Tag: Home Office

  • PRESS RELEASE : Investment for Border Security Command paves way for new crackdown on people smuggling gangs [August 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Investment for Border Security Command paves way for new crackdown on people smuggling gangs [August 2025]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 3 August 2025.

    Criminal networks smuggling migrants on dangerous small boats to be targeted with £100m funding boost.

    Dangerous criminal gangs profiting from deadly small boats crossings will face a major new crackdown following a £100 million investment in border security.

    The funding will pay for up to 300 extra National Crime Agency officers (NCA), state-of-the art detection technology and new equipment to smash the networks putting lives at risk in the Channel.

    The investment will see the Border Security Command, the NCA, the police and other law enforcement agency partners receive a significant cash injection to strengthen investigations targeting smuggling kingpins and disrupt their operations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and beyond.

    The package of up to £100 million will boost existing law enforcement operations and allow more intelligence to be gathered on organised immigration crime gang members, support upstream capacity building, purchase sophisticated technology and equipment to strengthen UK border security and disrupt the people-smuggling gangs.

    The investment will build on the recent successes under existing funding, including the arrest and prosecution of major smuggling gang kingpins, the seizure of over 600 small boats and engines, and the disruption of a further 351 criminal gangs through the work of the NCA.

    It comes as the NCA announced their biggest people-smuggling raid and seizure of boat engines in Bulgaria last week – showing the impact increased international law enforcement operations can have.

    The comprehensive funding package will include:

    • Funding to support the new pilot of the ‘one-in, one-out’ returns agreement between the UK and France, which for the first time will see migrants who arrive illegally on small boats returned to France.
    • An uplift in NCA staff of up to 300 personnel focused on intelligence targeting crime gang members.
    • New state-of-the-art technology and equipment for the detection and disruption of organised immigration crime, including hi-tech surveillance capabilities, and AI-assisted intelligence and data analysis tools.
    • Funding to support the implementation of extended police powers to seize and download digital devices to gather evidence and intelligence, announced under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill.
    • Funding for the recently-established Organised Immigration Crime Domestic Taskforce, which is driving law enforcement operations targeting the elements of organised immigration crime activity operating out of the UK, from the facilitation of boat crossings to the running of modern slavery networks.
    • Funding to intensify illegal working enforcement by increasing overtime for ICE teams, enabling more premium-time deployments, funding redeployment of officers to high-risk regions, boosting intelligence generation, and supporting sanctions teams to target non-compliant employers—delivering rapid operational uplift without requiring new permanent staff.
    • And funding to support a series of interventions upstream as well as intensified efforts in transit countries across Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia to target organised immigration crime, disrupt human trafficking and the supply of dangerous small boat equipment, while also continuing to correct the lies peddled by criminal gangs to would-be migrants.

    The investment will also support the new powers that will be introduced when the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill becomes law, which will include the introduction of a UK-wide offence to criminalise the creation and publication of online material that promotes a breach of immigration law, such as the advertisement of small boat crossings on social media.

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

    For six years, the small boat smuggling gangs were allowed to embed their criminal trade along our coast, and have shown a ruthless ability to adapt their tactics and maximise their profits, no matter how many lives they put at risk. They must not be allowed to get away with this vile crime.

    That is why this government has developed a serious and comprehensive plan to dismantle their business model, from disrupting their supply chains across the European continent to clamping down on their illegal working operations here in the UK.

    In the last twelve months, we have set the foundations for this new and much stronger law enforcement approach – establishing the new Border Security Command, strengthening the National Crime Agency and UK police operations, increasing Immigration Enforcement, introducing new counter terror style powers in our Border Security Bill, and establishing cooperation agreements with Europol and other countries.

    Now this additional funding will strengthen every aspect of our plan, and will turbo-charge the ability of our law enforcement agencies to track the gangs and bring them down, working with our partners overseas, and using state-of-the-art technology and equipment. Alongside our new agreements with France, this will help us drive forward our Plan for Change commitments to protect the UK’s border security and restore order to our immigration system.

    National Crime Agency Director General of Operations Rob Jones said:

    The NCA focuses on making the biggest impact on organised crime groups behind these lethal crossings.

    We currently have 91 investigations ongoing into the most dangerous people smuggling networks impacting the UK, and are working with partners at home and abroad to target, disrupt and dismantle them.

    This additional funding will help boost our capacity and capability, enabling us to target more offenders.

    The NCA has reported that, in the 2024/25 financial year, it achieved 351 NCA-led disruptions of organised immigration crime networks and activity – its highest level on record – and a 40 percent increase on the previous financial year. That included 56 high-impact NCA-led disruptions, which meant that those particular investigations led to the prosecution and disruption of those directly responsible for committing the crimes, and resulted in a significant and/or long term impact on the capability of the organised crime group involved.

    These new measures fall within government’s Plan for Change. The government is restoring order to the immigration system, including the introduction of new legislation under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, tougher enforcement powers, ramping up returns to their highest levels for more than half a decade and a major crackdown on illegal working to end the false promise of jobs used by gangs to sell spaces on boats.

    It builds on the work this government has already undertaken to restore order to the immigration system, surging enforcement action against illegal migration, with a 50% increase in arrests of those caught working illegally, returning 35,000 people with no right to be in the UK, and imposing tougher sanctions against gang ring leaders, key intermediaries and suppliers of people-smuggling equipment.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Major law change to criminalise small boat smuggler ads [August 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Major law change to criminalise small boat smuggler ads [August 2025]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 2 August 2025.

    New offence to target criminal gangs promoting dangerous journeys like Channel crossings to the UK on social media.

    In a blow to the people smugglers’ business model, the government has outlined new measures through its Plan for Change to crack down on social media content which promotes small boat crossings and fuels organised immigration crime.

    Under a new amendment to the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill currently going through Parliament, a new, UK-wide offence will be introduced to criminalise the creation of material for publication online, which promotes or offers services facilitating a breach of UK immigration law. This could include small boat crossings, the creation of fake travel documents like passports or visas, or explicitly promising illegal working opportunities in the UK.

    While facilitating illegal migration is already a crime, the proposed changes would add another string to law enforcement’s bow, better enabling them to disrupt the gangs while they are publicising people-smuggling activities and provide an additional tool when building a case against those peddling this content.

    Home Office analysis shows that approximately 80% of migrants arriving via small boats told officials that they used social media during their illegal journey to the UK, including to locate or communicate with an agent or facilitator associated with an organised crime group.

    Many people who come to the UK and end up working illegally are often sold a false narrative about their ability to live and work here, creating a draw for people to risk their lives by crossing the Channel in a small boat. That’s why this offence will also crack down on content which explicitly promises illegal work which clearly breaches UK immigration laws.

    The proposed measure will also make it a crime to post online content that encourages someone to break UK immigration law in exchange for financial incentives. An example of this would be someone being paid by a people smuggler to post content on social media which promotes illegal journeys to the UK.

    Individuals caught by the offence could receive a prison sentence of up to 5 years and a large fine.

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

    Selling the false promise of a safe journey to the UK and a life in this country – whether on or offline – simply to make money, is nothing short of immoral.

    These criminals have no issue with leading migrants to life-threatening situations using brazen tactics on social media. We are determined to do everything we can to stop them – wherever they operate.

    We have to stay one step ahead of the ever-evolving tactics of people-smuggling gangs and this move, part of our Plan for Change to boost border security, will empower law enforcement to disable these tactics faster and more effectively, ensuring people face proper penalties.

    National Crime Agency Director General (Operations), Rob Jones, said:

    We know many of the people-smuggling networks risking lives transporting people to the UK promote their services to migrants using social media.

    The majority of migrants arriving in the UK will have engaged with smugglers in this way. This is why we work with social media companies to target smugglers’ accounts, and we’ve increased the pace of takedowns.

    These proposed new powers will offer UK law enforcement additional options to target criminal gangs and their business models as they use online platforms for their criminality.

    Joanne Jakymec, a Chief Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, said:

    We have been working with the Home Office on this standalone offence to provide our expertise on how best to shape its inclusion in the Border Security Bill to impact people smugglers.

    Once it’s in force, the CPS won’t hesitate to charge cases where we have evidence of suspects using social media to advertise small boat crossings, fake travel documents, or illegal working opportunities.

    We will also use the additional money allocated to us this year to recruit specialist lawyers to prosecute immigration crime cases referred to us by law enforcement agencies.

    Online adverts for people-smuggling services are part of the business model for organised crime groups that everyone in the Border Security Command is working tirelessly to disrupt and stop.

    The National Crime Agency (NCA) has taken action against a number of people-smuggling organised crime groups where social media accounts have been used to promote crossings, including a South Wales-based gang who were convicted in November 2024 and smuggled thousands of migrants across Europe. Social media videos posted by those who had been successful were used to promote the service they offered.

    Another network operated by Preston-based smuggler Amanj Hasan Zada, later jailed for 17 years, also posted videos of migrants thanking him for helping them.

    Cases of Albanian people smugglers who have used social media platforms to promote £12,000 ‘package deals’ to Britain including accommodation and employment upon arrival would also be within scope under the new measure.

    Since December 2021, the NCA has worked closely with social media companies to remove around 22,000 posts promoting organised immigration crime, with more than 8,000 removed in 2024 – a 40% increase on the previous year. The new measure will bolster efforts by the NCA and other law enforcement to build cases against those who facilitate organised immigration crime in this way.

    Combined with the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill’s new counter-terror style powers, the new legislation will ensure law enforcement are able to investigate, disable and bring people-smuggling gangs to justice faster.

    In many cases, people smugglers who post content on social media also help facilitate journeys, for example by sourcing boats and exchanging information. That is why the bill will also make it a crime to supply or handle items suspected of being used to assist illegal entry into the UK, such as small boat parts – which could lead to a prison sentence of up to 14 years. It will further introduce an offence to collect information to be used by organised immigration crime gangs, such as small boat crossing departure points and timings.

    Collectively, the measures will allow law enforcement to intervene in people-smuggling activity at a much earlier stage, disrupting their work before crossings can take place.

    On top of this robust new legislation, the government has surged enforcement action against illegal migration, with a 50% increase in arrests of those caught working illegally, returning 35,000 people with no right to be in the UK, and imposing tougher sanctions against gang ring leaders, key intermediaries and suppliers of people-smuggling equipment.

    And last month the Prime Minister agreed a groundbreaking new returns deal with the French. The pilot scheme will see small boat arrivals being returned to France, then an equal number of migrants will be able to come to the UK from France through a new legal route.

    The agreement is intended to prevent illegal migrant journeys across Europe to the UK and prevent dangerous small boat crossings, helping to undermine the business model of organised gangs profiting from people’s misery by showing others these journeys could result in them being returned to France – ultimately saving lives.

  • PRESS RELEASE : 4.2% pay rise for police officers across England and Wales [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : 4.2% pay rise for police officers across England and Wales [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 1 August 2025.

    Government confirms 4.2% pay increase for all police ranks up to chief superintendents. Pay boost will be backed by £120 million funding from the Home Office.

    Police officers across England and Wales are set to receive an above-inflation 4.2% pay rise, the government has announced.

    The increase, which applies to all ranks up to and including chief superintendents, forms part of a wider effort to support frontline policing and public protection – one of the key missions of the government’s Plan for Change.

    The pay increase will mean the starting salary for a police constable will be £31,163, an increase of £1,256. The typical salary for a constable who has been in post 6 years will be £50,257 and the average earning for a chief superintendent will be £98,500. In addition to the headline pay rise, the government is also increasing on-call, away from home, and hardship allowances by £10.

