Written questions by Ribeiro-Addy.

When she expects to (a) receive and (b) publish the findings of the Independent Review on Public Order and Hate Crime Legislation.

Awaiting answer.

Whether her department has completed a) an Equalities Impact Assessment and b) a Child Rights Impact Assessment on the 'earned settlement' proposals.

Awaiting answer.

If she will agree to the request by the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association to make an official visit to the UK in November to December 2026.

Awaiting answer.

If the Government will respond to the statement made by the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association on 13 May.

Awaiting answer.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the 30-month refugee status review policy on people granted asylum in the UK.

The Home Office is committed to changing the way we deliver our protection offer, where refugee status is temporary, lasting only until a refugee can safely return home.Not everyone who has been granted Core Protection will undergo a review of their protection needs. Only those who remain on Core Protection, and do not switch into the Protection Work and Study route will be subject to this review. The approach to reviewing status will also be efficient and targeted and will build on the efficiencies that have already seen record levels of initial decisions being made, including use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).We will encourage people to move to the Protection Work and Study route wherever possible meaning that those who contribute to UK society through employment or study will have greater certainty about their future in the UK. At the same time, in line with our international obligations, we will not remove anyone to their own or any other country where they have a well-founded fear of persecution or are at risk of serious harm.We will continue to monitor the impact of this policy as it is developed and implemented.

If she will consider the potential merits of requiring police forces to refer all non-compliant strip searches of children to the IOPC.

Strip search is one of the most intrusive powers available to the police. There will be times when it is necessary to use such powers, to prevent and detect crime, protect officers or the public. The Government is clear that they must be exercised fairly, respectfully and lawfully, and particularly for strip-searches on children, with regard for the child’s welfare and dignity.We recognise concerns about where children may be treated as older than they are because of their size, build or other characteristics. We are considering measures that will aim to reduce any implied emphasis on physical appearance when officers assess age and to support a more objective, child-centred approach in practice.We recognise that repeat strip searches of children can cause significant harm. The Home Office now collects annual data on the use of strip search in custody and under stop and search. The expansion of the Annual Data Requirement has strengthened the quality and consistency of information collected on strip searches, enabling clearer scrutiny of police practice and better-informed safeguarding assessments. Police forces are now required to provide more detailed and consistent data on searches conducted both in custody and under stop and search powers. We are considering further safeguarding measures for repeat strip searches and to improve data recording and collection so that they can be better identified, scrutinised and reviewed.We recognise that failures to meet statutory safeguards are unacceptable. As part of our manifesto commitments, we are considering a package of measures to introduce new legal safeguards around strip searching children and young people. These reforms will strengthen safeguarding, improve accountability and oversight, and provide greater clarity and consistency in the use of these powers.Police forces are operationally independent, and decisions on the handling of individual cases, including misconduct and complaints, are a matter for the police and the relevant oversight bodies. There is an established framework for referring the most serious matters to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, and due process must be followed in each case.

What steps she is taking to help tackle police officers citing the size, gender or build of children as justification for the use of strip search powers.

Strip search is one of the most intrusive powers available to the police. There will be times when it is necessary to use such powers, to prevent and detect crime, protect officers or the public. The Government is clear that they must be exercised fairly, respectfully and lawfully, and particularly for strip-searches on children, with regard for the child’s welfare and dignity.We recognise concerns about where children may be treated as older than they are because of their size, build or other characteristics. We are considering measures that will aim to reduce any implied emphasis on physical appearance when officers assess age and to support a more objective, child-centred approach in practice.We recognise that repeat strip searches of children can cause significant harm. The Home Office now collects annual data on the use of strip search in custody and under stop and search. The expansion of the Annual Data Requirement has strengthened the quality and consistency of information collected on strip searches, enabling clearer scrutiny of police practice and better-informed safeguarding assessments. Police forces are now required to provide more detailed and consistent data on searches conducted both in custody and under stop and search powers. We are considering further safeguarding measures for repeat strip searches and to improve data recording and collection so that they can be better identified, scrutinised and reviewed.We recognise that failures to meet statutory safeguards are unacceptable. As part of our manifesto commitments, we are considering a package of measures to introduce new legal safeguards around strip searching children and young people. These reforms will strengthen safeguarding, improve accountability and oversight, and provide greater clarity and consistency in the use of these powers.Police forces are operationally independent, and decisions on the handling of individual cases, including misconduct and complaints, are a matter for the police and the relevant oversight bodies. There is an established framework for referring the most serious matters to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, and due process must be followed in each case.

