Written questions by Dodds.

With reference to the Immigration White Paper S.221, what specific measures are in place or being developed to tackle sponsors who fall short of their responsibilities.

The current measures to tackle sponsors who fall short of their sponsorship duties can be found on Gov.uk in Part 3 of the guidance for sponsors: Workers and Temporary Workers: guidance for sponsors part 3: sponsor duties and compliance (accessible) - GOV.UK These range from reducing a sponsor’s allocation of certificates of sponsorship to revoking their licence and, if necessary, reporting them to the relevant authorities for further investigation. The sponsor guidance is kept under close ongoing review, with enhancements to the relevant criteria made on an iterative basis.

What steps she is taking to support the police in taking enforcement action against the illegal use of (a) ebikes and (b) escooters.

Tackling anti-social behaviour and the harm it causes is a top priority for this Government and a key part of our Safer Streets Mission.The police have a suite of powers available to them to tackle the illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters and we expect police to deploy them appropriately.The Crime and Policing Bill will give police greater powers to clamp down on anti-social behaviour involving vehicles including e-bikes and e-scooters, with officers no longer required to issue a warning before seizure. This will allow police to put an immediate stop to offending.The Government also recently consulted on proposals to allow the police to dispose of seized vehicles quicker, including e-bikes and privately owned e-scooters, which have been used anti-socially or illegally.These combined measures will help tackle the scourge of e-bikes and e-scooters ridden anti-socially or illegally and will send a clear message to would-be offenders and local communities that this behaviour will not be tolerated.Enforcement of road traffic law, including in relation to the illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters, are operational matter for Chief Constables in partnership with Police and Crime Commissioners who decide how to deploy available resources, taking into account any specific local problems and demands.

What data her Department collects on incidents of transnational repression.

We continually assess potential threats in the UK using a multi-source model, drawing on intelligence assessments, engagement with international partners, and insights from civil society and affected individuals. In 2024, policing introduced a new recording system to capture reports that may include foreign interference, including TNR.The Home Office is also developing official statistics for the National Security Act, which will include relevant offences that could amount to TNR.The Government takes the protection of individuals’ rights, freedoms, and safety very seriously, and will continue to strengthen its understanding of TNR and ensure that systems to detect, deter, and counter this activity remain effective and proportionate.

What steps her Department is taking to assess and prevent the transnational repression of Sudanese nationals and their families.

The first duty of this Government is to keep the country safe. Any attempt by any foreign state to intimidate, harass or harm individuals in the UK will not be tolerated, irrespective of the perpetrating country.The Government has conducted a comprehensive review of the UK’s response to transnational repression (TNR) and found that the UK has tools and system-wide safeguards in place to robustly counter this threat. In particular, the National Security Act 2023 has provided a comprehensive suite of powers to counter activity amounting to TNR.The police and intelligence services have mature mechanisms to continually assess potential threats in the UK. They use a wide range of tactics to counter the most acute forms of state-directed threats and protect those individuals identified as at risk. On 4 March, I announced a new package of training for frontline police officers and staff to improve law enforcement’s ability to detect and investigate incidents which may be state-directed.Guidance is available on GOV.UK to provide those who believe themselves to be at-risk of TNR with practical advice for their safety both physically and online. Anyone who thinks they might be a victim should report incidents or suspicious activity to the Police via 101, a local police station, or 999 in emergencies.

What assessment she has made of the availability in the UK of (a) ketamine and (b) nitazenes through online purchase.

The Government is committed to tackling the supply of illegal drugs online, including that of ketamine and nitazenes.We are taking a co-ordinated approach to tackle harmful online content, including material associated with the sale of illegal drugs. This strategy combines law enforcement activity, stronger engagement with technology companies, improved education to raise awareness of risks and harms, and the introduction of measures that require internet companies to take responsibility for content on their platforms.This includes strengthening the regulatory framework to address online harms. The unlawful sale of controlled drugs online is a priority offence under the illegal content duties in the Online Safety Act 2023. In-scope providers are legally required to implement measures to protect their users and to remove illegal content from their platforms. Ofcom, as the independent regulator of the Act, is closely monitoring compliance with the regime.The National Crime Agency also works with partners in the UK and internationally to identify offenders operating online, and to take down UK-based sites committing offences.

