Tag: Home Office

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

Dodgy shops will be forced to close their doors as police work to put criminal bosses behind bars under new legislation to be introduced later this year.  

Police and local authorities will be equipped with stronger powers to close rogue businesses for longer as they pursue prosecutions to put criminal bosses in jail.  

While existing powers allow premises to be closed for up to 6 months, businesses can often reopen before investigations have concluded, allowing criminal activity to resume and creating additional burdens for local authorities, police forces and the courts. 

Under plans, the government will double the maximum duration of closure orders in order to give investigators more time to gather evidence, pursue prosecutions and identify the criminal bosses directing activity from behind the scenes, while also preventing rogue operators from simply reopening and resuming illegal activity. The government will introduce secondary legislation this year. 

The Home Secretary has also instructed officials to urgently review the presence of vape shops, barbers, and car washes on the skilled worker sponsorship list, following concerns about potential misuse of the system. Any businesses seeking to abuse the system will have their licences revoked.

This follows the launch of a new national crackdown on organised crime operating across high streets at barber shops, vape stores, mini-marts, and sweet shops.  

£30 million of new funding will boost police and trading standards’ response to organised crime, with thousands of businesses expected to be raided, hundreds of arrests made and millions in cash seized.  

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said:  

High streets across the country have been hijacked by criminal gangs operating in plain sight – running vape stores, dodgy barbers, and nail salons to launder their dirty money. 

I have launched a nationwide crackdown to raid and close thousands of illegal businesses, arrest bosses and seize their dirty cash.  

But I will go further – introducing new laws to close these shops for good and put criminal bosses behind bars.”  

The new measures build on changes made through the Crime and Policing Act, which increased the duration of closure notices from 48 hours to 72 hours, helping councils to gather enough evidence to shut down shops for longer. 

As part of a rapid review into local responders’ powers, the government will explore a new and longer temporary closure power to specifically tackle shops involved in criminality, meaning that local authorities don’t need to rely on evidence of anti-social behaviour alone to shut down these shops.

Criminals operating these businesses often go to significant lengths to conceal their identities and financial activity, making investigations complex and time-consuming as law enforcement agencies follow money trails and build cases against those responsible. 

These measures will give the police and local authorities stronger tools to disrupt organised crime, prevent repeat offending, and protect honest businesses. It will also reduce the burden on the police and the courts by ending the need for repeated applications to extend closures. 

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

CTSI welcomes the government’s intent to strengthen enforcement powers across England and Wales, particularly regarding closure orders, which is an issue we have been actively campaigning on recently. Closure orders are a key enforcement tool for Trading Standards Officers in tackling ‘dodgy shops’ but our members have made us aware of challenges that limit their current impact.

Strengthening enforcement powers, including extending the duration of closure orders, is an important first step in addressing those issues. Stronger enforcement powers will allow officers more time to investigate criminality, prevent criminals from using a premises to break the law and, crucially, safeguard local communities from the serious risk these groups pose.

CTSI is encouraged by the government’s intent to strengthen enforcement powers, and we look forward to engaging with the consultation process to ensure the powers are as robust as possible to help crack down on criminals and safeguard local communities.

Josh Nicholson, Head of Housing and Communities, Centre for Social Justice, said: 

For too long, organised criminal gangs have hijacked shopfronts on our high streets and got away with it. These gangs sell illegal tobacco, traffic drugs, and facilitate immigration crime from the heart of our communities, undermining the foundations of safe community life. 

Enforcement agencies tell us that they need stronger and faster powers to shut down these criminal shops for good. We welcome the Home Secretary’s commitment to strengthening closure orders which will give law enforcement the tools they need to crack down on the organised criminals who operate across Britain’s high streets.

The new measures will be taken forward following a consultation with interested parties, with regulations to extend closure orders expected to be laid by the end of 2026.  

The new High Street Organised Crime Unit will work across government to drive further interventions to strengthen the local and national response to organised crime on the high street. 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.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 9 June 2026.

New powers introduced to crack down on organisations carrying out hostile activity on behalf of foreign states, including proxy groups who do their bidding.

The UK will be better protected from hostile activity by foreign states with new powers to crack down on individuals, organisations and proxy groups acting on their behalf, under landmark new legislation introduced to Parliament today (9 June).

The government is delivering on its promise to fast-track legislation after the recent wave of alarming antisemitic attacks in the UK.

The National Security (State Threats) Bill will give the Home Secretary new counter terrorism-style powers to stand up to foreign state organisations and state-linked groups that threaten the UK’s national security and the safety of our communities.

Subject to parliamentary approval, the new law is expected to come into force as early as next month. The Home Secretary will be able to use these new powers immediately and, if she judges it necessary, will do so without delay.

The powers will stop foreign states carrying out hostile activity in the UK – such as criminal damage against Jewish communities and targeting dissidents on UK soil. It will give the police and intelligence agencies stronger tools and powers to disrupt and deter those who work on their behalf.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

The recent wave of antisemitic attacks has shocked the nation and left British Jews feeling unsafe in their own communities. That cannot stand.

Where foreign states are found to be engaging in activity that threatens lives or undermines our democratic institutions, we must ensure that such actions have consequences.

We will not tolerate hostile actors paying petty criminals to do their dirty work.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said:

Foreign states are becoming ever more aggressive – attacking our communities, our way of life, and our institutions – and hiding their tracks behind proxies. We must adapt to keep pace.

Our world-leading police and intelligence agencies do remarkable work every day to keep this country safe, and they will always have the government’s fullest support. That is why we are equipping them with stronger tools to take down these evolving threats wherever they occur.