    The pay boost reflects the bravery, professionalism and tireless dedication of officers who protect the public, and will be supported by £120 million from the Home Office to help protect police force budgets.

    London weighting will be boosted by 4.2%, reflecting the demands placed on officers in the capital.

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

    Our brave police officers work day and night, often making enormous sacrifices, to keep us safe. This government is proud to back them in doing so and today’s pay award is a clear signal of our gratitude, and our determination, to ensure they are properly rewarded for their service.

    Policing is the bedrock of a secure Britain and our Plan for Change. We are committed to investing in the frontline and supporting officers who work every day to tackle crime, keep our streets safe and protect our communities.

    The pay rise underscores the Home Secretary’s commitment to investing in the frontline and supporting officers, and delivering the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee. A key part of the government’s Plan for Change, this will keep our streets safe and restore public confidence through visible, community-focused policing.

    Measures in the guarantee include:

    • restoring neighbourhood policing to cut crime in our communities and keep our streets safe
    • named, contactable officers for every neighbourhood
    • guaranteed police patrols in busy areas at peak times, such as town centres
    • new career pathways and standards from the College of Policing

    Making good on this commitment, the government has already provided funding of up to £1.2 billion to police forces this year, including £200 million to put an additional 3,000 neighbourhood officers by next spring.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Knife robberies fall under dedicated new taskforce [August 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Knife robberies fall under dedicated new taskforce [August 2025]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 1 August 2025.

    Communities hit hardest by knife crime see a drop in offences and more weapons removed from the streets.

    The number of robberies involving a knife – or the threat of one – have dropped after months of targeted police action in seven highest risk areas, according to new data published by government today.

    After seeing a stark rise in knife-enabled robbery in the year to June 2024, driven by a 14% increase across seven police forces, the Home Secretary set up a dedicated police taskforce last October and after just nine months of activity, there has been a 6% overall reduction compared with the previous year across those highest risk areas – with places like the West Midlands seeing a substantial annual drop of 25%.

    The reduction has been driven by intense police efforts and a range of tactics, including upping visible patrols, using drones, knife arches and detection dogs to support police on the ground, and deploying plain clothes officers.

    Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper:

    Since day one we have acted with urgency to turn the tide on knife crime, which destroys lives and devastates communities.

    When we came to office, knife-enabled robbery was increasing at a concerning rate, but we have now started to drive numbers of those offences down through the work of our dedicated taskforces, and as a result, we have also seen the first small reduction in overall knife crime for four years.

    The drop in knife enabled robbery in key problem areas shows the impact that our strong new action on knife crime is having, but we now need to supercharge these efforts through more smart and targeted interventions. Anyone can be a victim of knife crime, but new ‘hex mapping’ technology shows that the vast majority of knife crime is concentrated in a relatively small, hyper concentrated number of areas.

    As part of the Plan for Change, we will use that new technology to support our mission to halve knife crime over the next decade. In the 2020s, the way to be ‘tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime’ is also to be smart on crime, using the latest technology to target criminals and problem areas, and keep the country safe.

    The announcement comes as a ban on ninja swords come into force today – the first part of the government’s manifesto commitment to introduce Ronan’s Law, and latest step under the pledge to halve knife crime in the next decade.

    Ahead of the ban, at least a thousand deadly weapons have been handed in following the country’s largest weapons surrender scheme.

    Launched in June, the Home Office developed this scheme with members of the Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime to provide a broader range of ways the public could surrender weapons outside of police stations. This saw Faron Paul, CEO of FazAmnesty, driving a custom built and fully secure surrender van, across London, Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, and Words4Weapons supplying 37 new surrender bins, all funded by the Home Office. The surrender van will also be deployed at this year’s Notting Hill Carnival.

    Pooja Kanda, knife crime campaigner and mother to Ronan said:

    Ronan was just 16 years old when his life was stolen by a 22-inch ninja sword that should never have been so easy to buy. Ronan’s Law is not only a step towards justice for my son, but for every parent who wants to see their child come home safely.

    This law is about saving lives, closing dangerous loopholes, and holding those responsible to account.

    The government’s knife surrender scheme has been a sign of commitment to tackling the scourge of knife crime. While there is still much more to do, these are significant steps in the right direction.

    Sandra Campbell, CEO of Word 4 Weapons said:

    For over 16 years, Word 4 Weapons has played a leading role in the UK’s national weapon surrender schemes, enabling thousands of knives and dangerous items to be taken off the streets through our network of secure and accessible surrender bins.

    These initiatives are designed to help save lives, raise awareness, and give communities a practical way to reduce harm.

    We therefore welcome the government’s decision to ban dangerous weapons like ninja swords, a move that reinforces the importance of community-led approaches to tackling knife and weapon-related violence. We remain committed to supporting this work and expanding our efforts to build safer public spaces for all.

    Ronan’s Law will also see the government bring in the toughest measures to date to tackle the sale of weapons online – requiring retailers to report bulk or suspicious knife orders to the police; put in place more stringent age verification checks and impose significant fines on tech executives whose platforms fail to prevent illegal sales.

    As part of the government’s mission to halve knife crime over the next decade the Home Office is also delivering a pilot using sophisticated new mapping technologies to target hyper concentrated knife crime hotspots, backed by up to £5 million this year.

    This funding will be targeted towards 50 of the top 100 hyper local knife crime hotspots to trial targeted intervention tactics and prevent further offending. This could include using more facial recognition and advanced knife detection technology, or the use of police drones to support the increased presence of police officers in our communities – part of the government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee.

    These activities are taking place against the backdrop of the summer long Safer Streets Initiative launched by the Home Secretary to tackle town centre crime, which is delivering a smarter, more visible police and community operation across the country.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New operational partnership with delivery giants to combat illegal working [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : New operational partnership with delivery giants to combat illegal working [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 22 July 2025.

    New agreement between Home Office and top food delivery firms will help stop illegal working in the delivery sector.

    More delivery riders caught sharing their accounts with migrants who have no right to work in the UK will be suspended, as part of the government’s UK-wide crackdown on illegal working under the Plan for Change.

    A new agreement between the Home Office and Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats will ensure delivery firms receive new information concerning the locations of asylum hotels to help tackle illegal working.

    Under existing security measures, any delivery riders caught sharing their accounts with migrants who have no right to work in the UK will be suspended. This new agreement goes further to ensure more people who are breaking the rules can be caught.

    Efforts by the companies to crack down on illegal account sharing through real-time identity and Right to Work checks have been successful and have led to thousands being offboarded from platforms. Despite this, there continues to be abuse in the system. Under the new agreement, the firms will be empowered to go further in detecting patterns of misuse, identify unauthorised account sharing and quickly suspend accounts.

    The move comes after a commitment made by the firms during a roundtable last month, chaired by Ministers, to implement new security measures. This includes increased facial verification checks and fraud detection tools meaning only verified users can access their platforms. The Home Office will continue to collaborate closely with the three companies, with meetings taking place in the coming weeks to update on progress and delivery.

    Today’s announcement is part of the government’s work to step up enforcement across the UK targeting illegal working hotspots, with a focus on the gig economy and migrants working illegally as delivery riders. It forms a key part of a whole system approach to tackle illegal migration from every angle, by ending the false promise of jobs used by smuggling gangs to sell spaces on small boats.

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, said:

    Illegal working undermines honest business, exploits vulnerable individuals and fuels organised immigration crime.

    By enhancing our data sharing with delivery companies, we are taking decisive action to close loopholes and increase enforcement.

    The changes come alongside a 50% increase in raids and arrests for illegal working under the Plan for Change, greater security measures and tough new legislation.

    Eddy Montgomery, Director of Enforcement, Compliance and Crime at the Home Office, said:

    This next step of co-ordinated working with delivery firms will help us target those who seek to work illegally in the gig economy and exploit their status in the UK.

    My teams will continue to carry out increased enforcement activity across the UK and I welcome this additional tool to disrupt and stop the abuse of our immigration system.

    A Deliveroo spokesperson said:

    Deliveroo has led the sector in introducing security measures to prevent the abuse of our platform and tackle the sophisticated criminals seeking new ways to exploit all delivery platforms’ systems. We are fully committed to working with the government as we continue to collectively combat illegal working.

    A Just Eat spokesperson said:

    Just Eat is committed to tackling any illegal working via our platform. We continue to invest significant resources to strengthen our systems against abuse by individuals and organised criminal groups seeking to evade right to work rules. We are working closely with the Home Office and our industry partners to address any loopholes in the industry’s checks, as well as collaborating on data sharing and enforcement.

    An Uber Eats spokesperson said:

    Uber Eats is fully committed to tackling illegal work and will continue to work with the Home Office and industry. We have introduced a range of state of the art detection tools to find and remove fraudulent accounts. We are constantly reviewing our tools and finding new ways to detect and take action on people who are trying to work illegally.

    Since the government came into power one year ago, there have been more than 10,000 illegal working visits across multiple sectors, leading to 7,130 arrests, up around 50% compared to the year before. This marks the first time in a 12-month period where more than 10,000 visits have taken place.

    Almost 750 illegal working civil penalty notices were also handed to businesses caught violating immigration rules in the first quarter of the year, marking the highest level since 2016 – and an 80% increase compared to the same time last year.

    The government is tightening the law by making it a legal requirement for all companies, including the gig economy, to check that anyone working for them has the legal right to do so. This will end the abuse of flexible working arrangements. The new measures will be introduced through the landmark Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill.

    The fight against illegal working forms just one part of government’s work to bolster border security across the system.

    Since coming into power one year ago, the government has returned 35,000 people with no right to be in the UK including failed asylum seekers, immigration and foreign national offenders. There are now fewer asylum hotels open than since the election, saving millions of taxpayers’ money.

    This is on top of a new groundbreaking deal with the French which will mean that, for the very first time, illegal migrants will be sent back to France. This targets the heart of the criminal smuggling gangs’ business model and sends a clear message that these life-threatening journeys are pointless and a waste of thousands of pounds.

    The deal seeks to detain and return migrants who arrive via small boat, and an equal number of migrants will be able to come to the UK from France through a new legal route – fully documented and subject to strict security checks.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK to lead crackdown on cyber criminals with ransomware measures [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK to lead crackdown on cyber criminals with ransomware measures [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 22 July 2025.

    Measures to tackle the threat of ransomware and protect businesses and critical services will be taken forward with industry following public consultation.

    Hospitals, businesses, and critical services are set to be protected under measures designed to crack down on cyber criminals and safeguard the public, following public consultation on ransomware proposals.

    Ransomware is software used maliciously by cyber criminals to access victims’ computer systems. Systems and data can be encrypted, or data stolen, until a ransom is paid. Ransomware is estimated to cost the UK economy millions of pounds each year, with recent high-profile ransomware attacks highlighting the severe operational, financial, and even life-threatening risks.

    Public sector bodies and operators of critical national infrastructure, including the NHS, local councils and schools, would be banned from paying ransom demands to criminals under the measure, with nearly three quarters of consultation respondents showing support for the proposal.

    The ban would target the business model that fuels cyber criminals’ activities and makes the vital services the public rely on a less attractive target for ransomware groups.

    Under the proposals, businesses not covered by the ban would be required to notify the government of any intent to pay a ransom. The government could then provide those businesses with advice and support, including notifying them if any such payment would risk breaking the law by sending money to sanctioned cyber criminal groups, many of whom are based in Russia.