What steps her Department is taking to help tackle the risk of modern slavery in hand car washes.

The Government is committed to tackling modern slavery across all sectors, including hand car washes.The Home Office funds the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA), which operates a national licensing scheme in certain high-risk sectors to protect vulnerable workers from exploitation. The GLAA has specially trained officers with police-style powers to prevent, detect, and investigate serious labour exploitation across the entire economy in England and Wales.The Government is improving the enforcement of employment rights by establishing the Fair Work Agency (FWA) through the Employment Rights Bill. The FWA will bring together the GLAA, the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate, and HMRC’s National Minimum Wage Team. This will ensure a more cohesive and streamlined response to exploitation.The FWA will have strong powers to investigate and take action against a range of labour market abuses, including serious exploitation and modern slavery. This includes new powers to investigate under the Fraud Act 2006.

What estimate she has made of the number of sponsors of social care visas whose activities have been flagged by (a) local authorities and (b) other bodies as (i) potentially and (ii) actually exploitative by region.

UKVI respond to referrals from a variety of agencies and individuals. The most recent published data (mid-2025) states that over 550 non-compliant care providers from across the UK have had their sponsor licences revoked. As live investigations are ongoing, this number is likely to increase further.Investigations relating to the exploitation and the quality of patient care are regulated by the appropriate body, such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England.

Whether the Border Forces provides guidance on (a) working rights and (b) avoiding exploitation to people arriving on work visas at UK ports.

Border Force officers receive specialised training to identify signs of potential exploitation at the border. While it is not standard practice for Border Force to routinely provide arriving work visa holders with guidance on worker rights or advice on avoiding exploitation, officers are prepared to intervene when individuals are identified as being at risk. This includes taking action to support those who may be vulnerable to labour exploitationIn addition, Border Force have worked with Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) (Our Aims and Objectives - GLAA). As part of this cooperation, skilled worker applicants receive a leaflet when they visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide their biometrics. The leaflet outlines workers’ rights and steps they can take to identify the signifiers of, avoid, and report exploitation. The complete range of GLAA resources is available at Resources - GLAA and available to all.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of the financial capacity of regional organised crime units to investigate modern slavery.

The Government is committed to ensuring that law enforcement has there sources it needs to tackle crime effectively. Regional Organised Crime Units(ROCUs) are collaborations between three or more police forces and help support forces and partners to tackle serious and organised crime (SOC),including modern slavery.The Home Office provides c.30% of funding to supports the ROCUs intackling SOC, with the remaining c.70% coming from Police and Crime Commissioners in 2025-26. To improve the response to modern slavery, the Home Office also provides funding through the Modern Slavery and Organised Immigration Crime Unit, for regional coordinators, based in theROCUs that act as a bridge between the ROCU and forces to provide specialist advice and support on investigations. In addition to this, the Home Office-funded Tackling Organised Exploitation (TOEX) Programme is anintelligence capability that is increasing law enforcements capability to respond to organised exploitation, including modern slavery. As the spending review and subsequent allocations process is ongoing, funding for future years cannot be confirmed at this time.

What steps she is taking to tackle number plate theft.

Everyone should have confidence in the law and should feel protected. That is why the Home Office works closely with the police, industry, and other government departments to ensure we are collectively doing everything we can to cut crime and prevent it from happening in the first place.We work closely with the National Police Chiefs Council to find solutions to all types of vehicle theft. We do this via the National Vehicle Crime Reduction Partnership and the police-led National Vehicle Crime Working Group, which focus on the prevention and deterrence of theft of vehicles.Chief Constables have operational independence to tackle the crimes that matter most to their communities, and we expect them to take all forms of crime seriously. The Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee will ensure that every community in England and Wales will have named and contactable officers dealing with local issues.This will be supported by the delivery of up to an additional 3000 officers into neighbourhood teams by spring next year.

What recent discussions her Department has had with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) on combatting the theft of number plates.

