Every parliamentary written question tabled by Rupert Lowe this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 221–240 of 829 · Home Office
Whether her Department records crimes committed against churches, chapels and other places of Christian worship as a distinct offence category.
The Government is committed to protecting the right of individuals to freely practise their religion and will not tolerate anti-Christian hatred in any form.The Home Office does not hold arrest or crime data specifically relating to Christian places of worship.
Whether her Department plans to conduct a national review into criminal attacks on churches and Christian heritage sites.
The Government is committed to protecting the right of individuals to freely practise their religion and will not tolerate anti-Christian hatred in any form.The Home Office does not hold arrest or crime data specifically relating to Christian places of worship.
How many recorded offences involving vandalism, arson, burglary, or hate-motivated attacks were committed against Christian places of worship in each of the last five years.
The Government is committed to protecting the right of individuals to freely practise their religion and will not tolerate anti-Christian hatred in any form.The Home Office does not hold arrest or crime data specifically relating to Christian places of worship.
Whether her Department holds data on the nationality or immigration status of people arrested for offences committed against churches.
The Government is committed to protecting the right of individuals to freely practise their religion and will not tolerate anti-Christian hatred in any form.The Home Office does not hold arrest or crime data specifically relating to Christian places of worship.
How many arrests and prosecutions have resulted from reported offences against churches in each of the last five years.
The Government is committed to protecting the right of individuals to freely practise their religion and will not tolerate anti-Christian hatred in any form.The Home Office does not hold arrest or crime data specifically relating to Christian places of worship.
Pursuant to the answer of 17 November 2025 to question 81592 Medical Treatments: Gaza, for the total number of accompanying adults that have entered the UK under the Gaza Injured Children Scheme.
The information requested is not available from published statistics. Official statistics published by the Home Office are kept under review in line with the code of practice for statistics, taking into account a number of factors including user needs, the resources required to compile the statistics, as well as quality and availability of data.
If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of sharing information between Border Force and Kent Police on HGV drivers that repeatedly break the speed limit.
The allocation of resources and deployment of officers in Kent is an operational matter for Kent Police’s Chief Constables to determine in line with local policing plans and in conjunction with their Police and Crime Commissioners.Excess speed is a major cause of death and serious injury on our roads and anyone who breaks the speed limit should expect to face proper sanction.Any form of dangerous or inconsiderate driving behaviour is a serious road safety issue. We expect all drivers to observe the speed limit.
What data the Police National Computer holds on the number of offences committed in the last 12 months, by where the offender was born.
The Police National Computer (PNC) is a system that provides real-time access to criminal records of offenders, vehicle data, and other information relevant to policing. The PNC retains records by individual suspects and offenders rather than by offences.The PNC holds some information on the place of birth and in some circumstances the nationality of the individuals, but that data is not held for all convictions. It does not retain information in a format that would provide an answer on the number of offences committed in the last 12 months, by where the offender was born. In any case, the PNC is not designed to provide such bespoke reports and would need development to obtain such information.The National Police Chiefs’ Council and the Home Office hold regular discussions about the appropriate use of this information for purposes beyond policing.
What systems her Department has in place to verify the authenticity of IELTS certificates submitted with visa and immigration applications.
The Home Office only permits the use of UKVI approved centres that meet the standards under the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) contracts and does not have responsibility or oversight of the IELTs network which is a separate arrangement to SELT contracts. We therefore do not hold numbers on activities in relation to IELTS.Every application where English language evidence is provided as a SELT is checked, including that the person on the test result is the person they say they are, to assure its genuineness. Where there may be an issue around the genuineness of a SELT supporting an application for immigration leave, that application may fall for refusal. Where fraud or malpractice is suspected we have robust process in place with the supplier to take action where required.UK Visas and Immigration oversees the centres operating Secure English Language Testing (SELT). Integrity of centres is monitored and managed via a number of contractual and operational processes and measures including that all centres must be audited and where malpractice or concerns are suspected, UKVI personnel will conduct unannounced audits of centres and ask them to cease operation where needed.The use of proxies, and all other types of fraudulent activity, are assessed routinely by UK Visas and Immigration teams who ensure the integrity of these services. Where risks are identified swift action is taken including suspension of test centres pending investigation, results being withheld or cancelled and appropriate action against test takers.
How many IELTS test centres operating abroad were suspended or de-authorised in each of the last five years.
The Home Office only permits the use of UKVI approved centres that meet the standards under the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) contracts and does not have responsibility or oversight of the IELTs network which is a separate arrangement to SELT contracts. We therefore do not hold numbers on activities in relation to IELTS.Every application where English language evidence is provided as a SELT is checked, including that the person on the test result is the person they say they are, to assure its genuineness. Where there may be an issue around the genuineness of a SELT supporting an application for immigration leave, that application may fall for refusal. Where fraud or malpractice is suspected we have robust process in place with the supplier to take action where required.UK Visas and Immigration oversees the centres operating Secure English Language Testing (SELT). Integrity of centres is monitored and managed via a number of contractual and operational processes and measures including that all centres must be audited and where malpractice or concerns are suspected, UKVI personnel will conduct unannounced audits of centres and ask them to cease operation where needed.The use of proxies, and all other types of fraudulent activity, are assessed routinely by UK Visas and Immigration teams who ensure the integrity of these services. Where risks are identified swift action is taken including suspension of test centres pending investigation, results being withheld or cancelled and appropriate action against test takers.
