To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if her Department will accept all 13 recommendations made in the Angiolini Inquiry Part 2 First Report, published on 2 December 2025.
Government answer
Answering body: Home Office
This Government is absolutely committed to ensuring women and girls feel safe going about their everyday lives.We are carefully considering the Inquiry’s Part 2 First Report’s recommendations and will respond as soon as possible.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Answer of 4 September 2025 to Question 70519 on Public Inquiries, what has been the total cost to the public purse of the Angiolini Inquiry to date.
Government answer
Answering body: Home Office
The Inquiry recently published its costs on its website, indicating that total expenditure to the end of March 2026 was £11,058,773. The Inquiry updates its website periodically as further costs are incurred. Further information is available on the Inquiry’s website Costs and Other Information – The Angiolini Inquiry
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to improve levels of confidence in the police amongst minority communities.
Government answer
Answering body: Home Office
The Government actively supports the aims of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and College of Policing’s ‘National policing culture and inclusion strategy’ which aims to tackle discrimination within policing, as well as the Police Race Action Plan, which aims to address confidence in policing among black communities.
The Angiolini Inquiry is also examining a range of issues relating to processes and cultures in policing so that the public can have confidence that the police are there to protect them, and we will carefully consider any recommendations it makes.
Martin Wrigley · Liberal DemocratAnswering body: Home Office
Parliamentary excerpt
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what role her Department has in providing oversight and assurance where public confidence in policing has been undermined by media reporting and documentary evidence; and whether there are existing independent bodies and review mechanisms to which such concerns should appropriately be directed.
Government answer
Answering body: Home Office
This Department supports the police and is clear that public confidence is crucial to our model of policing by consent. We hold our police to the highest of standards and expect action to be taken where this confidence is undermined. There are a number of measures in place to help ensure this.
The Home Secretary has powers to direct targeted inspections by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) where there are specific concerns. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) oversees the police complaints system under which the public can raise concerns directly with the Professional Standards Department in their local police force or via the IOPC. The most serious and sensitive matters, including deaths or serious injuries involving the police, must be sent immediately by forces to the IOPC and the IOPC determines if it is necessary for such matters to be independently investigated. The IOPC, which has a statutory duty to maintain public confidence in the system, also has powers to “call in” a referral or to investigate such matters that have come to its attention on its own initiative, without waiting for a referral.
We set out plans for policing reform in the recent White Paper, From Local to National: A New Model for Policing” on 26 January, including reforms to increase accountability and standards.
Finally, the independent Angiolini Inquiry is currently examining a range of issues in policing such as vetting, recruitment and culture in policing and the Home Office will carefully consider its findings when available.
Mr Paul Kohler · Liberal DemocratAnswering body: Home Office
Parliamentary excerpt
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to help improve the ability of police forces to (a) investigate sexual offences, (b) fill gaps in data on violence against women and girls and (c) implement recommendations for improving public safety.
Government answer
Answering body: Home Office
Tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) is a top priority for this Government with a manifesto mission to halve VAWG in a decade. We will deliver a cross-government transformative approach to halving VAWG, underpinned by a new VAWG strategy, which we aim to publish as soon as possible.
The Home Office has invested £13.1 million this year to establish the new National Policing Centre for VAWG and Public Protection (NCVPP) to improve the police response to VAWG and child sexual abuse. The NCVPP is continuing to drive forward the transformational work of Operation Soteria ensuring officers build the strongest possible, victim-centred, suspect-focused, context-led cases.
The Home Office works closely with police forces on improving the quality of police recorded crime data, including for crimes under the VAWG heading, as well as drawing on data from the Crime Survey for England & Wales (CSEW).
The Home Office are also carefully considering the findings and recommendations from the Angiolini Inquiry's Part 2 First Report which has examined the prevention of sexually motivated crimes against women in public spaces.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what protections are currently in place for police whistle-blowers reporting misconduct within their own force.
Government answer
Answering body: Home Office
Police officers and staff have protections under ‘whistleblowing’ law, meaning they are protected from being unfairly dismissed or from suffering any detriment due to having made a protected disclosure. The Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020 expressly reflect this.