These new powers should send a clear message to anyone doing the dirty work of a foreign state – we will come after you and you will face the full force of the law.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

In recent years we have seen an increase in state backed threats on UK streets. Eighteen months ago, I commissioned the Independent Reviewer of State Threats Legislation to examine the gaps in our national security legislation, and consider what changes we would need to allow counter terrorism-style powers to be used effectively to counter state threats.

As a result of that work, the new law we are introducing today will enable us to take the strong action required against those foreign adversaries seeking to undermine the UK’s security, interests, and values through covert means.

Our duty is to defend ourselves from these threats, protect our national security, and keep the British people safe.

A new criminal offence will apply to anyone who expresses support for a designated organisation – criminalising the glorification of activities which threaten the UK.

It will also be an offence to assist or receive payment from a designated organisation. This will crack down on foreign states hiding their involvement in hostile activity by outsourcing it to proxy groups, such as organised crime groups.

The bill mirrors these offences from the National Security Act 2023, meaning designated groups can be treated in the same way as a ‘foreign intelligence service’ so harmful acts conducted through proxies can be disrupted.

Collectively, these new measures will make it easier to prosecute perpetrators, deter those who might be susceptible to doing the bidding of a hostile state-linked actor, and mean that anyone convicted could face the severe consequence up to 14 years behind bars.

The new powers come in the wake of a concerning rise in state-backed aggression on UK soil with MI5’s state threats investigations increasing by 35% as of last year – with 20 potentially lethal Iranian-backed plots tracked by MI5 last year alone – and diversifying, as we see more threats to life and increased use of proxy groups.

The Home Secretary confirmed the legislation would be fast-tracked after the recent wave of antisemitic attacks. Whilst a number of these have been claimed by a group called Harakat Ashab al-Yamin, there are a number of live investigations and criminal proceedings.

The National Security Act 2023 provided the police and intelligence agencies with extensive new tools to detect and disrupt hostile activity, and a record £600 million additional funding is being invested, however the government must keep pace with the growing scale and increasing complexity of the threats the UK faces.

The government has already brought forward some of strongest measures yet to protect the UK’s national security from state threats. The Foreign Influence Registration Scheme increases transparency of covert influence in our democracy and state threat offenders now face longer behind bars under a tougher sentencing regime. We’ve rolled out new training for front line police officers to increase their understanding and ability to respond to state-directed incidents, and a number of convictions in the past year will continue serve as a reminder to anyone considering acting on behalf of a foreign state that there will be severe consequences.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 4 June 2026.

Raised standards for recruiting foreign students come amid continued visa abuse. Student asylum claims already down 30% as government action delivers results.

Universities will be stripped of the right to recruit international students if too many drop out, as the government tightens the screws on visa abuse. 

New sponsorship rules will introduce a sliding scale of penalties for higher education institutions that fail to recruit responsibly. 

It comes after asylum claims from work, study and tourist visas more than tripled under the previous government – reaching 37% of all claims, with foreign students accounting for the largest share.  

Asylum claims by students have since fallen by 30% in the past year alone following tough action taken in partnership with the sector. 

The Home Secretary has also imposed a first-of-its-kind visa brake on study visas for nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan following a surge in asylum claims. 

These reforms build on that progress, raising the pass marks of the annual test used to monitor visa sponsors – across all three of its metrics: 

• Visa refusal rate: must remain below 5% (previously 10%) 
• Course enrolment rate: must reach at least 95% (previously 90%) 
• Course completion rate: must reach at least 90% (previously 85%) 

Minister for Migration and Citizenship Mike Tapp said: 

The UK will always welcome genuine international students, and our universities are rightly admired around the world. 

But our visa system must not be used as a backdoor to asylum and illegal working. 

Student asylum claims are down 30% in the last year. I thank the sector for their co-operation in achieving this, but we must go further. 

Those seeking to game the system should know we are watching – and won’t hesitate to act.

High drop-out rates can indicate students have entered the illegal working economy rather than studied whilst high visa rejection rates or low enrolment figures suggest some institutions have not done enough due diligence on applicants. But from summer 2027, a new traffic light rating system will make clear to regulators, and the public, which institutions are recruiting responsibly.  

Those rated red will face restrictions on the number of students they can recruit and must fund a 12-month action plan to fix failing practices.  

Those that don’t improve face losing international student recruitment rights altogether.

The changes were announced during a visit to Manchester Metropolitan University by Home Office Minister Mike Tapp, hosted by Vice-Chancellor Professor Malcolm Press and Universities UK.  

Professor Malcolm Press CBE DL, President of Universities UK said: 

UK universities are one of our greatest success stories, and we should be proud that people from around the world aspire to study here. We are fully committed to protecting the integrity of the visa system and working in partnership with the Home Office. 

International students bring significant economic and soft power benefits, contributing £37 billion in export earnings. We want the UK to remain open and welcoming, but that depends on responding quickly to any risks of abuse. 

What universities need from government is policy stability, transparent visa decision-making, and real-time data to act on emerging concerns. The sector relies on international student income, and recent sharp declines have led to substantial cost-cutting and job losses. It is essential that we build a fair, stable, and transparent system that works in the national interest.

The Home Office is actively exploring new ways to share data with the education sector, within a robust data protection framework.  

Education institutions also hold valuable data of their own, and the government continues to urge them to work together to share intelligence across the sector and crack down on abuse wherever it occurs.   

Since last summer, the Home Office has contacted 306,000 students whose visas are due to expire – warning that meritless asylum claims will be swiftly refused and those without the right to remain must leave or face removal. 

These measures form part of the government’s broader drive to restore order and control to the immigration system – under which net migration has now fallen by 74%.

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.