Tag: Home Office

The press release issued by the Home Office on 24 March 2023.

The government has confirmed its support for an amendment to the Protection from Sex-Based Harassment in Public Bill, to ensure the law is as robust as possible.

The legislation will introduce harsher sentences if someone who deliberately harasses, alarms, or distresses someone in a public place does so because of the victim’s sex, with the maximum sentence increasing from six months to two years.

The amendment, tabled by the bill’s sponsor Greg Clark MP, will require the government to produce statutory guidance for the police to help them enforce the new offence.

MPs have now agreed that the statutory guidance should become part of the bill. It will clarify how the legal defence available to defendants, whereby they could prove that their conduct was “reasonable”, should be applied. The guidance will make clear that what is deemed “reasonable” is what would objectively be considered reasonable, not what the defendant claims is reasonable.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman said:

Women have the fundamental right to walk the streets without fear and I’m committed to ensuring that criminals who intimidate and harass them face the consequences.

This is why we are backing the Protection from Sex-Based Harassment in Public Bill, and after carefully considering a range of views, we have supported an amendment that will require the government to produce statutory guidance for the police to help them enforce the new offence.

The new guidance will clarify in particular how the ‘reasonable conduct’ defence should be interpreted, to ensure any new law is as robust as possible.

Greg Clark MP said:

Too many women and girls feel unsafe when alone on our streets, especially at night. They should not have to put up with that but too often they do – resorting to safeguards like walking at night with their keys clenched in their hands, precautions that most men don’t have to think about.

My bill would correct a loophole in the law in which it is not a specific offence to harass someone in public on the grounds of their sex but it is on, for example, the grounds of their race. It aims to change the culture so that it becomes as obviously unacceptable to abuse, humiliate and intimidate women and girls in public as it is to do so because of a person’s race or sexuality.

The government announced its support for the legislation in December 2022 after consulting a wide range of experts on introducing a specific offence. The consultation showed the need for a specific offence to make the laws surrounding public harassment clearer to both the public and the police. Despite public sexual harassment already being illegal, the introduction of a specific offence will encourage women to report to the police, as well as emphasising the severity of the crime.

The bill has now completed all stages in the House of Commons and will be considered by the House of Lords.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 18 March 2023.

The Home Secretary hailed the strengthening of the partnership with Rwanda as both countries vow to step up efforts in dealing with global migration challenges.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 17 March 2023.

Two people arrested by the Home Office in intelligence-led night-time raid.

Two people have been arrested after an investigation into immigration offences in the meat processing industry.

Home Office Immigration Enforcement teams executed a warrant at Manchester Abattoir Limited in Stockport, Greater Manchester late on 16 March.

Over 25 immigration officers attended the premises and two males were arrested – the men were of Somali and Congolese origin.

One of the suspects was found to be a visa overstayer. The other did not have the right to work in the UK as he has an outstanding asylum application. They were subsequently released on immigration bail.

Neither of the suspects had passed checks required to work in an abattoir. Their employer has been referred for Civil Penalty Notices and faces fines of up to £40,000.

Manchester Abattoir Ltd has previously faced legal action for breaching animal welfare regulations in an unrelated case.

HM Inspector Kendal Barnett of Home Office Immigration Enforcement said:

Illegal working puts vulnerable people at risk of exploitation, cheats legitimate job seekers out of employment and defrauds the public purse.

I’m pleased that tonight’s operation was a success and that our dedicated officers were able to arrest two immigration offenders. We will continue to work tirelessly to put a stop to this kind of criminality.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 16 March 2023.

A large-scale exercise has been taking place over 2 days, to test the response of the emergency services and government to a major terrorist incident.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 13 March 2023.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 13 March 2023.

Three members of an organised criminal gang were sentenced today (13 March 2023) at Stoke Crown Court to jail after pleading guilty to offences relating to the illegal sale of more than three million doses of prescription-only and unlicensed medicines, including controlled drugs, valued at £3.7m.

This followed a three-year investigation by the Criminal Enforcement Unit of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Between August 2013 and December 2015, Grant Newton (49), Darrell Baggley (56) and Callum Baggley (27) sold several million pounds worth of medicines such as codeine, Tramadol, Diazepam, Zolpidem and various erectile dysfunction drugs on three different websites.

During 2015, the Criminal Enforcement Unit at the MHRA received reports from members of the public that had not received their order and others expressing concerns about relatives buying products from these websites.