Further, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is a prescribed body to whom police whistleblowers can make protected disclosures, runs a dedicated reporting line for police officers and staff.
The College of Policing’s Code of Practice for Ethical Policing puts a duty on Chief Officers to facilitate and protect whistleblowers. Many police forces provide a confidential, internal reporting system to encourage reporting of concerns.
Part 2 of the Angiolini Inquiry is considering a range of cultural issues in policing, including whistleblowing processes, and the Government will consider any recommendations it makes carefully.
Luke Taylor · Liberal DemocratAnswering body: Home Office
Parliamentary excerpt
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what discussions she has had with Metropolitan Police leaders on safeguards to protect whistleblowers who report (a) misogyny and (b) racism.
Government answer
Answering body: Home Office
The Home Secretary and I have regular meetings with the Metropolitan Police Commissioner and other police leaders on a range of issues including police conduct.
Police officers have a statutory duty to report wrongdoing by their colleagues when they see it, and the College of Policing’s Code of Practice for Ethical Policing puts a duty on Chief Officers to facilitate and protect whistleblowers. The Metropolitan Police Service has a specialist unit to handle any concerns raised by “whistleblowers” with provision to come forward anonymously and to provide additional support to those who are accorded “whistleblower status” over and above their protections in wider employment and whistleblowing law. In addition, the Independent Office for Police Conduct runs a dedicated telephone line for police officers and staff.
Part 2 of the Angiolini Inquiry is also considering a range of cultural issues in policing, including whistleblowing processes, and the Government will consider any recommendations it makes carefully.
To ask His Majesty's Government when the Angiolini Inquiry Part 2 Report will be published.
Government answer
Answering body: Home Office
The Angiolini Inquiry is an independent public inquiry, and the Chair is responsible for delivery of its Terms of Reference. The Terms of Reference for Part 2 anticipated that the Inquiry would report to the Home Secretary within 24 months of Part 2 commencing in May 2023. The Department is in regular contact with the inquiries it sponsors about their delivery plans.
Nick Timothy · ConservativeAnswering body: Home Office
Parliamentary excerpt
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what progress she has made in reforming vetting procedures for police recruits since 3 March 2021.
Government answer
Answering body: Home Office
The framework for police vetting, which applies to the existing workforce as well as new recruits, is currently set by the College of Policing via its statutory code of practice on vetting and authorised professional practice (APP) guidance on vetting.
The vetting APP, which is reviewed on an ongoing basis, was last updated in March 2021. The College plans to publish a revised version this year following a public consultation in January and having considered recommendations from part 1 of the Angiolini Inquiry.
The government has committed to strengthening police vetting and will be bringing forward statutory measures to do so in due course.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to his Department's publication entitled Home Office procurement card spend over £500: February 2024, published on 23 April 2024, what the overseas costs linked to his visit were for the £4,409.66 paid to Cloveride Inc on 28 February 2024.
Government answer
Answering body: Home Office
a) Honourable Society
These costs were incurred for the procurement of a venue for publication day launch of the Angiolini Inquiry Part 1 report.
b) Cinnamon Club
These costs were incurred for the Permanent Secretary’s hosting of US Department of Justice officials in the UK, as part of the HO-DoJ Strategic Dialogue.
c) Fletcher Gallery Services
These costs (none overseas) were incurred for the purchase of departmental furnishings.
d) Cloveride
These costs were incurred for the hire of two chauffeured vehicles for the Home Secretary’s official visit to New York in February 2024.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to his Department's publication entitled Home Office procurement card spend over £500: February 2024, published on 23 April 2024, what the overseas costs linked to his visit were for the £636.48 paid to Fletcher Gallery Services Ltd on 20 February 2024.
Government answer
Answering body: Home Office
a) Honourable Society
These costs were incurred for the procurement of a venue for publication day launch of the Angiolini Inquiry Part 1 report.
b) Cinnamon Club
These costs were incurred for the Permanent Secretary’s hosting of US Department of Justice officials in the UK, as part of the HO-DoJ Strategic Dialogue.
c) Fletcher Gallery Services
These costs (none overseas) were incurred for the purchase of departmental furnishings.
d) Cloveride
These costs were incurred for the hire of two chauffeured vehicles for the Home Secretary’s official visit to New York in February 2024.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to his Department's publication entitled Home Office procurement card spend over £500: February 2024, published on 23 April 2024, which Honourable Society was paid £10,112.40 on 27 February 2024; and what the publication launch was for which that venue was booked.