If she will establish a limit on the proportion of foreign national officers that may be employed by each police force.
Decisions about police recruitment, including how recruitment and selection processes are run, are a matter for Chief Constables and Police and Crime Commissioners and are therefore managed locally by forces. This is done within a national application, assessment and selection framework, in line with national guidance maintained by the College of Policing. Forces are also expected to act lawfully in line with equalities legislation and adhere to best practice in this area when carrying out recruitment.Police forces that reflect the communities they serve are crucial to tackling crime and maintaining public trust and confidence in a modern diverse society. A person of any nationality may apply to be a police officer in England and Wales, subject to candidates satisfying eligibility and vetting requirements, including meeting relevant residency criteria.
What steps her Department is taking to monitor the integrity of International English Language Testing System test centres operating abroad.
The Home Office only permits the use of UKVI approved centres that meet the standards under the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) contracts and does not have responsibility or oversight of the IELTs network which is a separate arrangement to SELT contracts. We therefore do not hold numbers on activities in relation to IELTS.Every application where English language evidence is provided as a SELT is checked, including that the person on the test result is the person they say they are, to assure its genuineness. Where there may be an issue around the genuineness of a SELT supporting an application for immigration leave, that application may fall for refusal. Where fraud or malpractice is suspected we have robust process in place with the supplier to take action where required.UK Visas and Immigration oversees the centres operating Secure English Language Testing (SELT). Integrity of centres is monitored and managed via a number of contractual and operational processes and measures including that all centres must be audited and where malpractice or concerns are suspected, UKVI personnel will conduct unannounced audits of centres and ask them to cease operation where needed.The use of proxies, and all other types of fraudulent activity, are assessed routinely by UK Visas and Immigration teams who ensure the integrity of these services. Where risks are identified swift action is taken including suspension of test centres pending investigation, results being withheld or cancelled and appropriate action against test takers.
How many IELTS testing centres have been investigated, suspended, or removed from the UKVI-approved list due to suspected malpractice since 2020.
The Home Office only permits the use of UKVI approved centres that meet the standards under the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) contracts and does not have responsibility or oversight of the IELTs network which is a separate arrangement to SELT contracts. We therefore do not hold numbers on activities in relation to IELTS.Every application where English language evidence is provided as a SELT is checked, including that the person on the test result is the person they say they are, to assure its genuineness. Where there may be an issue around the genuineness of a SELT supporting an application for immigration leave, that application may fall for refusal. Where fraud or malpractice is suspected we have robust process in place with the supplier to take action where required.UK Visas and Immigration oversees the centres operating Secure English Language Testing (SELT). Integrity of centres is monitored and managed via a number of contractual and operational processes and measures including that all centres must be audited and where malpractice or concerns are suspected, UKVI personnel will conduct unannounced audits of centres and ask them to cease operation where needed.The use of proxies, and all other types of fraudulent activity, are assessed routinely by UK Visas and Immigration teams who ensure the integrity of these services. Where risks are identified swift action is taken including suspension of test centres pending investigation, results being withheld or cancelled and appropriate action against test takers.
What recent assessment she has made of the use of proxy test-takers or impersonation at IELTS centres overseas.
The Home Office only permits the use of UKVI approved centres that meet the standards under the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) contracts and does not have responsibility or oversight of the IELTs network which is a separate arrangement to SELT contracts. We therefore do not hold numbers on activities in relation to IELTS.Every application where English language evidence is provided as a SELT is checked, including that the person on the test result is the person they say they are, to assure its genuineness. Where there may be an issue around the genuineness of a SELT supporting an application for immigration leave, that application may fall for refusal. Where fraud or malpractice is suspected we have robust process in place with the supplier to take action where required.UK Visas and Immigration oversees the centres operating Secure English Language Testing (SELT). Integrity of centres is monitored and managed via a number of contractual and operational processes and measures including that all centres must be audited and where malpractice or concerns are suspected, UKVI personnel will conduct unannounced audits of centres and ask them to cease operation where needed.The use of proxies, and all other types of fraudulent activity, are assessed routinely by UK Visas and Immigration teams who ensure the integrity of these services. Where risks are identified swift action is taken including suspension of test centres pending investigation, results being withheld or cancelled and appropriate action against test takers.
Whether any data is held by his Department on the number of applicants who submitted invalid or forged IELTS results as part of higher education or visa applications.
