Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

When the Afghan Response Route was approved by her Department.

The Afghanistan Response Route (ARR) was launched in April 2024 in response to a data incident by the Ministry of Defence. The scheme was launched by the last Government following appropriate discussions and collective agreement.

With reference to page 62 of her Department's policy paper entitled From Local to National: A New Model for Policing, published on 26 January 2026, CP1489, how frequently will performance data from the Police Performance Dashboard be published.

The White Paper entitled “From Local to National: A New Model for Policing” contained announcements on the tiered performance system, the Police Performance Framework and the Police Performance Dashboard.As part of the new performance system announced in the White Paper, we committed to launching a Police Performance Monitoring Group which will decide on where a force is placed within the tiering system. The new assessment and monitoring process will formally launch from April 2026, operating on a tri-annual cycle.The Police Performance Framework was launched on the same day as the publication of the Home Office White Paper (26th January). A link to the framework can be found here - Police Performance FrameworkWithin this document, we confirm that an initial Police Performance Dashboard will be introduced for the sector early in 2026. This will initially cover headline measures within the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee Performance Framework, but we will expand the dashboard iteratively to cover the breadth of the Performance Framework.We also confirm in the Framework document that we will establish new Local Policing Guarantees that set out the minimum levels of service the public should expect to receive from their police force wherever in England and Wales they live by building on the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee. These guarantees will cover areas such as how the police will rapidly and effectively respond when the public need them, how victims of crime will be treated in accordance with the Victims’ Code of Practice and public protection.I also refer the Honourable Gentleman to the answer which I gave to his question on 16 February 2026 (UIN 110965).

With reference to page 61 of her Department's policy paper entitled From Local to National: A New Model for Policing, published on 26 January 2026, CP1489, when she will implement a new Police Performance Framework.

The White Paper entitled “From Local to National: A New Model for Policing” contained announcements on the tiered performance system, the Police Performance Framework and the Police Performance Dashboard.As part of the new performance system announced in the White Paper, we committed to launching a Police Performance Monitoring Group which will decide on where a force is placed within the tiering system. The new assessment and monitoring process will formally launch from April 2026, operating on a tri-annual cycle.The Police Performance Framework was launched on the same day as the publication of the Home Office White Paper (26th January). A link to the framework can be found here - Police Performance FrameworkWithin this document, we confirm that an initial Police Performance Dashboard will be introduced for the sector early in 2026. This will initially cover headline measures within the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee Performance Framework, but we will expand the dashboard iteratively to cover the breadth of the Performance Framework.We also confirm in the Framework document that we will establish new Local Policing Guarantees that set out the minimum levels of service the public should expect to receive from their police force wherever in England and Wales they live by building on the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee. These guarantees will cover areas such as how the police will rapidly and effectively respond when the public need them, how victims of crime will be treated in accordance with the Victims’ Code of Practice and public protection.I also refer the Honourable Gentleman to the answer which I gave to his question on 16 February 2026 (UIN 110965).

With reference to page 61 of her Department's policy paper entitled From Local to National: A New Model for Policing, published on 26 January 2026, CP1489, when she will introduce a new tiered performance system.

The White Paper entitled “From Local to National: A New Model for Policing” contained announcements on the tiered performance system, the Police Performance Framework and the Police Performance Dashboard.As part of the new performance system announced in the White Paper, we committed to launching a Police Performance Monitoring Group which will decide on where a force is placed within the tiering system. The new assessment and monitoring process will formally launch from April 2026, operating on a tri-annual cycle.The Police Performance Framework was launched on the same day as the publication of the Home Office White Paper (26th January). A link to the framework can be found here - Police Performance FrameworkWithin this document, we confirm that an initial Police Performance Dashboard will be introduced for the sector early in 2026. This will initially cover headline measures within the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee Performance Framework, but we will expand the dashboard iteratively to cover the breadth of the Performance Framework.We also confirm in the Framework document that we will establish new Local Policing Guarantees that set out the minimum levels of service the public should expect to receive from their police force wherever in England and Wales they live by building on the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee. These guarantees will cover areas such as how the police will rapidly and effectively respond when the public need them, how victims of crime will be treated in accordance with the Victims’ Code of Practice and public protection.I also refer the Honourable Gentleman to the answer which I gave to his question on 16 February 2026 (UIN 110965).

How many designated immigration officers are there within Border Force.