Government answer
Answering body: Home Office
a) Honourable Society
These costs were incurred for the procurement of a venue for publication day launch of the Angiolini Inquiry Part 1 report.
b) Cinnamon Club
These costs were incurred for the Permanent Secretary’s hosting of US Department of Justice officials in the UK, as part of the HO-DoJ Strategic Dialogue.
c) Fletcher Gallery Services
These costs (none overseas) were incurred for the purchase of departmental furnishings.
d) Cloveride
These costs were incurred for the hire of two chauffeured vehicles for the Home Secretary’s official visit to New York in February 2024.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to his Department's publication entitled Home Office procurement card spend over £500: February 2024, published on 23 April 2024, what the overseas costs linked to his visit were for the £705.93 paid to The Cinnamon Club on 16 February 2024.
Government answer
Answering body: Home Office
a) Honourable Society
These costs were incurred for the procurement of a venue for publication day launch of the Angiolini Inquiry Part 1 report.
b) Cinnamon Club
These costs were incurred for the Permanent Secretary’s hosting of US Department of Justice officials in the UK, as part of the HO-DoJ Strategic Dialogue.
c) Fletcher Gallery Services
These costs (none overseas) were incurred for the purchase of departmental furnishings.
d) Cloveride
These costs were incurred for the hire of two chauffeured vehicles for the Home Secretary’s official visit to New York in February 2024.
Lord Kempsell · ConservativeAnswering body: Home Office
Parliamentary excerpt
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to The Angiolini Inquiry: Part 1 Report published on 29 February, which territorial and national police forces outsource their recruitment vetting to other police forces or other law enforcement agencies.
Government answer
Answering body: Home Office
All Home Office (territorial) forces in England and Wales conduct their recruitment vetting internally.
This is also the case for all non-Home Office national police forces, aside from the Royal Military Police who are assisted by Warwickshire Police for vetting checks.
The Part 1 report of Angiolini’s Inquiry highlighted that in 2010, the Civil Nuclear Constabulary had outsourced its force vetting to Thames Valley Police. They now carry out their own recruitment vetting.
Nick Fletcher · ConservativeAnswering body: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Parliamentary excerpt
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the Angiolini Inquiry Part 1 report, published in February 2024, when she plans to publish the findings of her Department's review entitled Pornography Regulation, Legislation and Enforcement, published on 11 January 2024; and whether that review will address the societal impact of violent and extreme pornography.
Government answer
Answering body: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
The Independent Pornography Review will involve a comprehensive assessment of the impact of pornography on viewers and wider society, including the impact of violent and extreme pornography, identifying any links to violence against women and girls. It will also review how effective current legislation, regulation, and law enforcement are in tackling extreme pornographic content. The review is being led by an independent lead reviewer, Baroness Gabby Bertin, who oversees the delivery of the review and the final report and recommendations. The independent review’s Terms of Reference state that it aims to conclude by Summer 2024.
Jim Shannon · Democratic Unionist PartyAnswering body: Home Office
Parliamentary excerpt
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent steps her Department has taken to help increase public trust in the police.
Government answer
Answering body: Home Office
The Government has been clear that police officers must be held to the highest standards and that this is vital to public trust.
The Home Office established the Angiolini Inquiry following the horrific murder of Sarah Everard, to identify lessons for policing so that the public can have confidence that the police are there to protect them. Part 1 of the Inquiry is due to report in early 2024. In May this year the Home Secretary commissioned Part 2 of the Inquiry to consider broader issues in policing, such as vetting, recruitment and culture, as well as the safety of women in public spaces. The terms of reference for Part 2 can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/angiolini-inquiry-part-2-terms-of-reference.