    Mandatory reporting is also being developed, which would equip law enforcement with essential intelligence to hunt down perpetrators and disrupt their activities, allowing for better support for victims. Consultation responses showed strong support for a new mandatory reporting regime to better protect British organisations and industry.

    The new package of measures will lead the way in tackling ransomware and are designed to strike against cyber criminals’ business model, bolstering our national security and protecting key services and businesses from disruption – delivering on our Plan for Change. They follow an extensive consultation with stakeholders across the UK which showed strong public backing for tougher action to tackle ransomware and protect vital services.

    Security Minister Dan Jarvis said:

    Ransomware is a predatory crime that puts the public at risk, wrecks livelihoods and threatens the services we depend on.

    That’s why we’re determined to smash the cyber criminal business model and protect the services we all rely on as we deliver our Plan for Change.

    By working in partnership with industry to advance these measures, we are sending a clear signal that the UK is united in the fight against ransomware.

    In addition to the proposed new measures, the government continues to urge organisations across the country to strengthen their ability to maintain operations in the event of a successful ransomware attack. This includes having offline backups, tested plans to operate without IT for an extended period, and a well-rehearsed strategy for restoring systems from backups.

    Cyber criminals have not only cost the nation billions of pounds but in some cases have brought essential services to a standstill.

    The devastating consequences are not just financial but can put lives in danger, with an NHS organisation recently identifying a ransomware attack as one of the factors that contributed to a patient’s death.

    These attacks have brutally exposed the alarming vulnerability at the core of our public and private institutions, from flagship British retailers and essential supermarkets including the Co-op to NHS hospitals.

    British Library Chief Executive Rebecca Lawrence said:

    The British Library, which holds one of the world’s most significant collections of human knowledge, was the victim of a devastating ransomware attack in October 2023.

    The attack destroyed our technology infrastructure and continues to impact our users, however, as a public body, we did not engage with the attackers or pay the ransom. Instead, we are committed to sharing our experiences to help protect other institutions affected by cyber-crime and build collective resilience for the future.

    NCSC Director of National Resilience Jonathon Ellison said:

    These new measures help undermine the criminal ecosystem that is causing harm across our economy.

    Ransomware remains a serious and evolving threat, and organisations must not become complacent. All businesses should strengthen their defences using proven frameworks such as Cyber Essentials and our free Early Warning service, and be prepared to respond to incidents, recover quickly, and maintain continuity if the worst happens.

    Co-op CEO Shirine Khoury-Haq said:

    We know first-hand the damage and disruption cyber-attacks cause to businesses and communities. That’s why we welcome the government’s focus on Cyber Crime.

    What matters most is learning, building resilience, and supporting each other to prevent future harm. This is a step in the right direction for building a safer digital future.

    These robust proposals are part of the government’s Plan for Change to defend businesses, services, and infrastructure against cyber threats to better protect the public.

    Read the government response to the ransomware consultation on GOV.UK.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Landmark package to pursue domestic abuse perpetrators [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Landmark package to pursue domestic abuse perpetrators [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 16 July 2025.

    Victims of domestic abuse to be protected under a £53 million drive to target most dangerous offenders.

    Thousands more women and children will be better protected from domestic abuse through the direct targeting of perpetrators, the Home Secretary has announced today.

    Backed by a £53 million investment over the next 4 years, domestic abuse perpetrators who pose the highest risk will be forced to change their behaviour and stop their offending as more police and agencies roll out tactics shown to reduce abuse.

    It will form a central part of the government’s Plan for Change and pledge to tackle the epidemic of domestic abuse, which sees the police record a domestic abuse-related crime every 30 seconds.

    The Drive Project has been piloted since 2016 to address the root causes of abuse through intensive one-to-one case management for up to 12 months. This includes using protection orders to keep offenders away from victims, alongside work to address drug misuse and alcohol dependency. A dedicated independent domestic violence advisor (IDVA) supports the victim in parallel, ensuring their safety and needs are prioritised at every stage.

    The results have seen percentages of perpetrators using physical abuse cut by 82%, sexual abuse by 88%, stalking behaviours by 75% and jealous and controlling behaviours by 73%.

    The multi-million pound investment will see up to 15 new areas going live by March 2026, with full roll-out across England and Wales to follow.

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

    The roll out of these new programmes means the relentless pursuit of perpetrators who pose a risk to women and girls whether they operate at home or on the streets – and intervening early to prevent further harm.

    Through our mission to make our streets safer, we will take every opportunity to challenge and change dangerous behaviours, intensively monitor and manage perpetrators who pose a risk, and give victims the support they need to take back their lives.

    The Drive Partnership, a consortium of 3 organisations – Respect, SafeLives, and Social Finance – is working to end domestic abuse and protect victim-survivors. The Drive Project is their flagship intervention working with those causing harm in their relationships to prevent abusive behaviour.

    Rolling out The Drive Project demonstrates that the government is committed to doing things differently, working closely with civil society and bringing experts into policy development to improve the lives of working people. Today’s announcement comes ahead of the Civil Society Summit being held on Thursday 17 July, where the Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips will join a violence against women and girls panel with Beyond Equality, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner and Minister Davies-Jones.

    Alongside tackling domestic abuse, the government is also funding 3 police forces to step up efforts to prevent predatory behaviour in public spaces and night time economy venues through Project Vigilant.

    Currently being trialled by Thames Valley Police, alongside several other forces across the country, specially trained plain-clothed officers are patrolling nightlife hotspots to hunt down predatory behaviour, with uniformed officers then stepping in to keep the public safe.

    A further £230,000 will enable specialist deployments in 3 police forces, support the trial of new tools – including sniffer dogs trained to detect drugs commonly used in spiking – and help to gather evidence on how the approach works in different settings.

    Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, Jess Phillips said:

    Through bold initiatives like the Drive Project and Project Vigilant, we’re going after perpetrators wherever they pose a threat. We are shifting the focus onto those who cause harm, challenging dangerous behaviours and making it clear that the responsibility for ending abuse lies with perpetrators, not those who suffer from it.

    Through our mission to make our streets safer, every penny we invest in holding perpetrators to account is a step towards a better and safer future for every victim.

    The Drive Project will be delivered in partnership with police and crime commissioners, police forces, domestic abuse services and the Drive Partnership, and supported by national training and resources.

    Case managers work closely with high-risk perpetrators for up to 12 months, building their capacity to manage emotions and relationships differently, removing opportunities for abuse through close monitoring and disruption tactics and ensuring dedicated support for victims.

    Interventions are tailored to each perpetrator’s risk level and pattern of abuse and can include:

    • disruption tactics such as police intervention and the use of protection orders
    • engagement with social services to safeguard families and children
    • alternative accommodation to prevent perpetrators from returning to victims’ homes
    • addressing drug and alcohol dependencies that can fuel abusive behaviour
    • behaviour change to address patterns of control and violence
    • monitoring and accountability to prevent reoffending
    • dedicated support for victims to help them rebuild their lives and move on

    Kyla Kirkpatrick, Director, The Drive Partnership, said

    We welcome this investment from the Home Office into the expansion of the Drive Project across England and Wales because victim-survivors tell us that as well as more support for themselves, they want and need better responses to the people causing harm in their lives. They need them to be seen, held to account and stopped. The Drive Project does that and with 10 years of delivery, development and evaluation behind us know that it works.

    This work can only happen if the focus is absolutely on the safety and wellbeing of the victim-survivors. This investment will see the vast majority of funding flow directly to local domestic abuse perpetrator services and victim-survivor support services, and we will be working in partnership with local services to ensure that the Drive Project is tailored to meet the needs of local communities. We look forward to the forthcoming VAWG strategy to support victim-survivor services with much-needed investment and cross-departmental commitment.

    Detective Superintendent Jon Capps, Head of Rape and Sexual Offences and Project Vigilant at Thames Valley Police, said:

    We welcome funding which supports vital proactive initiatives to disrupt those who behave in a predatory manner and offend against women and girls.

    Our Project Vigilant officers are specially trained to spot predatory behaviour, intervening and preventing it escalating into an offence.

    This year we have conducted 50 Vigilant deployments across the Thames Valley, all of which highlight our commitment to keep people safe, specifically in the night time economy and increasingly with large public events.

    Our aim is to take a suspect-focused approach, creating safer public spaces and building trust and confidence in our policing response.

    Michael Kill, CEO, Night Time Industries Association:

    We welcome today’s announcement and fully support the government’s £53 million package to target the most dangerous domestic abuse perpetrators. A perpetrator-focused approach is essential – accountability must lie with those who commit these crimes, not the women who endure them.

    We understand that predatory behaviour is a pervasive issue within society and must be addressed wherever it occurs – across communities, public spaces, and institutions. Over recent years, the industry has worked hard to drive awareness and put robust mitigations in place – through staff training, use of CCTV, awareness campaigns and strengthened partnerships with key stakeholders and policing.

    Today’s announcement – particularly the expansion of the Drive Project and Project Vigilant, as well as the introduction of specially-trained officers to address predatory behaviour – is a vital step toward tackling the root causes of abuse. It will provide greater protection for women and support operators in disrupting harmful behaviours early.

    The NTIA is committed to supporting the government’s Plan for Change and its goal to halve violence against women within a decade. We will continue working closely with government, policing, and local authorities to embed a perpetrator-focused culture of safety and accountability throughout the night time economy.

    This investment comes after the government announced a boost of nearly £20 million in support for victims of abuse, including £6 million for helplines which can offer life-saving support.

    A relentless pursuit of perpetrators will form a central part of the government’s upcoming strategy on violence against women and girls, shifting the burden of safety away from victims and onto the perpetrators responsible for these devastating crimes. The strategy will also set out action to transform the system’s response to VAWG, including on prevention, early intervention, enforcement and victim support.

  • PRESS RELEASE : County lines taskforce set up in West Yorkshire [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : County lines taskforce set up in West Yorkshire [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 4 July 2025.

    A specialist police team focused on tackling county lines drug running will be set up in West Yorkshire police force through £1 million of government funding.

    A specialist policing unit will be set up within West Yorkshire police force to target drug running in and out of the region and protect those exploited by the dangerous illegal drugs trade.

    The dedicated county lines taskforce in West Yorkshire is an expansion of the government’s County Lines Programme and is backed by £1.3 million of funding – and includes additional specialist support for victims, expanding across Leeds and Bradford.

    County lines is a term used to describe gangs who are involved in transporting illegal drugs into different counties within the UK, using dedicated ‘deal lines’ often run out of the biggest cities with routes into different towns. It is one of the most violent models of drug supply and often sees children used to move and store drugs and money.

    As part of the Plan for Change to deliver safer streets, the government is working closely with the police to put a stop to this trade and through its County Lines Programme, it already funds dedicated taskforces in major cities such as London, Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham.

    Since July 2024, work by the taskforces funded through the national programme has led to more than 1,200 line closures and more than 2,000 arrests, leading to the charging of over 800 criminals controlling lines.

    As part of the new funding, specialist support services provided by Catch22 will be extended to the region to help the vulnerable people and children who are exploited by this trade.

    Protecting vulnerable people should always be at the heart of the police’s response and, as part of the Safer Streets mission, the government has introduced new laws which will punish the heartless gangs who lure people into their illegal trade further, including specific offences of child criminal exploitation, cuckooing and coerced internal concealment.

    Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper said:

    The appalling reality of county lines drug running is that criminal gangs exploit children and teenagers to run drugs, further drawing them into violence and serious crime.