Border Force operates a flexible resourcing model, regularly assessing operational needs and deploying staff dynamically in response to passenger volumes and security requirements. Maintaining the security and efficiency of the UK border remains a top priority, and we continue to allocate resources accordingly to ensure the smooth flow of passengers and goods. The total number of people employed by Border Force is routinely published within the annual Home Office annual reports and accounts, available at Home Office annual reports and accounts. Home Office annual reports and accounts - GOV.UK

Pursuant to the Answer of 14 January 2026 to Question 103530 on Firearms: Licensing, what discussions her Department has had with Hertfordshire Constabulary on reducing the time taken to renew shotgun licences in the tri-force area of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire.

The issuing of firearms certificates, resourcing of firearms licensing teams and the efficiency of police forces is a matter for individual Chief Officers of Police and Police and Crime Commissioners. Hertfordshire Constabulary works with Cambridgeshire Constabulary and Bedfordshire Police r as part of a tripartite arrangement intended to provide a firearms licensing service across the three police force areas. The arrangements are led by Hertfordshire Constabulary and report to the Chief Constables of all three forces.The Chief Constables of the three forces received an accelerated cause of concern notice from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) on 9 January 2026 relating to the management of firearms licensing across the three forces. As a result of the notice, the forces have been required to make changes to improve the situation and to report back to HMICFRS. The Government expects to see an improvement in performance.

With reference to the policy paper entitled From local to national: a new model for policing, published on 26 January 2026, CP 1489, what the (a) minimum and (b) maximum size will be for each of the new forces.

The Police Reform White Paper, published on 26 January 2026, set out an ambition to significantly reduce the number of police forces across England and Wales by the end of next Parliament.We will imminently launch an Independent Review of Police Force Structures, which will make recommendations on the optimum number and configuration of forces. The specific end-state of policing will be informed by the Independent Review which is due to report in summer.

With reference to page 41 of the policy paper entitled From local to national: a new model for policing, published on 26 January 2026, CP 1489, what is meant by a pathfinder merger.

The Police Reform White Paper set out an ambition to move to fewer, larger forces by the end of next parliament. This included a commitment to explore opportunities to undertake pathfinder mergers by the end of this Parliament.A pathfinder merger would take place with the support of local forces and make progress towards the proposed end state of regional forces across England and Wales.

How many Royal Protection Officers were assigned to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from 2001 until 2026.

It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on protective security arrangements, including funding, as doing so could compromise their integrity and individuals' security.

With reference to page 61 of her Department's policy paper entitled From Local to National: A New Model for Policing, published on 26 January 2026, CP1489, when she plans to establish the Home Office Police Performance Improvement Unit.

The White Paper entitled “From Local to National: A New Model for Policing” contained announcements on the tiered performance system, the Police Performance Framework and the Police Performance Dashboard.As part of the new performance system announced in the White Paper, we committed to launching a Police Performance Monitoring Group which will decide on where a force is placed within the tiering system. The new assessment and monitoring process will formally launch from April 2026, operating on a tri-annual cycle.The Police Performance Framework was launched on the same day as the publication of the Home Office White Paper (26th January). A link to the framework can be found here - Police Performance FrameworkWithin this document, we confirm that an initial Police Performance Dashboard will be introduced for the sector early in 2026. This will initially cover headline measures within the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee Performance Framework, but we will expand the dashboard iteratively to cover the breadth of the Performance Framework.We also confirm in the Framework document that we will establish new Local Policing Guarantees that set out the minimum levels of service the public should expect to receive from their police force wherever in England and Wales they live by building on the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee. These guarantees will cover areas such as how the police will rapidly and effectively respond when the public need them, how victims of crime will be treated in accordance with the Victims’ Code of Practice and public protection.I also refer the Honourable Gentleman to the answer which I gave to his question on 16 February 2026 (UIN 110965).

With reference to page 41 of the policy paper entitled From local to national: a new model for policing, published on 26 January 2026, CP 1489, when she plans to stand up an independent review of force structures.

The Police Reform White Paper set out an ambitious package of reform, including an ambition to move to fewer, larger forces by the end of next parliament.We will imminently launch the Independent Review of Police Force Structures, which will make recommendations on the optimum configuration of fewer, larger forces, and the timetable for implementation.We plan to publish the Terms of reference alongside the announcement of the Chair in the coming weeks. The Review is expected to report its findings by summer.

With reference to page 43 of her Department's policy paper entitled From Local to National: A New Model for Policing, published on 26 January 2026, CP1489, what her planned timetable is for appointing an independent chair to conduct the Independent Review of Force Structures.

The Police Reform White Paper set out an ambitious package of reform, including an ambition to move to fewer, larger forces by the end of next parliament.We will imminently launch the Independent Review of Police Force Structures, which will make recommendations on the optimum configuration of fewer, larger forces, and the timetable for implementation.We plan to publish the Terms of reference alongside the announcement of the Chair in the coming weeks. The Review is expected to report its findings by summer.