The Home Office only permits the use of UKVI approved centres that meet the standards under the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) contracts and does not have responsibility or oversight of the IELTs network which is a separate arrangement to SELT contracts. We therefore do not hold numbers on activities in relation to IELTS.Every application where English language evidence is provided as a SELT is checked, including that the person on the test result is the person they say they are, to assure its genuineness. Where there may be an issue around the genuineness of a SELT supporting an application for immigration leave, that application may fall for refusal. Where fraud or malpractice is suspected we have robust process in place with the supplier to take action where required.UK Visas and Immigration oversees the centres operating Secure English Language Testing (SELT). Integrity of centres is monitored and managed via a number of contractual and operational processes and measures including that all centres must be audited and where malpractice or concerns are suspected, UKVI personnel will conduct unannounced audits of centres and ask them to cease operation where needed.The use of proxies, and all other types of fraudulent activity, are assessed routinely by UK Visas and Immigration teams who ensure the integrity of these services. Where risks are identified swift action is taken including suspension of test centres pending investigation, results being withheld or cancelled and appropriate action against test takers.
How many police officers recruited since 2019 have required English language training after appointment.
Decisions about police recruitment, including how recruitment and selection processes are run, are a matter for Chief Constables and Police and Crime Commissioners and are therefore managed locally by forces. This is done within a national application, assessment and selection framework, in line with national guidance maintained by the College of Policing. We expect all forces to uphold the highest standards in recruitment so that only those fit to serve as police officers are appointed.The Home Office does not collect data on the nationality of police officers, nor on police officers that have completed English language training. However, all candidates for appointment as a police officer must meet the standards set by the College of Policing.As set out in Regulations, police officers must demonstrate competence in written and spoken English. We are working closely with the College of Policing to ensure that forces continue to make improvements to all entry routes. As part of this work, the College of Policing is currently consulting police leaders to assess and determine the appropriate English language standard required for all policing roles.Forces are operationally independent, and decisions about training requirements and the deployment of officers remain an operational matter for Chief Constables.
What mechanisms are in place to ensure that police officers demonstrate fluent spoken and written English before being deployed in frontline roles.
Decisions about police recruitment, including how recruitment and selection processes are run, are a matter for Chief Constables and Police and Crime Commissioners and are therefore managed locally by forces. This is done within a national application, assessment and selection framework, in line with national guidance maintained by the College of Policing. We expect all forces to uphold the highest standards in recruitment so that only those fit to serve as police officers are appointed.The Home Office does not collect data on the nationality of police officers, nor on police officers that have completed English language training. However, all candidates for appointment as a police officer must meet the standards set by the College of Policing.As set out in Regulations, police officers must demonstrate competence in written and spoken English. We are working closely with the College of Policing to ensure that forces continue to make improvements to all entry routes. As part of this work, the College of Policing is currently consulting police leaders to assess and determine the appropriate English language standard required for all policing roles.Forces are operationally independent, and decisions about training requirements and the deployment of officers remain an operational matter for Chief Constables.
How many serving police officers in England and Wales are foreign nationals, broken down by nationality.
Decisions about police recruitment, including how recruitment and selection processes are run, are a matter for Chief Constables and Police and Crime Commissioners and are therefore managed locally by forces. This is done within a national application, assessment and selection framework, in line with national guidance maintained by the College of Policing. We expect all forces to uphold the highest standards in recruitment so that only those fit to serve as police officers are appointed.The Home Office does not collect data on the nationality of police officers, nor on police officers that have completed English language training. However, all candidates for appointment as a police officer must meet the standards set by the College of Policing.As set out in Regulations, police officers must demonstrate competence in written and spoken English. We are working closely with the College of Policing to ensure that forces continue to make improvements to all entry routes. As part of this work, the College of Policing is currently consulting police leaders to assess and determine the appropriate English language standard required for all policing roles.Forces are operationally independent, and decisions about training requirements and the deployment of officers remain an operational matter for Chief Constables.
How many foreign national officers have failed vetting or re-vetting procedures since 2015.
The Home Office does not centrally collect information on the number of police officers who fail vetting or re-vetting procedures. This information is held individually by each of the 43 territorial police forces.
Whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of the proportion of police officers that are of foreign nationality or non-native English speakers on public confidence in police forces.
Decisions about police recruitment, including how recruitment and selection processes are run, are a matter for Chief Constables and Police and Crime Commissioners and are therefore managed locally by forces. This is done within a national application, assessment and selection framework, in line with national guidance maintained by the College of Policing. We expect all forces to uphold the highest standards in recruitment so that only those fit to serve as police officers are appointed.The Home Office does not collect data on the nationality of police officers, nor on police officers that have completed English language training. However, all candidates for appointment as a police officer must meet the standards set by the College of Policing.As set out in Regulations, police officers must demonstrate competence in written and spoken English. We are working closely with the College of Policing to ensure that forces continue to make improvements to all entry routes. As part of this work, the College of Policing is currently consulting police leaders to assess and determine the appropriate English language standard required for all policing roles.Forces are operationally independent, and decisions about training requirements and the deployment of officers remain an operational matter for Chief Constables.