, proper resourcing, and continued collaboration between government, policing, charities, and communities focusing on the route causes and early intervention. 

We remain committed to working alongside all partners to ensure these changes translate into real, lasting impact, keeping young people safe and preventing other families from experiencing the unimaginable loss that we have endured.” 

Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza said:  

Too many children have had their lives ruined by criminal exploitation – forced to do terrible things, receiving criminal sentences, or even losing their lives. Some are themselves treated as adults, facing punishment instead of support, because of prejudice among professionals towards them.  

Their voices are often ignored and overlooked, meaning missed opportunities to prevent abuses against them, and the harm they cause to victims of the crimes they are forced to commit.  

This new offence will give much-needed clarity that exploited children are victims of abuse, and I am grateful the government has accepted it must apply equally to all children.

Daniel Morris, Assistant Director of Young People and Families at Catch22, says: 

The introduction of child criminal exploitation (CCE) as a specific criminal offence is an incredibly positive step forward in recognising the horrific impact of this form of child abuse. 

People who exploit children must be prosecuted  for the unimaginable lasting harm they cause, and the new CCE offence rightly acknowledges the seriousness of grooming and exploitation for criminal gain. Proper safeguarding of child victims is key, and Catch22 will continue to work with the Home Office to ensure statutory guidance puts this into practice.  

To further draw a line under the criminal exploitation of children, we must now see investment into specialist support for its victims to address the long-term impact and mental scars it leaves.

Kathy Betteridge, Director of Anti‑Trafficking and Modern Slavery for The Salvation Army, said: 

We welcome measures in the Crime and Policing Act to prevent and tackle child criminal exploitation at the earliest possible stage. For many of the adult survivors of modern slavery we support, exploitation began when they were children. When this continues unchecked for years, the trauma is deeper and the road to recovery can be far more complex.  

The creation of a standalone offence of “cuckooing” is also an important step forward. Many people we support have experienced their homes being taken over through coercion and control but have struggled to have this recognised as criminal exploitation. This offence will help close that gap and strengthen protection for those at risk.” 

Protecting vulnerable people as early as possible is essential to preventing long-term harm and helping individuals build safer futures. 

Emma and Philip Dix, Founders of the Joe Dix Foundation and members of the government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime said: 

The Joe Dix Foundation particularly supports the government’s introduction of the new child criminal exploitation law because it represents a crucial step toward recognizing and addressing the complex realities faced by vulnerable young people. Too often, children coerced into criminal activity are treated primarily as offenders rather than victims of manipulation, grooming, and abuse.  

This legislation helps shift that perspective by prioritizing safeguarding, early intervention, and accountability for those who exploit children for criminal gain. By strengthening legal protections and improving coordination between agencies, the law offers a more compassionate and effective framework to prevent harm, support recovery, and ensure that young people are given the protection and opportunities they deserve.

CEO of The Children’s Society, Mark Russell, said:  

For too long, children groomed and coerced into criminal exploitation have been treated as offenders, when they are, in fact, victims of abuse.  

The government creating a specific offence of child criminal exploitation is a long overdue shift – putting the focus where it belongs: on the organised criminals and networks exploiting children. 

However, this legislation will only succeed when implemented consistently, nationwide, and backed by increased funding for specialist victim support. 

We will carry on our work with law makers, breaking the cycles of harm for child exploitation victims to give them the hope and support they need to rebuild their young lives.

Tracey Burley, Chief Executive of St Giles, said:  

We strongly welcome the government’s introduction of new offences relating to enforced concealment and cuckooing and hope they will provide greater protection for people subjected to traumatic, degrading and exploitative abuse. 

It is vital that the application of this legislation safeguards vulnerable and coerced young people, while clearly distinguishing them from the perpetrators who groom, manipulate and exploit them for criminal gain. 

All stakeholders must continue to work together to ensure these important changes are implemented fairly and effectively – in a way that protects victims, holds offenders to account, and does not unfairly criminalise young people or create further barriers to their future opportunities.

The Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, Claire Waxman OBE, said:  

Strengthening and extending the use of stalking protection orders is an important step forward for victims. These orders are a vital tool in keeping people safe and in addressing stalkers’ behaviour; making them easier to obtain and accessible on conviction should help protection be put in place sooner. 

In stalking cases, speed is critical, and our overburdened court system can still slow access to protection. It is therefore encouraging that, during the passage of the Act, the Government has given assurances it will consider quicker, police‑led safeguards, including Stalking Protection Notices. 

Nick Gazzard OBE, founder of the Hollie Gazzard Trust, said: 

Stalking destroys lives, not just through individual incidents but through the constant, cumulative fear it creates. Too many victims have been left in a state of uncertainty and danger because systems have not moved quickly enough to recognise ongoing risk. As Hollie’s Dad, who was stalked before she was killed by her jealous ex-partner, this is something I know only too well. 