With reference to page 44 of her Department's policy paper entitled From Local to National: A New Model for Policing, published on 26 January 2026, CP1489, when she will publish the terms of reference for the Independent Review of Force Structures.

The Police Reform White Paper set out an ambitious package of reform, including an ambition to move to fewer, larger forces by the end of next parliament.We will imminently launch the Independent Review of Police Force Structures, which will make recommendations on the optimum configuration of fewer, larger forces, and the timetable for implementation.We plan to publish the Terms of reference alongside the announcement of the Chair in the coming weeks. The Review is expected to report its findings by summer.

With reference to page 43 of the policy paper entitled From local to national: a new model for policing, published on 26 January 2026, CP 1489, who the policing stakeholders are who will co-design the geographies.

We expect the Independent Review of Police Structures to engage extensively with a wide range of stakeholders to make recommendations on the optimum size and configuration of forces as well as their governance and accountability arrangements.We expect that it will draw on the expertise and experience of a wide range of stakeholders including but not limited to frontline officers, policing leaders and other representative bodies. We will expect the Chair of the Review to consider how to most appropriately engage with Members of Parliament, including engaging appropriate Ministers, shadow Ministers and Select Committees.

With reference to page 43 of her Department's policy paper entitled From Local to National: A New Model for Policing, published on 26 January 2026, CP1489, whether Members of Parliament will be included within the scope of policing stakeholders.

We expect the Independent Review of Police Structures to engage extensively with a wide range of stakeholders to make recommendations on the optimum size and configuration of forces as well as their governance and accountability arrangements.We expect that it will draw on the expertise and experience of a wide range of stakeholders including but not limited to frontline officers, policing leaders and other representative bodies. We will expect the Chair of the Review to consider how to most appropriately engage with Members of Parliament, including engaging appropriate Ministers, shadow Ministers and Select Committees.

With reference to page 35 of the policy paper entitled From local to national: a new model for policing, published on 26 January 2026, CP 1489, which police forces will transfer to the authority of (a) Strategic Authority Mayors and (b) Policing and Crime Boards.

The Government committed in the English Devolution White Paper to transfer Police and Crime Commissioner functions to mayors of strategic authorities by default, wherever possible. The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, currently before Parliament, contains provisions to achieve this aim. Subject to the Bill receiving Royal Assent, transfers of functions to mayors will take place in areas where the boundaries of the mayoral strategic authority and policing area align, at a date set by the Secretary of State by Order.In all other areas, Policing and Crime Boards will be established in May 2028 at the abolition of the Police and Crime Commissioner model.

With reference to page 37 of the policy paper entitled From local to national: a new model for policing, published on 26 January 2026, CP 1489, whether the estimated cost of the 2024 Police and Crime Commissioner elections excluded the cost of the accompanying local elections.

The estimated cost of the 2024 Police and Crime Commissioner elections excluded the cost of the accompanying local elections, as those are met by the respective local authorities.While the final cost of the 2024 PCC elections will not be known until all the claims have been reviewed and settled, the total estimated cost as set out in the relevant Charges Order was £87m.

With reference to page 40 of the policy paper entitled From local to national: a new model for policing, published on 26 January 2026, CP 1489, which central bodies will be replaced with the National Police Service.

The White Paper “From Local to National: A New Model for Policing” sets out which central bodies are planned to be replaced by the National Police Service.Further details will be set out in the legislation to create the National Police Service.

What information her Department holds on whether the (a) behaviour and (b) activities of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor were reported by police officers from Royalty and Specialist Protection to Protection Command between 2001 and 2026.

The police are operationally independent of government and as such the Home Office does not hold this information.Police officers are required to act diligently in the exercise of their duties and responsibilities. A failure to do so is a breach of policing’s Standards of Professional Behaviour and could lead to disciplinary action.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes to shotgun licensing will have on the time taken to process shotgun licence renewals in Cambridgeshire.

The Government response to the 2023 firearms licensing consultation, published on 13 February 2025, included a commitment to having a public consultation on strengthening the licensing controls on shotguns to bring them more into line with the controls on other firearms in the interests of public safety. We will publish the consultation in due course.We will also provide an impact assessment in relation to any changes that we intend to bring forward after the consultation, including on police firearms licensing departments, in the normal way.The issuing of firearms certificates, resourcing of firearms licensing teams and the efficiency of police forces, including the timeframe taken for processing shotgun licence renewals, is a matter for individual Chief Officers of Police and Police and Crime Commissioners. Cambridgeshire Constabulary, Bedfordshire Police and Hertfordshire Constabulary work together as part of a tripartite arrangement intended to provide a consistent firearms licensing service across the three police force areas. The arrangements are led by Hertfordshire Constabulary and report to the Chief Constables of all three forces.