What steps she is taking to track the use of funding allocated to French policing operations relating to the treatment of people seeking asylum.

The United Kingdom provides funding to support the French Government and authorities with the clear purpose of preventing dangerous small boat crossings and tackling organised immigration crime. This work is explicitly focused on saving lives by stopping people from attempting perilous Channel crossings and by bearing down on the criminal gangs who profit from a business model that exploits vulnerable people.Oversight of the funding includes regular engagement at ministerial and official level, agreed delivery plans, performance reporting and ongoing assessment of the impact of funded activity. The Home Office works closely and routinely with the French authorities to monitor delivery and to ensure that funding is used for its intended purposes, working in partnership with France to protect lives, dismantle people smuggling networks and strengthen border security.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) condition on access to domestic abuse refuges for survivors with insecure immigration status; and if she will bring forward proposals to end the application of NRPF restrictions in cases involving domestic abuse.

We understand the challenges migrant victims of domestic abuse face. This is particularly true for those who have no recourse to public funds (NRPF).The Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession provides eligible migrant victims with three-months’ leave outside the Immigration Rules, with access to public funds. This enables victims to leave an abusive relationship safely and access accommodation and support, including refuge spaces, while they take steps to regularise their immigration status.

Whether she has plans to end the use of multiple strip searches of children.

Strip search is one of the most intrusive powers available to the police. There will be times when it is necessary to use such powers, to prevent and detect crime, protect officers or the public. The Government is clear that they must be exercised fairly, respectfully and lawfully, and particularly for strip-searches on children, with regard for the child’s welfare and dignity.We recognise concerns about where children may be treated as older than they are because of their size, build or other characteristics. We are considering measures that will aim to reduce any implied emphasis on physical appearance when officers assess age and to support a more objective, child-centred approach in practice.We recognise that repeat strip searches of children can cause significant harm. The Home Office now collects annual data on the use of strip search in custody and under stop and search. The expansion of the Annual Data Requirement has strengthened the quality and consistency of information collected on strip searches, enabling clearer scrutiny of police practice and better-informed safeguarding assessments. Police forces are now required to provide more detailed and consistent data on searches conducted both in custody and under stop and search powers. We are considering further safeguarding measures for repeat strip searches and to improve data recording and collection so that they can be better identified, scrutinised and reviewed.We recognise that failures to meet statutory safeguards are unacceptable. As part of our manifesto commitments, we are considering a package of measures to introduce new legal safeguards around strip searching children and young people. These reforms will strengthen safeguarding, improve accountability and oversight, and provide greater clarity and consistency in the use of these powers.Police forces are operationally independent, and decisions on the handling of individual cases, including misconduct and complaints, are a matter for the police and the relevant oversight bodies. There is an established framework for referring the most serious matters to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, and due process must be followed in each case.

What steps she is taking to help tackle racially disproportionate use of force against Black children during stop and searches.

The Government is clear that stop and search must be used fairly, lawfully and without discrimination, and that any use of force must be necessary and proportionate.Black individuals remain 3.8 times more likely to be stopped and searched than White people. The disparity remains unacceptable. We also recognise concerns about the disproportionate impact on Black children, who were stopped and searched at a rate 2.7 times higher than White children in 2024/25. A report from the Children’s Commissioner state that 17% of all stop and searches of children result in a use of force. These figures are cause for concern.We are strengthening transparency and accountability through improved data collection on stop and search and use of force, enabling forces to better identify and tackle disparities, and we actively support the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s Police Race Action Plan to drive action at force level.Chief constables are responsible for officer conduct and supervision, with independent scrutiny provided by HMICFRS and the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of the safety of people returned to France under the one in, one out policy.

One of the Government’s top priorities is to increase border security and dismantle Organised Crime Groups (OCG) who facilitate dangerous and irregular small boat journeys across the Channel. The aim of the UK’s arrangement with France is to stop small boat crossings, protect lives which are lost during these dangerous crossings, undermine the OCG business models and improve the UK’s border security. The arrangements operate under a bilateral treaty, which explicitly commits both countries to respecting the Refugee Convention and the European Convention on Human Rights.Individual assessments are carried out prior to removal. These take into account any submissions raised by the individual as to why France is not safe in their particular circumstances. Individuals also have access to the courts to challenge removal.The UK and France continue to work closely to ensure the pilot operates effectively.