The Trust also strongly welcomes new powers for courts to impose stalking protection orders directly, including following acquittal where there is clear evidence of ongoing risk. Combined with commitments to clearer statutory guidance and improved multi‑agency working, these measures better reflect the reality that stalking is about patterns of behaviour and long‑term harm, not isolated criminal acts. 

Clive Ruggles, co-founder and Chair of the Alice Ruggles Trust, said: 

Unless you have been a stalking victim, or close to one, it is hard to imagine just how distressing those endless repeated, and often vile, intrusions can be. And not even to know who is responsible, what is motivating them, takes this to another level. I strongly welcome this move to help people find out more quickly who is stalking them online. 

Stalking, whether physical or online, is hugely impactive and often life-changing for the victim. In the worst cases it can escalate to murder, something I know all too well because of what happened to my daughter Alice. That is why I also welcome the wider raft of measures included in the Crime and Policing Act, including making stalking protection orders easier and faster to obtain and strengthening the multi-agency working that is so essential for managing the risk effectively in serious stalking cases.

Chief Operating Officer, Louise, said: 

At Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service, where we support victims of stalking every day, we welcome the measures set out in the Crime and Policing Act. These changes represent a significant step forward in safeguarding and protecting victims of stalking. 

In cases where the stalker is unknown to the victim, we consistently hear how not knowing who is behind the behaviour can leave victims living in fear, uncertain about the level of risk they face and unsure of who they can trust. The introduction of statutory Right to Know guidance is therefore a vital shift. It will allow police to lawfully disclose the identity of online stalkers at an earlier stage, helping victims better understand the threat, assess their safety, and regain a sense of control.” 

Hannah Swirsky, Head of Policy at the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) said: 

The devastation caused by AI child sexual abuse imagery is very real. Real children’s real abuse feeds into these synthetic creations, and often the imagery is made to feature real, recognisable children, very often girls. It’s another way victims’ suffering and harm is commodified on the internet.  

In 2025, our analysts saw a staggering 260-fold increase in AI-generated child sexual abuse videos. A massive 65% of these were classified as Category A, depicting the most severe and extreme kinds of sexual abuse. The availability of this content is dangerous for everyone.  

We have long campaigned to have these rules tightened up – and are pleased to see these measures brought in. There can be no reason for these manuals, models, or nudification apps to exist. The internet will be a safer place without them. We also welcome new powers allowing the rigorous stress testing of new AI models to ensure they cannot be used to create child sexual abuse imagery. We are ready to work closely with the Government to make sure new tech is safe. But this is not the end of the fight – and we urge all companies to urgently adopt a culture of safety by design before making products available to the global public. Simply creating an AI tool and waiting for the inevitable abuse is not good enough.

Sharon Pursey OBE, Co-Founder, SafeToNet – creators of the first AI preventative nude harm blocking solution for connected devices, platforms and apps said: 

The criminalisation of AI tools designed to generate child sexual abuse material, the outlawing of AI ‘paedophile manuals,’ the powers granted to Border Force, and the personal accountability placed on tech bosses, are foundational measures that matter enormously. And we are here to help make them work.

SafeToNet welcomes the Crime and Policing Act and the meaningful, forward-thinking measures it introduces to protect children from online harm. This is a clear and courageous signal that government is prepared to move at the speed of the threat, and we stand firmly alongside them in that mission. 

The press release issued by the Home Office on 13 April 2026.

The Home Secretary has announced the appointment of Tim Jacques as the government’s new Independent Prevent Commissioner.

Today, the Home Secretary has announced the appointment of Tim Jacques as the government’s new Independent Prevent Commissioner, following a robust open competition. 

In December 2024, the role was created by the former Home Secretary to provide consistent oversight, increase effectiveness and develop insight into the Prevent system over the longer term.

Tim brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles as Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Counter Terrorism Policing, as well as Senior National Coordinator for Prevent and Pursue. In June 2022 he became an executive advisory board member at The Leadership in Counter Terrorism Alumni Association too. Tim is also Chief Executive Officer of the Vault Youth Zone, Preston, a charity that provides young people access to facilities and activities in sports, arts, performance and enterprise. 

Welcoming the appointment, the Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, said:

I am delighted to announce that Timothy Jacques has been appointed as the Independent Prevent Commissioner.

Protecting the public is this government’s first duty and Prevent remains a vital tool in keeping people safe by intervening early to stop individuals from being drawn into terrorism. I am confident that Mr Jacques’ experience and expertise will support continued improvements to the programme and help ensure Prevent continues to operate effectively and proportionately.

I’d like to thank Lord Anderson for his time as interim Independent Prevent Commissioner and for his report ‘Lessons for Prevent’, which has made a significant contribution to strengthening Prevent and will continue to shape the government’s work in this area. We are incredibly grateful for the knowledge, sense of purpose and duty he brought to the post.