    We’ve also seen competing drugs gangs running operations into small towns and communities also tackling violence and knife crime into those too. Officers at West Yorkshire Police have already made important progress in combatting drugs running in the area, and this funding will help the force go further to put a stop to this evil practice.

    As part of the Plan for Change, we are going further to protect children from being criminally exploited by investing millions into policing and introducing specific offences that properly recognise the harm it causes and punish those who choose to inflict this pain.

    Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Jones, said:

    The formation of a dedicated taskforce for West Yorkshire gives us an opportunity to build on the work we already do in tackling county lines crime head on, making an even greater positive impact.

    County lines crime has a direct effect on communities across the whole of West Yorkshire – from the exploitation of young and vulnerable people who are often coerced into doing the dirty work of hardened organised criminals, to the serious violence and drug-related misery that comes with it.

    Our aim is clear – we will be relentless in our pursuit of those behind county lines by disrupting their illicit enterprises. We will safeguard victims, raise awareness of the dangers of county lines and continue to work with our partners to make our towns and villages stronger and safer.

    West Yorkshire has consistently been one of the largest exporters of county lines drug running in recent years, which is why the government has chosen to provide further funding for the force and Catch22 to provide specialist support to victims in the region.

    Twenty-eight arrests were made and 2 lines were closed by West Yorkshire police last week as part of a national County Lines Intensification Week. This also saw 26 people safeguarded and £9,000 of Class A drugs and over £100,000 in cash seized by officers.

    Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin said:

    We must protect our local communities, including vulnerable children, from the scourge of drugs and gang violence.

    This significant investment into a dedicated taskforce and support for victims will bolster our ongoing efforts to tackle this issue.

    We are determined that there will be nowhere to hide for criminals who exploit children and damage our communities both in West Yorkshire and across our borders.

    Kate Wareham, Catch22 Strategic Director – Young People Families and Communities, said:

    Having seen first hand the devastating impact of county lines on young people, this expansion into Yorkshire is crucial.

    We know the need for our service is growing, and we’re committed to working with partners like the Home Office and British Transport Police to keep safeguarding these vulnerable children at the forefront. In our efforts to draw a line on exploitation, we welcome this investment in our service.

    As part of the Safer Streets mission, the government has pledged to halve knife crime in the next decade.  County lines is closely linked to knife crime and tackling violent and exploitative drug gangs through the County Lines Programme is crucial to delivering this commitment.

    The expansion of the County Lines Programme comes as the Home Secretary launches the government’s Safer Streets summer initiative. This nationwide crackdown will seek to target town centre crime, such as shop theft and antisocial behaviour, much of which is driven by the supply of drugs into these communities.

    Over 500 town centres have signed up to the Home Secretary’s Safer Streets summer blitz that will see shops benefit from increased police patrols and local action to tackle town centre crime and antisocial behaviour.

    This marks a key step in delivering the government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, which from July will see named, contactable officers in every community, increased peak time patrols in town centres and antisocial behaviour leads in every force.

    Commissioned by the Home Secretary, police and crime commissioners across England and Wales have developed bespoke local action plans with police, businesses and local councils to crack down on crime this summer.

    The aim is to support town centres to be vibrant places where people want to live, work and spend time, and restore faith in community policing after years of declining police officer presence on Britain’s streets.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Summer blitz on town centre crime [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Summer blitz on town centre crime [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 4 July 2025.

    Over 500 town centres have signed up to the Home Secretary’s Safer Streets summer blitz that will see increased police patrols and local action.

    Thousands of shoppers and businesses will see increased police presence, stronger prevention and enforcement action by police and councils to support safer high streets this summer.

    Over recent years street crime has sky-rocketed, with theft from the person more than doubling between December 2022 and December 2024, and there has been record levels of shop theft, up by more than 60% – with offenders increasingly using violence and abuse against shopworkers.

    This marks a key step in delivering the government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, which from July will see named, contactable officers in every community, increased peak time patrols in town centres and anti-social behaviour leads in every force.

    Commissioned by the Home Secretary, Police and Crime Commissioners across England and Wales have developed bespoke local action plans with police, businesses and local councils to crackdown on crime this summer.

    The aim is to support town centres to be vibrant places where people want to live, work and spend time, and restore faith in community policing after years of declining police officer presence on Britain’s streets.

    These plans include increased visible town centre policing and ramping up the use of targeted enforcement powers against troublemakers – including banning perpetrators from hotspots.

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

    High streets and town centres are the very heart of our communities. Residents and businesses have the right to feel safe in their towns. But the last government left a surge in shop theft, street crime and anti-social behaviour which has left too many town centres feeling abandoned.

    It’s time to turn this round, that’s why I have called on police forces and councils alike to work together to deliver a summer blitz on town centre crime to send a clear message to those people who bring misery to our towns that their crimes will no longer go unpunished.

    The fact that 500 towns have signed up shows the strength of feeling on this issue.

    Through our Safer Streets Mission and Plan for Change, we are putting officers back on the beat where you can see them and making our town centres safe again.

    The summer initiative will also support young people, making sure there are activities across the 500 towns for young people to be involved in throughout the holidays.

    The Home Office, alongside police, retailers and industry are also launching a new Tackling Retail Crime Together Strategy, which will use shared data to assist in disrupting not just organised criminal gangs, but all types of perpetrators including prolific offenders who are stealing to fund an addiction and ‘opportunist’ offenders.

    Creating thriving town centres where businesses and communities can flourish supports the government’s growth mission, raising living standards, backing local economies and supporting communities.

    Initiatives taking place this summer include:

    • in Humberside, police are using real-time mapping to deliver dynamic patrols to target emerging problem locations while reassuring local communities
    • in Devon and Cornwall, police are embedding specialist anti-social behaviour lawyers to fast-track enforcement activity
    • in Derbyshire, police have developed a Night Time Economy Charter to help deliver consistent proactive policing and coordinated management across the four largest local town centres
    • in Wales, Dyfed-Powys Police are targeting seasonal, tourist towns through early police visibility, deterrence and community reassurance
    • in Nottinghamshire, police have introduced a new diversionary intervention programme for Out of Court Resolutions with conditions attached for problem offenders

    Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    We are on the side of local businesses, and our Plan for Change is helping create the right conditions for our great British high streets to thrive.

    The Safer Streets Summer Initiative will play a vital role in achieving this by keeping footfall high, communities and those that work in them safe, and the economy growing.

    Shop theft and the abuse of shopworkers has become an endemic problem for Britain’s high streets with many shopworkers victimised in the same communities where they live.

    The government is set to introduce a new law to protect shop workers from this vile abuse.

    Record levels of shop theft have been driven not just by organised crime gangs but drug addiction for some prolific offenders and opportunism for others.

    The new Tackling Retail Crime Together Strategy will bring together multiple sources of data from industry and policing to create a single avenue for intelligence to help better target and respond to perpetrators.

    Police and retailers will also team up with security firms and local communities to locate the highest harm areas and identify the role offender management programmes can play in breaking the cycle of crime for repeat offenders.

    Anthony Hemmerdinger, Managing Director, Boots said:

    Retail theft alongside intimidation and abuse of our team members is unacceptable, so we welcome this additional support from government and the police to strengthen shopworker protection.

    While we continue to invest significantly in schemes to deter and disrupt crime, including our state-of-the-art CCTV monitoring centre and bodycams for our team members in stores, it is only through collaboration with government, police forces, and local communities, that we can ensure high streets feel like welcoming and safe spaces for people to work, shop and visit, all the time.

    Chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners Emily Spurrell said:

    Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) and Deputy Mayors know how much people want to rid their neighbourhoods of criminal and anti-social behaviour (ASB) that blights too many communities. Tackling retail crime and ASB is essential to allowing our town centres to flourish. People have a right to feel safe and shop workers shouldn’t have to defend their stores against regular and organised theft, putting themselves at risk of violence.

    As the public’s voice in policing, we have long understood that neighbourhood policing is key to addressing these issues which is why we welcomed the government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee. It will see thousands more officers on our streets and introduce specialist training for them to operate effectively within local communities, building trust.

    With our local police forces and other partners in support of the Safer Streets Summer initiative, PCCs and Deputy Mayors will be working harder than ever to target criminal and anti-social behaviour so that people feel safe and have pride in where they live and work. We are determined to deliver real and demonstrable change so that communities and town centres can thrive and prosper.

    The initiative launches today at an event hosted by the Home Office and the English Football League at Derby County Football Club, attended by partner representatives from police, businesses, local councils and local government.

    It will see increased collaborative community-led interventions across sectors such as schemes to keep kids out of trouble during the summer holidays and targeted prevention activity with businesses, to not only tackle crime, but prevent crime and anti-social behaviour happening in the first place.

    English Football League’s Director of Community Debbie Cook said:

    Today at Derby County Football Club, EFL in the Community was proud to stand alongside the Home Office as the government reaffirmed its commitment to working hand-in-hand with trusted local organisations — like our clubs — to prioritise public safety and tackle town centre crime, street violence, and anti-social behaviour.

    Beyond the pitch, football clubs and their charities across England and Wales play a transformative role in people’s lives. Through innovative initiatives — like Bristol City Foundation’s free ‘turn-up and play’ sessions in supermarket car parks and South Yorkshire clubs uniting to combat violence against women and girls — our clubs are contributing to creating safer, stronger, and more connected communities. We look forward to this work continuing and growing.

    Harvinder Saimbhi, CEO of ASB Help, said:

    We welcome the Safer Streets Summer Initiative as we know that ASB can increase during these months with lighter nights and improved weather. One of the most effective ways to address shop theft, street theft and anti-social behaviour is through effective partnerships that work proactively in addressing and tackling issues at the forefront.

    This proactive initiative will contribute towards communities and businesses in feeling safer by seeing boosted police presence and council operations working together to make town centres safer. We are pleased to see that this initiative will not be only enforcement driven but will focus on creating more positive activities for young people and keeping vulnerable groups safer where everyone can feel secure.

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

    This crackdown on shop theft, street theft and anti-social behaviour is timely and welcome. Shop theft is often seen as a victimless crime but this is not the case. It takes a heavy toll mentally, physically and financially on shop owners, their families and their employees. At the same time, the financial costs of retail crime will eventually impact on customers through inflated prices.

    ASB, meanwhile, can cost independent retailers dear in terms of cleaning and clearing up, as well as increasing premiums, deterring footfall and shoppers.

    A recent Fed survey found that 72% of respondents had experienced shoplifting, break ins and damage to their property and they and their staff had been physically or verbally threatened.  A whopping 91% of respondents called for more police patrols on streets.

    Everyone deserves to feel safe at work and for their businesses to be protected against criminals.

    Richard Walker, Executive Chairman of Iceland Foods said:

    Our colleagues and customers are our number one priority at Iceland, and I hope this increase in visible policing will give them more confidence to enjoy our high streets and communities in safety this summer.

    Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BRC, said:

    With the huge rise in retail theft and the continued impact of violence and abuse on retail colleagues, we welcome the announcement of increased police patrols and local action to tackle town centre crime and anti-social behaviour. We must stamp out this scourge of crime up and down the country, and this announcement is certainly a step in the right direction.

    Superintendent Lisa Maslen of the National Business Crime Centre said:

    Retail crime continues to have a significant impact on businesses, staff, and communities across the country. The Tackling Retail Crime Together strategy and campaign is about strengthening the vital partnerships between policing and the retail sector to deliver meaningful action. The NBCC received £2 million of funding from the Home Office to support police and partners in tackling retail crime and we have used some of the funding to develop the first national campaign to highlight the amount of work being done to respond to, prevent and detect retail crime offences across the country.