If she will consider the potential merits of requiring police officers to treat all young people who claim to be under 18 as such unless there is clear evidence to the contrary.

Strip search is one of the most intrusive powers available to the police. There will be times when it is necessary to use such powers, to prevent and detect crime, protect officers or the public. The Government is clear that they must be exercised fairly, respectfully and lawfully, and particularly for strip-searches on children, with regard for the child’s welfare and dignity.We recognise concerns about where children may be treated as older than they are because of their size, build or other characteristics. We are considering measures that will aim to reduce any implied emphasis on physical appearance when officers assess age and to support a more objective, child-centred approach in practice.We recognise that repeat strip searches of children can cause significant harm. The Home Office now collects annual data on the use of strip search in custody and under stop and search. The expansion of the Annual Data Requirement has strengthened the quality and consistency of information collected on strip searches, enabling clearer scrutiny of police practice and better-informed safeguarding assessments. Police forces are now required to provide more detailed and consistent data on searches conducted both in custody and under stop and search powers. We are considering further safeguarding measures for repeat strip searches and to improve data recording and collection so that they can be better identified, scrutinised and reviewed.We recognise that failures to meet statutory safeguards are unacceptable. As part of our manifesto commitments, we are considering a package of measures to introduce new legal safeguards around strip searching children and young people. These reforms will strengthen safeguarding, improve accountability and oversight, and provide greater clarity and consistency in the use of these powers.Police forces are operationally independent, and decisions on the handling of individual cases, including misconduct and complaints, are a matter for the police and the relevant oversight bodies. There is an established framework for referring the most serious matters to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, and due process must be followed in each case.

What guidance is in place relating to the quality of images required for facial recognition searches using the police national database, in the context of composite photofit images.

Guidance for forces using the Police National Database is provided through the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the College of Policing and reflects established standards relating to the capture, handling, and use of facial images. This includes consideration of image quality and the need to manage the risk of misidentification.Any potential matches are reviewed by trained officers and must be corroborated before any operational or investigatory action is taken.Police forces must have regard to the Home Secretary’s Surveillance Camera Code of Practice, which sets out expectations for the use of surveillance camera systems and includes requirements around necessity, proportionality, and appropriate safeguards.Individual police forces remain responsible for local policies and procedures in line with national guidance and the law.

What assessment she has made of the proportionality of the police using live facial recognition technology to identify suspects for low-level offences.

The Home Office has not formally assessed the potential impact of police facial recognition cameras on levels of local crime rates or effectiveness against traditional policing methods. However, when the Government introduces legislation on a new framework this will be accompanied by an impact assessment. This will include consideration of operational benefits, costs and wider impacts, alongside legal, ethical and equality considerations.When using live facial recognition, police forces must comply with existing legal obligations including the requirement that its use is necessary and proportionate to a specific policing objective.National guidance issued by the College of Policing requires forces to define the purpose of a deployment in advance and ensure watchlists are focused and limited to appropriate categories of people, which may include wanted individuals, suspects, missing or vulnerable people, or those posing risks. Watchlists must be tailored to the policing objective and reviewed before each deployment to ensure the legal tests of necessity and proportionality are met.Last year, we launched a public consultation on when and how biometrics, facial recognition and similar technologies should be used by law enforcement, and what safeguards and oversight are needed. This consultation included questions on when the use of such technologies should be considered necessary and proportionate. We are currently considering the responses, which will inform the scope and content of any legal changes brought before Parliament

What comparative assessment she has made of the cost effectiveness of facial recognition technology when compared against traditional policing methods.

The Home Office has not formally assessed the potential impact of police facial recognition cameras on levels of local crime rates or effectiveness against traditional policing methods. However, when the Government introduces legislation on a new framework this will be accompanied by an impact assessment. This will include consideration of operational benefits, costs and wider impacts, alongside legal, ethical and equality considerations.When using live facial recognition, police forces must comply with existing legal obligations including the requirement that its use is necessary and proportionate to a specific policing objective.National guidance issued by the College of Policing requires forces to define the purpose of a deployment in advance and ensure watchlists are focused and limited to appropriate categories of people, which may include wanted individuals, suspects, missing or vulnerable people, or those posing risks. Watchlists must be tailored to the policing objective and reviewed before each deployment to ensure the legal tests of necessity and proportionality are met.Last year, we launched a public consultation on when and how biometrics, facial recognition and similar technologies should be used by law enforcement, and what safeguards and oversight are needed. This consultation included questions on when the use of such technologies should be considered necessary and proportionate. We are currently considering the responses, which will inform the scope and content of any legal changes brought before Parliament

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of police facial recognition cameras on levels of local crime rates.