Everyone should have confidence in the law and should feel protected. That is why the Home Office works closely with the police, industry, and other government departments to ensure we are collectively doing everything we can to cut crime and prevent it from happening in the first place.We work closely with the National Police Chiefs Council to find solutions to all types of vehicle theft. We do this via the National Vehicle Crime Reduction Partnership and the police-led National Vehicle Crime Working Group, which focus on the prevention and deterrence of theft of vehicles.Chief Constables have operational independence to tackle the crimes that matter most to their communities, and we expect them to take all forms of crime seriously. The Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee will ensure that every community in England and Wales will have named and contactable officers dealing with local issues.This will be supported by the delivery of up to an additional 3000 officers into neighbourhood teams by spring next year.

Whether her Department has had recent discussions with Thames Valley Police on tackling number plate thefts in Oxford East.

Everyone should have confidence in the law and should feel protected. That is why the Home Office works closely with the police, industry, and other government departments to ensure we are collectively doing everything we can to cut crime and prevent it from happening in the first place.We work closely with the National Police Chiefs Council to find solutions to all types of vehicle theft. We do this via the National Vehicle Crime Reduction Partnership and the police-led National Vehicle Crime Working Group, which focus on the prevention and deterrence of theft of vehicles.Chief Constables have operational independence to tackle the crimes that matter most to their communities, and we expect them to take all forms of crime seriously. The Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee will ensure that every community in England and Wales will have named and contactable officers dealing with local issues.This will be supported by the delivery of up to an additional 3000 officers into neighbourhood teams by spring next year.

What recent discussions her Department has had with the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) on tackling the theft of number plates.

Everyone should have confidence in the law and should feel protected. That is why the Home Office works closely with the police, industry, and other government departments to ensure we are collectively doing everything we can to cut crime and prevent it from happening in the first place.We work closely with the National Police Chiefs Council to find solutions to all types of vehicle theft. We do this via the National Vehicle Crime Reduction Partnership and the police-led National Vehicle Crime Working Group, which focus on the prevention and deterrence of theft of vehicles.Chief Constables have operational independence to tackle the crimes that matter most to their communities, and we expect them to take all forms of crime seriously. The Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee will ensure that every community in England and Wales will have named and contactable officers dealing with local issues.This will be supported by the delivery of up to an additional 3000 officers into neighbourhood teams by spring next year.

What support do the police provide to judges if they experience (a) intimidation and (b) harassment (i) online and (I) in person.

The Secretary of State regards judicial office holders’ safety with great importance. There are a range of judicial security policies and procedures in place to protect judicial office holders in court, outside of court and online.The Police work jointly with HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) and the Judicial Office to deliver appropriate safeguarding arrangements for judicial office holders who are the victim of a crime and/or subject to harassment, intimidation or threat as a result of their judicial role. The agreement between the three agencies which forms the framework for delivery of these safeguarding measures is known as the Judicial Harassment Protocol.The Protocol enables appropriate and proportionate safeguarding measures to be applied where such as:Oversight by an appropriately senior police officerBespoke threat assessmentsHome security assessmentsProvision of personal and online safety advice and supportProvision, where appropriate, of personal safety deviceThe police are working alongside the Ministry of Justice and HMCTS as key members of the Security Taskforce, commissioned by the Lady Chief Justice and chaired by Deputy Senior Presiding Judge Mrs Justice Yip, to consider opportunities for further improvement in this crucial area.

How judges are protected if they experience (a) intimidation and (b) harassment.

The Secretary of State regards judicial office holders’ safety with great importance. There are a range of judicial security policies and procedures in place to protect judicial office holders in court, outside of court and online.The Police work jointly with HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) and the Judicial Office to deliver appropriate safeguarding arrangements for judicial office holders who are the victim of a crime and/or subject to harassment, intimidation or threat as a result of their judicial role. The agreement between the three agencies which forms the framework for delivery of these safeguarding measures is known as the Judicial Harassment Protocol.The Protocol enables appropriate and proportionate safeguarding measures to be applied where such as:Oversight by an appropriately senior police officerBespoke threat assessmentsHome security assessmentsProvision of personal and online safety advice and supportProvision, where appropriate, of personal safety deviceThe police are working alongside the Ministry of Justice and HMCTS as key members of the Security Taskforce, commissioned by the Lady Chief Justice and chaired by Deputy Senior Presiding Judge Mrs Justice Yip, to consider opportunities for further improvement in this crucial area.

How many children whose parents were deported in each of the last 10 years are British citizens.