    There will also be increased collaborative community led interventions across sectors such as schemes to keep kids out of trouble during the summer holidays and targeted prevention activity with businesses, to not only tackle crime but prevent crime and anti-social behaviour happening in the first place.

    Jason Towse, Managing Director, Business Services, Mitie said:

    We all deserve to live and work in a safe environment and the Tackling Retail Crime Together Strategy has been developed to fuse industry knowledge and data with policing powers.

    With momentum building as towns across the country rally behind this initiative, the intelligence shared will inform a collaborative approach across regions and enable the right interventions to be deployed to break the cycle of offending.

    Together, our actions will deter potential offenders, ensure criminals face consequences and ultimately create safer, thriving communities.

    The APCC joint leads for Business and Retail Crime, Katie Bourne OBE, Police and Crime Commissioner for Sussex, and Andy Dunbobbin, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, said:

    This strategy is an acknowledgement of the urgent need to focus on tackling unacceptable levels of shop theft and violence against retail workers.

    We are delighted that the success of the Police and Crime Commissioner-led Pegasus partnership of retailers, Home Office and police has been recognised and is being built upon.

    Through the work of Pegasus and policing’s Opal team, a hugely effective, data-led and intelligence-sharing approach has been developed that focuses on organised retail crime gangs with greater police and retailer working at its heart.

    Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for retail crime, said:

    We know retail crime has a significant impact on victims, damages businesses and communities and goes far beyond financial loss. We also know it is a complex problem with a diverse offender profile and is something which requires a strong partnership approach, tackling the issues together.

    Over the last two years we have made significant strides in our fight against retail crime, strengthening relationships with retailers and greatly improving information sharing which has resulted in a number of high harm offenders being brought to justice and the new Retail Crime Strategy builds on this even further. It brings together policing, retailers, the security industry and academia in a shared strategy which makes best use of our collective resources to turn the tide on the volume of offending blighting our communities.

    A collective approach is key, ensuring everyone can enjoy where they live, work and spend their leisure time safely.

    Clare Sumner, Chief Policy and Social Impact Officer at the Premier League said:

    The Premier League welcomes the government’s proposals to create opportunities for young people as part of its Safer Streets Summer Initiative. For the last 20 years, our Premier League Kicks programme has provided support for young people who need it the most, funding free weekly football sessions across 93 Premier League, EFL and National League clubs.

    Through the power of football, we offer real opportunities for young people to develop vital life skills and reach their potential, supported by club coaches from similar backgrounds who help to inspire, guide and mentor them to a better future.