The MHRA investigated the websites and, supported by the police, carried out an arrest and search operation in 2016, seizing various digital devices and storage items. Subsequent analysis evidenced that the defendants had illegally supplied more than 3.2 million doses of medicines.

Grant Newton was described in court as leading the UK arm of the global gang, while Darrell Baggley managed the warehouse and distribution, and his son, Callum, managed the bank accounts as the director of the company at the forefront of the trade.

The defendants now face custodial sentences totaling 68 months.

• Grant Newton and Darren Baggley both received 28 months in custody for one count of supplying Class B drugs, one count of supplying Class C drugs, one count of selling prescription-only medicines, one count of selling unauthorised medicinal products, and one count of being concerned in an arrangement which facilitated the acquisition, retention, use or control of criminal property.
• Callum Baggley received 12 months in custody, suspended for 18 months and 200 hours unpaid work for one count of being concerned in an arrangement which facilitated the acquisition, retention, use or control of criminal property.

Andy Morling, MHRA Deputy Director of Criminal Enforcement, said:

“Criminals trading in medicines illegally are not only breaking the law, but they also have no regard for your safety. Taking powerful medicines such as these can lead to serious adverse health consequences. You should only take prescription-only medicines with appropriate medical supervision.

“This case involved a major criminal enterprise with truly global reach. Our investigation and this prosecution effectively shut down the UK operation and dealt a significant blow to an international criminal network.

“We work to detect and investigate suspected illegal activity involving medicines and medical devices so that patients can be confident the medication they need is acceptably safe.”

“We will continue to work tirelessly to protect your health by preventing illegal trading in medicines wherever we can, disrupting offending and bringing dangerous criminals to justice.”

Ben Reid, Specialist Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), said:

“This gang created a significant risk to the public’s health by illegally selling controlled drugs and prescription medicines which can cause serious side effects. There is a reason drugs and medicines are strictly regulated and prescription drugs should only be taken under medical supervision.

“The CPS is working closely with the MHRA to bring offenders like these, who profit from the illegal sale of drugs and put vulnerable people at risk, to justice.”

The press release issued by the Home Office on 10 March 2023.

The Youth Mobility and Working Holiday schemes have been expanded so more young people will be eligible to live and work in both countries for longer.

Young Brits and New Zealanders will benefit from life-changing opportunities on the other side of the world thanks to the expansion of our shared visa schemes.

From 29 June, the age limit for New Zealand applicants coming to the UK will go up from 30 to 35 years old and the maximum length of time people can stay in their host country will be extended to 3 years.

For Brits wanting to take advantage of the scheme in New Zealand, the age range will be increased on 1 July and they will be able to work throughout their stay of up to 3 years.

Young people from both the UK and New Zealand will benefit under the shared schemes, enabling them to access opportunities that will give them a better understanding of each country’s culture and society, through travel, work and life experience overseas.

Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick said:

We are always proud to welcome Kiwis to the UK, and the expanded schemes will mean that from this summer, more young Brits and New Zealanders will have the opportunity to make lasting connections, develop their skills and make a significant contribution to their host country’s society.

The changes we are announcing today will further strengthen the close ties between the UK and New Zealand, and benefit both countries economically, socially and culturally.

Iona Thomas, British High Commissioner to New Zealand, said:

Both the UK and New Zealand stand to benefit culturally, socially and economically by having more of our young people travel and work in each other’s countries.

There are many examples of young British people and New Zealanders using the experience they gained overseas to further their careers or create businesses once they get back home.

The upcoming changes to the visa rules will open opportunities for even more young people in both countries to take advantage of the Youth Mobility Scheme. This will further strengthen the powerful people-to-people bond that already exists between us.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 9 March 2023.

The UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme will launch for Qatari visitors in October 2023.

Visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council states, and Jordan, will be the first to benefit from the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, ahead of a worldwide expansion of the scheme throughout 2024. Qatari visitors will be the first to be able to apply for an ETA in October 2023.

By applying for an ETA in advance, visitors will benefit from smooth and efficient travel. The application process will be quick, light touch and entirely digital with most visitors applying via a mobile app and receiving a swift decision on their application. The cost of an ETA will be in line with similar international schemes, and individuals can make multiple visits to the UK over a 2-year validity period.

The scheme will also further strengthen our border, by ensuring robust security checks are conducted on every visitor pre-travel.

As part of the application process, individuals will need to provide biometric details and answer a set of suitability questions. This will ensure we have information on those seeking to come to the UK helping to prevent dangerous individuals, such as criminals, entering the UK.

Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick said:

Strengthening our border remains one of the Government’s top priorities.

ETAs will enhance our border security by increasing our knowledge about those seeking to come to the UK and preventing the arrival of those who pose a threat.

It will also improve travel for legitimate visitors, with those visiting from Gulf Cooperation Council states being among the first to benefit.

After the initial launch for Qatar, visitors from the rest of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and Jordan can apply for an ETA from February 2024. The new scheme will entirely replace the current Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) Scheme which requires visitors to the UK from GCC states to pay a higher cost for a single-use visit.

By the end of 2024, ETAs will be a requirement worldwide for visitors who do not need a visa for short stays, including those visiting from Europe. Visitors from Europe, and other nations such as America and Australia do not currently need to make any form of application to visit to the UK, however this will be changing with the introduction of ETAs.

British and Irish nationals will not need an ETA to travel to the UK. As is currently the case however, individuals arriving in the UK via Ireland, will still be subject to UK immigration requirements, including the need for visitors to have an ETA. Those legally resident in Ireland will not need an ETA when travelling to the UK from within the Common Travel Area.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 9 March 2023.

New figures demonstrate the impact of coordinated and relentless police action in tackling county lines drug gangs.

County lines drug gangs continue to be shut down at pace across England and Wales, as new figures today (Thursday 9 March) demonstrate the impact of coordinated and relentless police action.

New figures reveal that since the government launched its County Lines Programme in 2019, police have shut down 3,588 drug lines. In the last year alone, over 1,000 lines have already been closed, meaning the government is on track to surpass its target to close 2,000 lines over 3 years.

And last week, police forces across the country arrested an additional 1,658 criminals and seized 31kg of Class A drugs and 404 dangerous weapons, as part of a nationwide week of intensive action:

• 1,658 people were arrested
• 276 drug lines were identified and seized, 68% more than last Intensification Week
• Over £2 million in cash seized
• 404 weapons seized, including 288 bladed weapons and firearms such as handguns and shotguns.

Crime and Policing Minister Chris Philp said:

County lines gangs run vile, exploitative criminal operations manipulating the most vulnerable to do their dirty work, and tearing families and communities apart in the process.

We cannot and will not stop wiping them out and I am thankful for the tireless police work conducted last week and every week, in ridding our streets of these criminals.

Head of The National County Lines Coordination Centre, Detective Superintendent Neil Ballard said:

This intense week of operational and partnership activity has been incredibly successful in closing 276 deal lines across England, Scotland and Wales. All Forces have worked collaboratively to target the controllers of the County Lines, making 1,658 arrests in one week, and seizing the proceeds of their criminality, including over £2M cash.

County lines exploit children and vulnerable adults and safeguarding has been at the heart of our response, with 78 vulnerable people being referred to support services via the National Referral Mechanism, and Police Forces delivering programmes of engagement within schools and working with partners such as The Children’s Society on the #Lookcloser campaign.

County lines is a criminal business model, evidenced by the full range of drug types seized during this week, but they are also strongly associated with violence as demonstrated by the seizure of over 400 weapons this week, including 288 bladed weapons and firearms such as handguns, shotguns and a silencer.

The policing response to county lines criminality has never been stronger and we will continue targeting this abhorrent threat in our communities to make our streets safer.

New Home Office figures also show that 1,108 county lines have been closed since April 2022, following the government’s commitment in its Drugs Strategy to close an additional 2,000 lines by March 2025.

Since its launch in 2019, police activity funded by the County Lines Programme has resulted in:

• 3,588 county lines closed
• 10,209 people arrested
• 5,727 people referred for safeguarding.

The Crime and Policing Minister, Chris Philp, is visiting Liverpool today to see how Merseyside Police – one of the priority forces in the County Lines Programme – is using a multi-agency approach to disrupt gangs running drugs in and out of the city.

The Minister will see Operation Overlord in action, which targets key transport hubs to smother supply routes utilised by Organised Crime Gangs, including through the rail and coach networks.

The Minister is also visiting Catch 22, one of the specialist victim support projects for under 25s funded by the Home Office.

Services provided by Catch 22 include:

• a rescue service for young people found far from their home
• a one-to-one specialist support service that safely makes contact with young people who have been referred by safeguarding partners, such as the police and children’s services, and works with them to end their involvement in county lines activity
• specialist caseworkers for mental health and women and girls.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 8 March 2023.

The Home Office returned more than 320 foreign criminals and immigration offenders with no right to be in the UK last month as part of efforts to stop the boats.