The information you have requested is not available from published statistics, and the relevant data could only be collated and verified for the purpose of answering this question at disproportionate cost.Under the UK Borders Act 2007, a deportation order must be made where a foreign national has been convicted of an offence and received a custodial sentence of 12 months or more. This is subject to several exceptions, including where to do so would be a breach of a person’s rights under the European Convention on Human Rights or the UK’s obligations under the Refugee Convention.The deportation of a foreign national offender is considered on its individual merits, including assessment of a genuine and subsisting relationship with a child and the effect of deportation on the child.In every decision, Home Office staff will have regard to the need to safeguard and promote the best interests of any children in line with our duty under section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009.

How many children who remained in the UK without a deported parent were taken into care in each of the last ten years.

The information you have requested is not available from published statistics, and the relevant data could only be collated and verified for the purpose of answering this question at disproportionate cost.Under the UK Borders Act 2007, a deportation order must be made where a foreign national has been convicted of an offence and received a custodial sentence of 12 months or more. This is subject to several exceptions, including where to do so would be a breach of a person’s rights under the European Convention on Human Rights or the UK’s obligations under the Refugee Convention.The deportation of a foreign national offender is considered on its individual merits, including assessment of a genuine and subsisting relationship with a child and the effect of deportation on the child.In every decision, Home Office staff will have regard to the need to safeguard and promote the best interests of any children in line with our duty under section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009.

What information her Department holds on the number and proportion of people subject to Deportation Orders who had children in each of the last 10 years.

The information you have requested is not available from published statistics, and the relevant data could only be collated and verified for the purpose of answering this question at disproportionate cost.Under the UK Borders Act 2007, a deportation order must be made where a foreign national has been convicted of an offence and received a custodial sentence of 12 months or more. This is subject to several exceptions, including where to do so would be a breach of a person’s rights under the European Convention on Human Rights or the UK’s obligations under the Refugee Convention.The deportation of a foreign national offender is considered on its individual merits, including assessment of a genuine and subsisting relationship with a child and the effect of deportation on the child.In every decision, Home Office staff will have regard to the need to safeguard and promote the best interests of any children in line with our duty under section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009.

What estimate she has made of the extent of unwitting employment by UK firms of hoax remote workers who have concealed the fact that they are North Korean.

On Thursday 12th September 2024, The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) published an advisory notice on North Korean Information Technology (IT) workers. OFSI assessed that it is almost certain that UK firms are currently being targeted North Korean IT workers disguised as freelance third-country IT workers to generate revenue for Designated Persons (DPs) operating on behalf of the North Korean regime. DPRK IT workers have skills in areas including, but not limited to, software development, IT support, graphic design, and animation. The advisory identifies six key threats linked to North Korean IT workers’ activity affecting UK firms, lists red flag indicators for UK firms to identify North Korean IT workers, and makes recommendations for mitigation measures for UK firms to better protect themselves against this threat. OFSI continues to work with wider Government and international partners to track the deployment of DPRK IT workers abroad and map the development and evolution of this threat of proliferation financing in light of increased industry awareness. OFSI will take robust, proportionate action in response to breaches of financial sanctions. In the most serious cases, we will not hesitate to impose civil monetary penalties or refer cases for criminal investigation where appropriate.

What discussions her Department has had with (a) businesses and (b) sectors on how businesses can protect themselves from the inadvertent employment of hoax remote workers who conceal their North Korean identity.

On Thursday 12th September 2024, The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) published an advisory notice on North Korean Information Technology (IT) workers. OFSI assessed that it is almost certain that UK firms are currently being targeted North Korean IT workers disguised as freelance third-country IT workers to generate revenue for Designated Persons (DPs) operating on behalf of the North Korean regime. DPRK IT workers have skills in areas including, but not limited to, software development, IT support, graphic design, and animation. The advisory identifies six key threats linked to North Korean IT workers’ activity affecting UK firms, lists red flag indicators for UK firms to identify North Korean IT workers, and makes recommendations for mitigation measures for UK firms to better protect themselves against this threat. OFSI continues to work with wider Government and international partners to track the deployment of DPRK IT workers abroad and map the development and evolution of this threat of proliferation financing in light of increased industry awareness. OFSI will take robust, proportionate action in response to breaches of financial sanctions. In the most serious cases, we will not hesitate to impose civil monetary penalties or refer cases for criminal investigation where appropriate.