    LOCATIONS

    Town centre name Police force area Region
    Bath; Bath and North East Somerset (South West; England) Avon & Somerset South West
    Frome; Mendip (South West; England) Avon & Somerset South West
    Regent Street; Kingswood; South Gloucestershire (South West; England) Avon & Somerset South West
    Whiteladies Road; Clifton; City of Bristol (South West; England) Avon & Somerset South West
    Queen’s Road; City of Bristol (South West; England) Avon & Somerset South West
    Gloucester Road; Montpelier; City of Bristol (South West; England) Avon & Somerset South West
    High Street; Burnham-on-Sea; Sedgemoor (South West; England) Avon & Somerset South West
    Weston-Super-Mare; North Somerset (South West; England) Avon & Somerset South West
    Clifton Wood; City of Bristol (South West; England) Avon & Somerset South West
    East Street; Bedminster; City of Bristol (South West; England) Avon & Somerset South West
    Yeovil; South Somerset (South West; England) Avon & Somerset South West
    High Street; Glastonbury; Mendip (South West; England) Avon & Somerset South West
    High Street; Wells; Mendip (South West; England) Avon & Somerset South West
    Taunton; Somerset West and Taunton (East of England; England) Avon & Somerset South West
    Bridgwater; Sedgemoor (South West; England) Avon & Somerset South West
    The Avenue; Minehead; Somerset West and Taunton (East of England; England) Avon & Somerset South West
    Yate; South Gloucestershire (South West; England) Avon & Somerset South West
    Portishead Avon & Somerset South West
    Chard Avon & Somerset South West
    Bedford; Bedford (East of England; England) Bedfordshire East of England
    Leighton Buzzard; Central Bedfordshire (East of England; England) Bedfordshire East of England
    High Street; Biggleswade; Central Bedfordshire (East of England; England) Bedfordshire East of England
    Luton; Luton (East of England; England) Bedfordshire East of England
    Dunstable Road; Bury Park; Luton (East of England; England) Bedfordshire East of England
    Dunstable; Central Bedfordshire (East of England; England) Bedfordshire East of England
    Cambridge; Cambridge (East of England; England) Cambridgeshire East of England
    Peterborough; Peterborough (East of England; England) Cambridgeshire East of England
    Wisbech; Fenland (East of England; England) Cambridgeshire East of England
    Ely; East Cambridgeshire (East of England; England) Cambridgeshire East of England
    Huntingdon; Huntingdonshire (East of England; England) Cambridgeshire East of England
    St Ives; Huntingdonshire (East of England; England) Cambridgeshire East of England
    Market Square; St Neots; Huntingdonshire (East of England; England) Cambridgeshire East of England
    Grafton Centre; Cambridge; Cambridge (East of England; England) Cambridgeshire East of England
    Chester; Cheshire West and Chester (North West; England) Cheshire North West
    Warrington; Warrington (North West; England) Cheshire North West
    Simm’s Cross; Halton (North West; England) Cheshire North West
    Northwich; Cheshire West and Chester (North West; England) Cheshire North West
    Macclesfield; Cheshire East (North West; England) Cheshire North West
    High Street; Neston; Cheshire West and Chester (North West; England) Cheshire North West
    King Street; Knutsford; Cheshire East (North West; England) Cheshire North West
    Church Street; Runcorn; Halton (North West; England) Cheshire North West
    Nantwich; Cheshire East (North West; England) Cheshire North West
    Congleton; Cheshire East (North West; England) Cheshire North West
    Market Street; Crewe; Cheshire East (North West; England) Cheshire North West
    Whitby Road; Ellesmere Port; Cheshire West and Chester (North West; England) Cheshire North West
    Wilmslow; Cheshire East (North West; England) Cheshire North West
    Nantwich Road; Crewe; Cheshire East (North West; England) Cheshire North West
    Winsford Town Cheshire North West
    Redcar; Redcar and Cleveland (North East; England) Cleveland North East
    Middlesbrough; Middlesbrough (North East; England) Cleveland North East
    Stockton-on-Tees; Stockton-on-Tees (North East; England) Cleveland North East
    Hartlepool; Hartlepool (North East; England) Cleveland North East
    Carlisle; Carlisle (North West; England) Cumbria North West
    Whitehaven; Copeland (North West; England) Cumbria North West
    Workington; Allerdale (North West; England) Cumbria North West
    Kendal; South Lakeland (North West; England) Cumbria North West
    Barrow-in-Furness; Barrow-in-Furness (North West; England) Cumbria North West
    Penrith; Eden (North West; England) Cumbria North West
    Ulverston; South Lakeland (North West; England) Cumbria North West
    Derby; Derby (East Midlands; England) Derbyshire East Midlands
    Chesterfield; Chesterfield (East Midlands; England) Derbyshire East Midlands
    Ripley; Amber Valley (East Midlands; England) Derbyshire East Midlands
    Ilkeston; Erewash (East Midlands; England) Derbyshire East Midlands
    Ashbourne; Derbyshire Dales (East Midlands; England) Derbyshire East Midlands
    Glossop; High Peak (East Midlands; England) Derbyshire East Midlands
    Long Eaton; Erewash (East Midlands; England) Derbyshire East Midlands
    High Street; Alfreton; Amber Valley (East Midlands; England) Derbyshire East Midlands
    King Street; Belper; Amber Valley (East Midlands; England) Derbyshire East Midlands
    Bakewell; Derbyshire Dales (East Midlands; England) Derbyshire East Midlands
    Normanton Road; Rose Hill; Derby (East Midlands; England) Derbyshire East Midlands
    Truro; Cornwall (South West; England) Devon & Cornwall South West
    Exeter; Exeter (South West; England) Devon & Cornwall South West
    Plymouth; Plymouth (South West; England) Devon & Cornwall South West
    Penzance; Cornwall (South West; England) Devon & Cornwall South West
    Falmouth; Cornwall (South West; England) Devon & Cornwall South West
    Newquay; Cornwall (South West; England) Devon & Cornwall South West
    Barnstaple; North Devon (South West; England) Devon & Cornwall South West
    Tiverton; Mid Devon (South West; England) Devon & Cornwall South West
    Torquay; Torbay (South West; England) Devon & Cornwall South West
    Paignton; Torbay (South West; England) Devon & Cornwall South West
    Exmouth; East Devon (South West; England) Devon & Cornwall South West
    Newton Abbot; Teignbridge (South West; England) Devon & Cornwall South West
    Bideford; Torridge (South West; England) Devon & Cornwall South West
    St Austell; Cornwall (South West; England) Devon & Cornwall South West
    Trelowarren Street; Camborne; Cornwall (South West; England) Devon & Cornwall South West
    Bodmin Devon & Cornwall South West
    Bournemouth; Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (South West; England) Dorset South West
    Poole; Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (South West; England) Dorset South West
    Weymouth; Dorset (South West; England) Dorset South West
    East Street; Blandford Forum; Dorset (South West; England) Dorset South West
    High Street; Swanage; Dorset (South West; England) Dorset South West
    South Street; Bridport; Dorset (South West; England) Dorset South West
    South Street; Dorchester; Dorset (South West; England) Dorset South West
    Wimborne Minster; Dorset (South West; England) Dorset South West
    High Street; Christchurch; Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (South West; England) Dorset South West
    Christchurch Road; Boscombe; Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (South West; England) Dorset South West
    Poole Road; Westbourne; Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (South West; England) Dorset South West
    Wimborne Road; Winton; Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (South West; England) Dorset South West
    Wimborne Road; Moordown; Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (South West; England) Dorset North East
    Ashley Road; Upper Parkstone; Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (South West; England) Dorset North East
    Darlington; Darlington (North East; England) Durham North East
    Bishop Auckland; County Durham (North East; England) Durham North East
    Durham; County Durham (North East; England) Durham North East
    High Street; Spennymoor; County Durham (North East; England) Durham North East
    Consett; County Durham (North East; England) Durham North East
    Front Street; Chester-le-Street; County Durham (North East; England) Durham North East
    Stanley Durham North East
    Peterlee Durham North East
    Crook Durham North East
    Newton Aycliffe Durham North East
    Chilton Durham North East
    Dinbych-y-Pysgod (Tenby); Pembrokeshire (Wales) Dyfed-Powys Wales
    Carmarthen; Carmarthenshire (Wales) Dyfed-Powys Wales
    Aberystwyth; Ceredigion (Wales) Dyfed-Powys Wales
    Y Drenewydd; Powys (Wales) Dyfed-Powys Wales
    High Street; Aberhonddu; Powys (Wales) Dyfed-Powys Wales
    Llanelli; Carmarthenshire (Wales) Dyfed-Powys Wales
    Hwlffordd; Pembrokeshire (Wales) Dyfed-Powys Wales
    Builth-Wells Dyfed-Powys Wales
    Milford Haven Dyfed-Powys Wales
    Colchester; Colchester (East of England; England) Essex East of England
    Basildon; Basildon (East of England; England) Essex East of England
    Braintree; Braintree (East of England; England) Essex East of England
    Brentwood; Brentwood (East of England; England) Essex East of England
    Chelmsford; Chelmsford (East of England; England) Essex East of England
    Clacton-on-Sea; Tendring (East of England; England) Essex East of England
    Harlow; Harlow (East of England; England) Essex East of England
    Loughton; Epping Forest (East of England; England) Essex East of England
    Maldon; Maldon (East of England; England) Essex East of England
    Rayleigh; Rochford (East of England; England) Essex East of England
    Saffron Walden; Uttlesford (East of England; England) Essex East of England
    Westcliff-on-Sea; Southend-on-Sea (East of England; England) Essex East of England
    High Street; Billericay; Basildon (East of England; England) Essex East of England
    High Street; Southend-on-Sea; Southend-on-Sea (East of England; England) Essex East of England
    High Street; Wickford; Basildon (East of England; England) Essex East of England
    Orsett Road; Grays; Thurrock (East of England; England) Essex East of England
    The Broadway; Leigh-on-Sea; Southend-on-Sea (East of England; England) Essex East of England
    Tilbury Town Centre Essex East of England
    Canvey Island Town Centre Essex East of England
    Cheltenham; Cheltenham (South West; England) Gloucestershire South West
    Tewkesbury; Tewkesbury (South West; England) Gloucestershire South West
    Gloucester; Gloucester (South West; England) Gloucestershire South West
    Cirencester; Cotswold (South West; England) Gloucestershire South West
    Coleford Gloucestershire South West
    Stroud; Stroud (South West; England) Gloucestershire South West
    Commercial Greater Manchester North West
    Bolton Town Centre Greater Manchester North West
    Wigan Town Centre Greater Manchester North West
    Oldham Town Centre Greater Manchester North West
    Bury Town Centre Greater Manchester North West
    Stockport Greater Manchester North West
    Rochdale Town Centre Greater Manchester North West
    Rusholme Greater Manchester North West
    Harpurhey Greater Manchester North West
    Piccadilly Gardens Greater Manchester North West
    Gay Village Greater Manchester North West
    Peter St/Deansgate Greater Manchester North West
    Ashton Town Centre Greater Manchester North West
    Leigh Greater Manchester North West
    Fallowfield Greater Manchester North West
    Altrincham Greater Manchester North West
    Farnworth Greater Manchester North West
    Longsight Greater Manchester North West
    Walkden/Little Hulton Greater Manchester North West
    Levenshulme Greater Manchester North West
    Stalybridge Greater Manchester North West
    Wythenshawe Greater Manchester North West
    Cheetham Hill Greater Manchester North West
    Trafford Centre Greater Manchester North West
    Deane Greater Manchester North West
    Eccles Greater Manchester North West
    Middleton Greater Manchester North West
    Hyde Greater Manchester North West
    Benchill Greater Manchester North West
    Shaw Greater Manchester North West
    Heywood Greater Manchester North West
    Hindley Greater Manchester North West
    Chorley Old Rd Greater Manchester North West
    Primrose Hill Greater Manchester North West
    Prestwich Greater Manchester North West
    Brinnington Greater Manchester North West
    Old Trafford Greater Manchester North West
    Robin Park Greater Manchester North West
    Gorton Greater Manchester North West
    Salford Quays Greater Manchester North West
    Whitworth Park Greater Manchester North West
    Coldhurst/St Marys Greater Manchester North West
    Fallowfield Loop Greater Manchester North West
    Derker Greater Manchester North West
    Royton Greater Manchester North West
    Pendleton Greater Manchester North West
    St Thomas Greater Manchester North West
    Oxford Road Greater Manchester North West
    Freehold Greater Manchester North West
    Chorlton Greater Manchester North West
    Newton Greater Manchester North West
    Atherton Greater Manchester North West
    Hazel Grove Greater Manchester North West
    Sale Greater Manchester North West
    Ashton-in-Makerfield Greater Manchester North West
    Westhoughton Greater Manchester North West
    Moss Side Greater Manchester North West
    Piccadilly Basin Greater Manchester North West
    Hulme High Street Greater Manchester North West
    Denton Greater Manchester North West
    Horwich Greater Manchester North West
    Wythenshawe Park Greater Manchester North West
    Didsbury Greater Manchester North West
    Dukinfield Greater Manchester North West
    Cheadle Heath Greater Manchester North West
    Chadderton Greater Manchester North West
    Manchester Fort Shopping Park Greater Manchester North West
    Marple Greater Manchester North West
    Radcliffe Greater Manchester North West
    Swinton Greater Manchester North West
    Little Lever Greater Manchester North West
    Northenden Greater Manchester North West
    Breightmet Greater Manchester North West
    Victoria Ave East Greater Manchester North West
    Cheadle Hulme Greater Manchester North West
    Altrincham Retail Park Greater Manchester North West
    Whitefield Greater Manchester North West
    Ramsbottom Greater Manchester North West
    Standish Greater Manchester North West
    Middlebrook Greater Manchester North West
    Hale Greater Manchester North West
    Newport; Newport (Wales) Gwent Wales
    Tredegar; Blaenau Gwent (Wales) Gwent Wales
    Cwmbran; Torfaen (Wales) Gwent Wales
    Y Fenni; Monmouthshire (Wales) Gwent Wales
    Caerffili; Caerphilly (Wales) Gwent Wales
    Chepstow; Monmouthshire (Wales) Gwent Wales
    Monnow Street; Chippenham; Monmouthshire (Wales) Gwent Wales
    Brynmawr including Lakeside Retail Park Gwent Wales
    Ebbw Vale Gwent Wales
    Abertillery Gwent Wales
    Blackwood Gwent Wales
    Bargoed Gwent Wales
    Blaenavon Gwent Wales
    Abersychan Gwent Wales
    Pontypool Gwent Wales
    Southampton; Southampton (South East; England) Hampshire South East
    Newport; Isle of Wight (South East; England) Hampshire South East
    Lymington; New Forest (South East; England) Hampshire South East
    Eastleigh; Eastleigh (South East; England) Hampshire South East
    Fareham; Fareham (South East; England) Hampshire South East
    Petersfield; East Hampshire (South East; England) Hampshire South East
    Winchester; Winchester (South East; England) Hampshire South East
    Basingstoke; Basingstoke and Deane (South East; England) Hampshire South East
    Portsmouth; Portsmouth (South East; England) Hampshire South East
    Gosport; Gosport (South East; England) Hampshire South East
    Havant; Havant (South East; England) Hampshire South East
    Andover; Test Valley (South East; England) Hampshire South East
    Fleet; Hart (South East; England) Hampshire South East
    Aldershot; Rushmoor (South East; England) Hampshire South East
    Commercial Road; Totton; New Forest (South East; England) Hampshire South East
    High Street; Cowes; Isle of Wight (South East; England) Hampshire South East
    Ringwood; New Forest (South East; England) Hampshire South East
    The Hundred; Romsey; Test Valley (South East; England) Hampshire South East
    High Street; Shanklin; Isle of Wight (South East; England) Hampshire South East
    High Street; Alton; East Hampshire (South East; England) Hampshire South East
    High Street; Ryde; Isle of Wight (South East; England) Hampshire South East
    Shirley High Street; Shirley; Southampton (South East; England) Hampshire South East
    Station Road; New Milton; New Forest (South East; England) Hampshire South East
    Albert Road; Southsea; Portsmouth (South East; England) Hampshire South East
    Palmerston Road; Southsea; Portsmouth (South East; England) Hampshire South East
    London Road; North End; Portsmouth (South East; England) Hampshire South East
    London Road; Waterlooville; Havant (South East; England) Hampshire South East
    Farnborough; Rushmoor (South East; England) Hampshire South East
    Watford; Watford (East of England; England) Hertfordshire East of England
    St Albans; St Albans (East of England; England) Hertfordshire East of England
    Stevenage; Stevenage (East of England; England) Hertfordshire East of England
    Hoddesdon; Broxbourne (East of England; England) Hertfordshire East of England
    Hertford; East Hertfordshire (East of England; England) Hertfordshire East of England
    Hitchin; North Hertfordshire (East of England; England) Hertfordshire East of England
    Borehamwood; Hertsmere (East of England; England) Hertfordshire East of England
    Rickmansworth; Three Rivers (East of England; England) Hertfordshire East of England
    Welwyn Garden City; Welwyn Hatfield (East of England; England) Hertfordshire East of England
    Hemel Hempstead; Dacorum (East of England; England) Hertfordshire East of England
    Letchworth; North Hertfordshire (East of England; England) Hertfordshire East of England
    High Street; Berkhamsted; Dacorum (East of England; England) – 1 Hertfordshire East of England
    High Street; Harpenden; St Albans (East of England; England) Hertfordshire East of England
    South Street; Bishop’s Stortford; East Hertfordshire (East of England; England) Hertfordshire East of England
    High Street; Ware; East Hertfordshire (East of England; England) Hertfordshire East of England
    Hatfield (Galleria) Hertfordshire East of England
    Cassiobury Park, Watford Hertfordshire East of England
    Hartham Common, Hertford Hertfordshire East of England
    High Street; Waltham Cross; Broxbourne (East of England; England) – 1 Hertfordshire East of England
    Hull; Kingston upon Hull (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) Humberside Yorkshire and the Humber
    Beverley; East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) Humberside Yorkshire and the Humber
    Grimsby; North East Lincolnshire (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) Humberside Yorkshire and the Humber
    Bridlington; East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) Humberside Yorkshire and the Humber
    Scunthorpe; North Lincolnshire (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) Humberside Yorkshire and the Humber
    Middle Street South; Driffield; East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) Humberside Yorkshire and the Humber
    Hessle Road; Dairycoates; City of Kingston upon Hull (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) Humberside Yorkshire and the Humber
    Newland Avenue; Newland; City of Kingston upon Hull (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) Humberside Yorkshire and the Humber
    St Peters Avenue; Cleethorpes; North East Lincolnshire (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) Humberside Yorkshire and the Humber
    Freeman Street; East Marsh; North East Lincolnshire (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) Humberside Yorkshire and the Humber
    High Street; Scunthorpe; North Lincolnshire (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) Humberside Yorkshire and the Humber
    Anlaby Road, Dairycoates Humberside Yorkshire and the Humber
    Anlaby Road, Dairycoates Humberside Yorkshire and the Humber
    Holderness Road, Wilmington Humberside Yorkshire and the Humber
    Carlisle Street, Goole Humberside Yorkshire and the Humber
    Ashby High Street, Ashby Humberside Yorkshire and the Humber
    Wrawby Street, Brigg Humberside Yorkshire and the Humber
    Canterbury; Canterbury (South East; England) Kent South East
    Royal Tunbridge Wells; Tunbridge Wells (South East; England) Kent South East
    Maidstone; Maidstone (South East; England) Kent South East
    Ramsgate; Thanet (South East; England) Kent South East
    Chatham; Medway (South East; England) Kent South East
    Gravesend; Gravesham (South East; England) Kent South East
    Folkestone; Folkestone and Hythe (South East; England) Kent South East
    Ashford; Ashford (South East; England) Kent South East
    Dover; Dover (South East; England) Kent South East
    Sittingbourne; Swale (South East; England) Kent South East
    Temple Hill; Dartford (South East; England) Kent South East
    High Street; Sheerness; Swale (South East; England) Kent South East
    High Street; Margate; Thanet (South East; England) Kent South East
    High Street; Rochester; Medway (South East; England) Kent South East
    Gilingham Kent South East
    Preston; Preston (North West; England) Lancashire North West