Independent Prevent Commissioner, Tim Jacques, said:

I am delighted, honoured and humbled to be appointed to this important, independent public role. I am grateful to Lord Anderson and his team for the work already undertaken as the Interim Prevent Commissioner, and for his support to me in taking up this position.

Preventing terrorism matters. I believe the British public want a system that is understandable, accessible, coherent and consistently applied, in a fair and non-discriminatory way.

Most of all we need a system that works, as best as it possibly can, in preventing terrorist atrocities and terrorist motivated offending, with all the ensuing human cost, and wider societal impact.

This role was introduced to bring independent, objective oversight and scrutiny of Prevent and its effectiveness. In order meet this requirement I will work with and listen to anyone with a genuine interest in Prevent, be they policy makers, practitioners, proponents, informed observers or those with genuine concerns.

As part of his role, Mr Jacques will provide independent strategic oversight and a review function for Prevent to ensure that it can meet its objectives as effectively as possible. He will begin his tenure on Tuesday 14 April, the day after Lord Anderson’s tenure finishes. 

The press release issued by the Home Office on 10 April 2026.

£5 million funding boost to increase deployment of highly trained officers to identify and disrupt criminals and terrorists in key public spaces.

Communities across the country, particularly Jewish and other faith communities, will be supported by additional specialist officers on the streets thanks to £5 million of new funding.

New funding will increase deployments under Project Servator, a national policing tactic which disrupts criminal activity and protects communities through highly visible and unpredictable deployments.

The specialist officers are trained to spot suspicious activity and identify individuals who are preparing to commit serious crimes, including acts of terrorism.

Funding will be initially focused on supporting communities in London and Manchester, with the Metropolitan Police Service and Greater Manchester Police expected to step up patrols to stop potential terrorist threats and reconnaissance.

It comes during a period of increased concern for some communities across the country as both antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate crime have reached record highs.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis said:

At a time of heightened concern for some communities, it is vital that we step up our support.

Project Servator has a proven track record of stopping criminals and terrorists through highly visible, unpredictable deployments that vary in time and location, deterring those planning harm and reassuring the public.

This new funding will back the police with the resources they need to step up patrols, protect communities, and keep people safe in the places where they live, work and worship.

The uplift in Servator deployments follows the arson attack on the Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green, the charging of individuals under the National Security Act for alleged surveillance of Jewish sites, the terrorist attack at Heaton Park synagogue and arson attack at Peacehaven mosque last year.

Project Servator officers disrupt crime through highly visible and unpredictable deployments, consisting of uniformed and plain clothes officers, as well as specialist units. Previous deployments have led to arrests, seizures of drugs and weapons, and the collection of critical intelligence to support counter-terrorism investigations.

Officers also engage with the public and businesses to further heighten awareness, encouraging everyone to stay alert and act swiftly on anything unusual.

Matt Jukes Deputy Commissioner at the Metropolitan Police Service said:

Our communities are the heart of policing, and everything we do is focused on keeping people safe and feeling protected where they live, work and worship. Servator deployments are an important way we deliver that, by placing specialist officers at key locations to deter criminal activity and provide visible reassurance.

In recent months, we have increased our presence around faith and community sites, strengthened the way we support victims and investigate hate crime, and continued to build strong relationships with faith leaders and local representatives. We welcome this funding, which will help us go further in working alongside communities and safeguarding what matters most to them.

This new funding forms part of a package of measures to protect communities across the country, including a record £73.4 million in funding for protective security at Jewish, Muslim, and other faith sites.

It also follows a fundamental reset in how we approach countering extremism so that the government can keep the public safe, with new measures introduced to expand our visa taskforce to stop foreign extremists from ever setting foot on UK soil and bolster our disruption capability to dismantle extremist networks nationwide and keep the public safe.

Greater Manchester Police Inspector Chris Hadfield, our Tactical Lead for Project Servator said:

Project Servator plays a vital role in our approach to public safety, by providing a combination of police visibility, community engagement and partnership working to protect our people across GM.

This additional funding strengthens our commitment to Project Servator and will allow us the opportunity to expand the work we do in disrupting criminal activity. Our specially trained officers spot the tell-tale signs that someone is planning to commit an act of crime, while maintaining a strong and reassuring presence within the local communities.

Since launching at GMP in 2016, Project Servator has continued to work in busy areas across the city, as well as maintaining safety at wider public events that visit Manchester, such as the BRIT Awards earlier this year.

Our patrols are highly visible, but deployments are unpredictable, and can happen at any time, in any given location. The teams also regularly conduct deployments in and around local faith communities, supporting with cultural events and holy days.

It is our aim that this funding will continue to support this mission and ensure the public always know the best places to report any suspicious or unusual activity.

Project Servator was devised by the City of London Police.