The Home Office has not formally assessed the potential impact of police facial recognition cameras on levels of local crime rates or effectiveness against traditional policing methods. However, when the Government introduces legislation on a new framework this will be accompanied by an impact assessment. This will include consideration of operational benefits, costs and wider impacts, alongside legal, ethical and equality considerations.When using live facial recognition, police forces must comply with existing legal obligations including the requirement that its use is necessary and proportionate to a specific policing objective.National guidance issued by the College of Policing requires forces to define the purpose of a deployment in advance and ensure watchlists are focused and limited to appropriate categories of people, which may include wanted individuals, suspects, missing or vulnerable people, or those posing risks. Watchlists must be tailored to the policing objective and reviewed before each deployment to ensure the legal tests of necessity and proportionality are met.Last year, we launched a public consultation on when and how biometrics, facial recognition and similar technologies should be used by law enforcement, and what safeguards and oversight are needed. This consultation included questions on when the use of such technologies should be considered necessary and proportionate. We are currently considering the responses, which will inform the scope and content of any legal changes brought before Parliament

Whether police facial recognition technology is being used in conjunction with (a) body-worn video and (b) drones.

The Government supports police innovation, including the responsible use of facial recognition technologies. The Government recognises that facial recognition and similar technologies can support the police to prevent and detect crime and protect the public, when used appropriately and responsibly.Police forces must comply with the existing legal framework for any use of facial recognition technology. As part of this, any use of facial recognition technology must be necessary and proportionate to a specific policing objective.The Home Office launched a public consultation which closed on 12 February 2026 on when and how biometrics, facial recognition and similar technologies should be used by law enforcement, and what safeguards and oversight are needed. This consultation included questions on when the use of such technologies should be considered necessary and proportionate. We are currently considering the responses, which will inform the scope and content of any legal changes brought before Parliament. However, there are currently no plans for the Government to fund body worn video or drone projects in relation to facial recognition technologies.

Whether her Department has issued (a) standard operating procedures and (b) internal guidance to caseworkers on the use of the ACS and APS tools.

The Asylum Policy Search tool (APS) tool is an artificial intelligence (AI) search assistant. It is a chat-based interface which finds and summarises Country Policy Information Notes (CPIN) directly relevant to the inputted query, to provide the policy basis for decisions.In line with the ‘human in the loop’ principle, APS was designed so that decision-makers cannot use the tool by itself to decide a claim. AI technology does not make decisions on Asylum applications; instead, it will help Asylum Decision Makers analyse data and provide insightful information that further informs outcomes.The Asylum Case Summarisation (ACS) tool uses AI to summarise asylum interview transcripts. The tool uses a Large Language Model to extract and summarise information from existing asylum interview transcript documents to provide decision-makers with a concise summary document. In line with the ‘human in the loop’ principle, ACS has been designed so that decision-makers cannot use the tool by itself to decide a claim. Instead, it acts as an aid in the usual decision-making process.After APS was operationalised, a specific inbox was set up for Decision Makers to feed back any issues found with the tool. Subject Matter Expert (SME) testing continues after operationalisation, in conjunction with the CPIT (Country Policy & Information Team), for APS.Whilst there is no standard operating procedure in place on the use of APS, all members of the Department were required to complete a mandatory ‘AI for all’ learning package in 2025. Furthermore, caseworkers were given comprehensive training on the use of APS before it was operationalised.It has not yet been confirmed whether the Department intends to publish a DPIA for the APS and ACS tools after both have been operationalised. APS is now fully rolled out, while ACS is due to follow in April 2026.

Whether an Equality Impact Assessment was conducted prior to the deployment of the ACS and APS tools.

An Equality Impact Assessment and Data Protection Impact Assessment were completed for both Asylum Case Summarisation (ACS) and Asylum Policy Search (APS) before pilots commenced. An updated EIA for both ACS and APS is currently intended to be published after both tools have been operationalised.It has not yet been confirmed whether the Department intends to publish a DPIA for the APS and ACS tools after both have been operationalised. APS is now fully rolled out, while ACS is due to follow in April 2026.