    Blackpool; Blackpool (North West; England) Lancashire North West
    Lancaster; Lancaster (North West; England) Lancashire North West
    Ormskirk; West Lancashire (North West; England) Lancashire North West
    Leyland; South Ribble (North West; England) Lancashire North West
    Chorley; Chorley (North West; England) Lancashire North West
    Lytham St Anne’s; Fylde (North West; England) Lancashire North West
    Blackburn; Blackburn with Darwen (North West; England) Lancashire North West
    Cleveleys; Wyre (North West; England) Lancashire North West
    Clitheroe; Ribble Valley (North West; England) Lancashire North West
    Accrington; Hyndburn (North West; England) Lancashire North West
    Burnley; Burnley (North West; England) Lancashire North West
    Colne; Pendle (North West; England) Lancashire North West
    Lord Street; Knott End-on-Sea; Wyre (North West; England) Lancashire North West
    Lytham Road; South Shore; Blackpool (North West; England) Lancashire North West
    Clifton Street; Lytham; Fylde (North West; England) Lancashire North West
    Morecambe; Lancaster (North West; England) Lancashire North West
    Leicester; Leicester (East Midlands; England) Leicestershire East Midlands
    Loughborough; Charnwood (East Midlands; England) Leicestershire East Midlands
    Market Harborough; Harborough (East Midlands; England) Leicestershire East Midlands
    Oakham; Rutland (East Midlands; England) Leicestershire East Midlands
    Hinckley; Hinckley and Bosworth (East Midlands; England) Leicestershire East Midlands
    Coalville; North West Leicestershire (East Midlands; England) Leicestershire East Midlands
    Melton Mowbray; Melton (East Midlands; England) Leicestershire East Midlands
    Market Street; Ashby-de-la-Zouch; North West Leicestershire (East Midlands; England) Leicestershire East Midlands
    Belgrave Road; Belgrave; Leicester (East Midlands; England) Leicestershire East Midlands
    Narborough Road; Westcotes; Leicester (East Midlands; England) Leicestershire East Midlands
    Lincoln; Lincoln (East Midlands; England) Lincolnshire East MIdlands
    Boston; Boston (East Midlands; England) Lincolnshire East MIdlands
    Louth; East Lindsey (East Midlands; England) Lincolnshire East MIdlands
    Stamford; South Kesteven (East Midlands; England) Lincolnshire East MIdlands
    Spalding; South Holland (East Midlands; England) Lincolnshire East MIdlands
    Gainsborough; West Lindsey (East Midlands; England) Lincolnshire East MIdlands
    Grantham; South Kesteven (East Midlands; England) Lincolnshire East MIdlands
    Lumley Road; Skegness; East Lindsey (East Midlands; England) Lincolnshire East MIdlands
    High Street; Mablethorpe; East Lindsey (East Midlands; England) Lincolnshire East MIdlands
    Sleaford Lincolnshire East Midlands
    City of London;  London (London; England) London, City of London
    Southport; Sefton (North West; England) Merseyside North West
    Birkenhead; Wirral (North West; England) Merseyside North West
    Huyton; Knowsley (North West; England) Merseyside North West
    St Helens; St. Helens (North West; England) Merseyside North West
    Banks Road; West Kirby; Wirral (North West; England) Merseyside North West
    Stanley Road; Bootle; Sefton (North West; England) Merseyside North West
    Kirkby Merseyside North West
    Prescot Merseyside North West
    Liverpool City Centre (Incl. Chavasse Park) Merseyside North West
    Sutton; Sutton (London; England) Metropolitan Police London
    Croydon; London (London; England) Metropolitan Police London
    Bromley; London (London; England) Metropolitan Police London
    Hounslow; Hounslow (London; England) Metropolitan Police London
    Kingston upon Thames; London (London; England) Metropolitan Police London
    Ealing; Ealing (London; England) Metropolitan Police London
    Romford; London (London; England) Metropolitan Police London
    Ilford; London (London; England) Metropolitan Police London
    Lewisham; Lewisham (London; England) Metropolitan Police London
    Brixton; Lambeth (London; England) Metropolitan Police London
    Richmond upon Thames; Richmond upon Thames (London; England) Metropolitan Police London
    Tooting; London (London; England) Metropolitan Police London
    Walthamstow; Waltham Forest (London; England) Metropolitan Police London
    Barking; Barking and Dagenham (London; England) Metropolitan Police London
    Bexleyheath; Bexley (London; England) Metropolitan Police London
    Woolwich; Greenwich (London; England) Metropolitan Police London
    Camden Town; London (London; England) Metropolitan Police London
    Finsbury Park; Islington (London; England) Metropolitan Police London
    Uxbridge; Hillingdon (London; England) Metropolitan Police London
    Enfield; Enfield (London; England) Metropolitan Police London
    Rushey Green; Catford; Lewisham (London; England) Metropolitan Police London
    Whitechapel Road; Whitechapel; Tower Hamlets (London; England) Metropolitan Police London
    Harrow on the Hill (London; England) Metropolitan Police London
    Shoreditch; Hackney (London; England) Metropolitan Police London
    The Stratford Centre; Stratford; Newham (London; England) Metropolitan Police London
    Craven Park Road; Harlesden; Brent (London; England) Metropolitan Police London
    West End, Westminster Metropolitan Police London
    Ladbroke Grove, Kensington and Chelsea Metropolitan Police London
    Mitcham, Merton Metropolitan Police London
    Grahame Park, Barnet Metropolitan Police London
    Elephant and Castle, Southwark Metropolitan Police London
    Shepherd’s Bush Green, Hammersmith and Fulham Metropolitan Police London
    King’s Lynn; King’s Lynn and West Norfolk (East of England; England) Norfolk East of England
    Magdalen Street; Coslany; Norwich (East of England; England) Norfolk East of England
    Diss; South Norfolk (East of England; England) Norfolk East of England
    Dereham; Breckland (East of England; England) Norfolk East of England
    Great Yarmouth; Great Yarmouth (East of England; England) Norfolk East of England
    Thetford Norfolk East of England
    Gorleston Norfolk East of England
    Downham Market Norfolk East of England
    Wrecsam; Wrexham (Wales) North Wales Wales
    Rhyl; Denbighshire (Wales) North Wales Wales
    Holyhead; Isle of Anglesey (Wales) North Wales Wales
    Caernarfon; Gwynedd (Wales) North Wales Wales
    Llandudno; Conwy (Wales) North Wales Wales
    High Street; Mold; Flintshire (Wales) North Wales Wales
    Abergele Road; Bae Colwyn; Conwy (Wales) North Wales Wales
    High Street; Bangor; Gwynedd (Wales) North Wales Wales
    High Street; Pwllheli; Gwynedd (Wales) North Wales Wales
    Scarborough; Scarborough (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) North Yorkshire Yorkshire and the Humber
    York; York (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) North Yorkshire Yorkshire and the Humber
    Malton; Ryedale (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) North Yorkshire Yorkshire and the Humber
    Northallerton; Hambleton (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) North Yorkshire Yorkshire and the Humber
    Richmond; Richmondshire (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) North Yorkshire Yorkshire and the Humber
    Selby; Selby (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) North Yorkshire Yorkshire and the Humber
    Skipton; Craven (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) North Yorkshire Yorkshire and the Humber
    Harrogate; Harrogate (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) North Yorkshire Yorkshire and the Humber
    Whitby; Scarborough (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) North Yorkshire Yorkshire and the Humber
    Ripon; Harrogate (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) North Yorkshire Yorkshire and the Humber
    High Street; Knaresborough; Harrogate (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) North Yorkshire Yorkshire and the Humber
    Northampton; Northampton (East Midlands; England) Northamptonshire East Midlands
    Kettering; Kettering (East Midlands; England) Northamptonshire East Midlands
    Corby; Corby (East Midlands; England) Northamptonshire East Midlands
    Rushden; East Northamptonshire (East Midlands; England) Northamptonshire East Midlands
    Wellingborough; Wellingborough (East Midlands; England) Northamptonshire East Midlands
    Daventry; Daventry (East Midlands; England) Northamptonshire East Midlands
    Wellingborough Road; Abington; Northampton (East Midlands; England) Northamptonshire East Midlands
    Sunderland; Sunderland (North East; England) Northumbria North East
    South Shields; South Tyneside (North East; England) Northumbria North East
    Whitley Bay; North Tyneside (North East; England) Northumbria North East
    Berwick-upon-Tweed; Northumberland (North East; England) Northumbria North East
    Bondgate Within; Alnwick; Northumberland (North East; England) Northumbria North East
    Hexham; Northumberland (North East; England) Northumbria North East
    Newgate Street; Morpeth; Northumberland (North East; England) Northumbria North East
    Blyth; Northumberland (North East; England) Northumbria North East
    High Street; Gateshead; Gateshead (North East; England) Northumbria North East
    The Galleries; Washington; Sunderland (North East; England) Northumbria North East
    High Street East; Wallsend; North Tyneside (North East; England) Northumbria North East
    North Shields; North Tyneside (North East; England) Northumbria North East
    Ashington Northumbria North East
    Byker Northumbria North East
    Newcastle Northumbria North East
    West Road/ Elswick Northumbria North East
    Jarrow Northumbria North East
    West Bridgford; Rushcliffe (East Midlands; England) Nottinghamshire East Midlands
    Beeston; Broxtowe (East Midlands; England) Nottinghamshire East Midlands
    Arnold; Gedling (East Midlands; England) Nottinghamshire East Midlands
    Newark-on-Trent; Newark and Sherwood (East Midlands; England) Nottinghamshire East Midlands
    Mansfield; Mansfield (East Midlands; England) Nottinghamshire East Midlands
    Hucknall; Ashfield (East Midlands; England) Nottinghamshire East Midlands
    Worksop; Bassetlaw (East Midlands; England) Nottinghamshire East Midlands
    Retford; Bassetlaw (East Midlands; England) Nottinghamshire East Midlands
    Radford Road; Hyson Green; Nottingham (East Midlands; England) Nottinghamshire East Midlands
    Sutton in Ashfield; Ashfield (East Midlands; England) Nottinghamshire East Midlands
    Swansea; Swansea (Wales) South Wales Wales
    Merthyr Tudful; Merthyr Tydfil (Wales) South Wales Wales
    Barry; Vale of Glamorgan (Wales) South Wales Wales
    Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr; Bridgend (Wales) South Wales Wales
    Pontypridd; Rhondda Cynon Taf (Wales) South Wales Wales
    Neath; Neath Port Talbot (Wales) South Wales Wales
    Aberdare; Rhondda Cynon Taf (Wales) South Wales Wales
    Glebe Street; Penarth; Vale of Glamorgan (Wales) South Wales Wales
    Cowbridge Road East; Canton; Cardiff (Wales) South Wales Wales
    Albany Road; Y Rhath; Cardiff (Wales) South Wales Wales
    Barnsley; Barnsley (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) South Yorkshire Yorkshire and The Humber
    Sheffield City; Sheffield (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) South Yorkshire Yorkshire and The Humber
    Doncaster; Doncaster (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) South Yorkshire Yorkshire and The Humber
    Rotherham; Rotherham (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) South Yorkshire Yorkshire and The Humber
    High Street; Mexborough; Doncaster (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) South Yorkshire Yorkshire and The Humber
    Staffordshire Staffordshire West Midlands
    Ipswich; Ipswich (East of England; England) Suffolk East of England
    Felixstowe; East Suffolk (East of England; England) Suffolk East of England
    Sudbury; Babergh (East of England; England) Suffolk East of England
    Stowmarket; Mid Suffolk (East of England; England) Suffolk East of England
    Bury St Edmunds; West Suffolk (East of England; England) Suffolk East of England
    Beccles; East Suffolk (East of England; England) Suffolk East of England
    London Road North; Lowestoft; East Suffolk (East of England; England) Suffolk East of England
    High Street; Newmarket; West Suffolk (East of England; England) Suffolk East of England
    Thoroughfare; Woodbridge; East Suffolk (East of England; England) Suffolk East of England
    Guildford; Guildford (South East; England) Surrey South East
    Dorking; Mole Valley (South East; England) Surrey South East
    Caterham; Tandridge (South East; England) Surrey South East
    Epsom; Epsom and Ewell (South East; England) Surrey South East
    Walton-on-Thames; Elmbridge (South East; England) Surrey South East
    Reigate; Reigate and Banstead (South East; England) Surrey South East
    Farnham; Waverley (South East; England) Surrey South East
    Woking; Woking (South East; England) Surrey South East
    Camberley; Surrey Heath (South East; England) Surrey South East
    Staines-upon-Thames; Spelthorne (South East; England) Surrey South East
    Addlestone; Runnymede (South East; England) Surrey South East
    Eastbourne; Eastbourne (South East; England) Sussex South East
    Worthing; Worthing (South East; England) Sussex South East
    Hastings; Hastings (South East; England) Sussex South East
    Uckfield; Wealden (South East; England) Sussex South East
    Lewes; Lewes (South East; England) Sussex South East
    East Grinstead; Mid Sussex (South East; England) Sussex South East
    Horsham; Horsham (South East; England) Sussex South East
    Hove; Brighton and Hove (South East; England) Sussex South East
    Bexhill-on-Sea; Rother (South East; England) Sussex South East
    Crawley; Crawley (South East; England) Sussex South East
    Chichester; Chichester (South East; England) Sussex South East
    Bognor Regis; Arun (South East; England) Sussex South East
    High Street; Hailsham; Wealden (South East; England) Sussex South East
    Burgess Hill; Mid Sussex (South East; England) Sussex South East
    South Road; Haywards Heath; Mid Sussex (South East; England) Sussex South East
    Seaford; Lewes (South East; England) Sussex South East
    High Street; Rye; Rother (South East; England) Sussex South East
    London Road; Round Hill; Brighton and Hove (South East; England) Sussex South East
    High Street; Shoreham-by-Sea; Adur (South East; England) Sussex South East
    High Street; Littlehampton; Arun (South East; England) Sussex South East
    Kings Road; St Leonards-on-Sea; Hastings (South East; England) Sussex South East
    Thames Valley Thames Valley South East
    Stratford-upon-Avon; Stratford-on-Avon (West Midlands; England) Warwickshire West Midlands
    Royal Leamington Spa; Warwick (West Midlands; England) Warwickshire West Midlands
    Royal Leamington Spa; Warwick (West Midlands; England) – 1 Warwickshire West Midlands
    Nuneaton; Nuneaton and Bedworth (West Midlands; England) Warwickshire West Midlands
    Rugby; Rugby (West Midlands; England) Warwickshire West Midlands
    Bedworth Warwickshire West Midlands
    Warwick Warwickshire West Midlands
    The Homend; Ledbury; County of Herefordshire (West Midlands; England) West Mercia West Midlands
    Evesham; Wychavon (West Midlands; England) West Mercia West Midlands
    Great Malvern; Malvern Hills (West Midlands; England) West Mercia West Midlands
    Hereford; County of Herefordshire (West Midlands; England) West Mercia West Midlands
    Ross-on-Wye; County of Herefordshire (West Midlands; England) West Mercia West Midlands
    Leominster; County of Herefordshire (West Midlands; England) West Mercia West Midlands
    Redditch; Redditch (West Midlands; England) West Mercia West Midlands
    Bromsgrove; Bromsgrove (West Midlands; England) West Mercia West Midlands
    Wellington; Telford and Wrekin (West Midlands; England) West Mercia West Midlands
    Shrewsbury; Shropshire (West Midlands; England) West Mercia West Midlands
    Worcester; Worcester (West Midlands; England) West Mercia West Midlands
    High Street; Droitwich Spa; Wychavon (West Midlands; England) West Mercia West Midlands
    Ludlow; Shropshire (West Midlands; England) West Mercia West Midlands
    High Street; Bridgnorth; Shropshire (West Midlands; England) West Mercia West Midlands
    Kidderminster; Wyre Forest (West Midlands; England) West Mercia West Midlands
    Croesoswallt; Shropshire (West Midlands; England) West Mercia West Midlands
    Walsall; Walsall (West Midlands; England) West Midlands West Midlands
    High Street; Erdington; Birmingham (West Midlands; England) West Midlands West Midlands
    Parade; Royal Sutton Coldfield; Birmingham (West Midlands; England) West Midlands West Midlands
    Coventry Road; Sparkbrook; Birmingham (West Midlands; England) West Midlands West Midlands
    Alum Rock Road; Saltley; Birmingham (West Midlands; England) West Midlands West Midlands
    Vyse Street; Hockley; Birmingham (West Midlands; England) West Midlands West Midlands
    Soho Road; Gib Heath; Birmingham (West Midlands; England) West Midlands West Midlands
    Dudley; Dudley (West Midlands; England) West Midlands West Midlands
    High Street; Blackheath; Sandwell (West Midlands; England) West Midlands West Midlands
    High Street; Brockmoor; Dudley (West Midlands; England) West Midlands West Midlands
    High Street; Stourbridge; Dudley (West Midlands; England) West Midlands West Midlands
    Wednesbury; Sandwell (West Midlands; England) West Midlands West Midlands
    Bilston; Wolverhampton (West Midlands; England) West Midlands West Midlands
    Stafford Street; Willenhall; Walsall (West Midlands; England) West Midlands West Midlands
    Bearwood Road; Bearwood; Birmingham (West Midlands; England) West Midlands West Midlands
    Cape Hill; Cape Hill; Sandwell (West Midlands; England) West Midlands West Midlands
    Wolverhampton; Wolverhampton (West Midlands; England) West Midlands West Midlands
    Solihull; Solihull (West Midlands; England) West Midlands West Midlands
    Warwick Road; Acocks Green; Birmingham (West Midlands; England) West Midlands West Midlands
    Bristol Road South; Northfield; Birmingham (West Midlands; England) – 1 West Midlands West Midlands
    Stratford Road; Sparkhill; Birmingham (West Midlands; England) West Midlands West Midlands
    Stratford Road; Showell Green; Birmingham (West Midlands; England) West Midlands West Midlands
    Ladypool Road; Balsall Heath; Birmingham (West Midlands; England) West Midlands West Midlands
    High Street; King’s Heath; Birmingham (West Midlands; England) West Midlands West Midlands
    Stratford Road; Shirley Street; Solihull (West Midlands; England) West Midlands West Midlands
    Far Gosford Street; Gosford Green; Coventry (West Midlands; England) West Midlands West Midlands
    Coventry; Coventry (West Midlands; England) West Midlands West Midlands
    Castleford; Wakefield (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) West Yorkshire Yorkshire and the Humber
    Pontefract; Wakefield (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) West Yorkshire Yorkshire and the Humber
    Cleckheaton; Kirklees (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) West Yorkshire Yorkshire and the Humber
    Dewsbury; Kirklees (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) West Yorkshire Yorkshire and the Humber
    Wakefield; Wakefield (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) West Yorkshire Yorkshire and the Humber
    Queen Street; City; Leeds (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) West Yorkshire Yorkshire and the Humber
    Hebden Bridge; Calderdale (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) West Yorkshire Yorkshire and the Humber
    Keighley; Bradford (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) West Yorkshire Yorkshire and the Humber
    Commercial Street; Brighouse; Calderdale (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) West Yorkshire Yorkshire and the Humber
    Halifax; Calderdale (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) West Yorkshire Yorkshire and the Humber
    Huddersfield; Kirklees (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) West Yorkshire Yorkshire and the Humber
    Otley; Leeds (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) West Yorkshire Yorkshire and the Humber
    Roundhay Road; Harehills Corner; Leeds (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) West Yorkshire Yorkshire and the Humber
    Station Road; Cross Gates; Leeds (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) West Yorkshire Yorkshire and the Humber
    Ilkley; Bradford (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) West Yorkshire Yorkshire and the Humber
    Shipley; Bradford (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) West Yorkshire Yorkshire and the Humber
    Bradford; Bradford (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) West Yorkshire Yorkshire and the Humber
    Wetherby; Leeds (Yorkshire and The Humber; England) West Yorkshire Yorkshire and the Humber
    Morley West Yorkshire Yorkshire and the Humber
    Trowbridge; Wiltshire (South West; England) Wiltshire South West
    Chippenham; Wiltshire (South West; England) Wiltshire South West
    High Street; Marlborough; Wiltshire (South West; England) Wiltshire South West
    Swindon; Swindon (South West; England) Wiltshire South West
    Salisbury; Wiltshire (South West; England) Wiltshire South West
  • PRESS RELEASE : Support Hub for victims and survivors of terrorism [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Support Hub for victims and survivors of terrorism [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 3 July 2025.

    Victims and survivors of terrorism will receive strengthened support as the government today launches a commercial competition to establish a new dedicated support hub.

    As part of the Plan for Change, the government committed to establishing a new dedicated support hub for victims and survivors, supporting their needs in the immediate and long-term aftermath of a terrorist attack.

    The new 24/7 support hub will provide specialist, trauma-informed care to victims and survivors of terrorism, ensuring they have access to the help they need.

    The tender, which opened on Thursday 3 July, is supported by Pool Re, a strategic partner in the government’s CONTEST strategy and the Counter Terrorism Alliance. Pool Re has provided funding to help deliver on our shared mission of supporting victims and survivors.

    Security Minister Dan Jarvis said:

    The repercussions of a terrorist attack are catastrophic. Victims and survivors require dedicated care to help rebuild their lives.

    This new hub will give victims the comprehensive support they need, and I thank Pool Re for being a crucial partner in delivering this.

    Tom Clementi, Director and CEO of Pool Re, said:

    Pool Re is proud to support victims and survivors of terrorism. As the UK’s largest terrorism reinsurer, we recognise that while the economic impact of terrorism is often in the spotlight, the human cost is just as significant.

    This dedicated support hub will help ensure that those affected receive the long-term care they deserve. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Home Office through the Counter Terrorism Alliance, to increase the UK’s resilience to the impact of terrorism attacks.

    The 24/7 support hub is a part of wider reforms that have been designed in response to direct engagement with victims and survivors, and insights drawn from international best practice.

    In March, the government also announced a consultation on a new National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism. This closed on 11 June and sought views on proposals to help the country to remember and honour those who have been tragically killed or impacted by terrorist attacks. The outcome of the consultation will follow in due course.

    The Home Office Victims of Terrorism Unit will continue to engage with key stakeholders on progress.

    Support is available to victims and survivors of terrorism and all those affected, regardless of whether the attack took place in the United Kingdom or overseas. More information is available at gov.uk/victimsofterrorism.