The Home Office has recently announced measures to strengthen the police dismissals system, to ensure processes are effective at removing those not fit to serve. The review’s full report can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/police-officer-dismissals-home-office-review. The Home Secretary also asked the College of Policing to strengthen the statutory code of practice for police vetting, which was published in July and can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/police-vetting-code-of-practice.
Damien Moore · ConservativeAnswering body: Home Office
Parliamentary excerpt
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that police officers accused of violence by women are appropriately investigated.
Government answer
Answering body: Home Office
The Government has been clear that police officers must be held to the highest standards and that those who commit acts such as domestic and sexual abuse must be rooted out.
By law, allegations of serious assaults, serious sexual offences or abuse of position by police officers must be referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for consideration.
The Government is currently carrying out a review into the process of police officer dismissals which, among other areas, is investigating the consistency of decision making in cases of police-perpetrated violence against women and girls (VAWG). Part 2 of the Angiolini Inquiry will also examine issues in policing such as vetting and recruitment practices and police culture, and the safety of women.
All forces are also currently checking officers and staff against the Police National Database so that they can take action on any intelligence or allegations that require further investigation.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent steps her Department has taken to improve standards in policing.
Government answer
Answering body: Home Office
It is crucial that the public have trust and confidence in the police and expect them to fight crime, keep us safe and carry out their duties to the highest professional standards
In the wake of the shocking murder of Sarah Everard by a serving police officer, the Government established the Angiolini Inquiry. The draft terms of reference for Part 2 were published on 18 January and a formal consultation was launched on 27 January. This part of the Inquiry will include an examination of vetting and recruitment processes to identify those not fit to serve, as well as investigate the extent to which misogyny and predatory behaviour exist in police culture
The Government has recently asked the College of Policing to strengthen the statutory code of practice for vetting, making the obligations all forces must legally follow stricter and clearer
In addition, on 17 January the Home Secretary launched a review into the process of police officer dismissals, ensuring that the system is fair and effective at removing those officers who are not fit to serve. The Terms of Reference for this review have now been published here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/police-officer-dismissals-review-terms-of-reference
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to tackle misogyny in police forces in England and Wales.
Government answer
Answering body: Home Office
The Government remains determined to tackle misogyny in the police. That is why His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) was tasked with reviewing vetting and counter-corruption arrangements in policing across England and Wales looking in particular at what forces are doing to identify and deal with misogynistic behaviour.
The inspectorate’s findings were published on 2 November and whilst we welcome the report’s conclusion that culture is improving, the findings about adverse attitudes towards women are unacceptable and we expect all forces to take action in response as a matter of urgency.
We also expect the second part of the Angiolini Inquiry to further examine some of the issues raised by the inspectorate related to policing and the safety of women.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she intends to respond to the correspondence from the Member for Portsmouth South of 25 October 2021 on the Angiolini Inquiry.
Government answer
Answering body: Home Office
A response was sent by the Minister of State for Crime and Policing on 4 November 2021.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has met any representatives of the Metropolitan Police to discuss the finding of the Independent Office for Police Conduct in relation to the behaviour of officers at Charing Cross Police Station.
Government answer
Answering body: Home Office
The Home Secretary was appalled to learn of the behaviour of Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officers following publication of the Independent Office for Police Conduct’s (IOPC) investigation report on Operation Hotton.
Being a police officer is a privilege which has been abused by these officers, and standards must be raised. The Home Secretary met the MPS Commissioner to discuss her concerns about the IOPC’s findings, and expects the MPS and the Mayor of London to implement the 15 recommendations of the report as soon as practically possible.
The Home Secretary has also asked the independent policing inspectorate, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), to review vetting and counter-corruption arrangements in policing across England and Wales – looking in particular at what forces are doing to identify and deal with misogynistic and predatory behaviour.
This work is underway – and it is anticipated that HMICFRS will publish a report before the summer – providing part of the evidence base informing Phase 2 of the Angiolini Inquiry.
Daisy Cooper · Liberal DemocratAnswering body: Home Office
Parliamentary excerpt
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make it her policy to update the House of any request by the Chair of the Angiolini Inquiry to convert that inquiry into a full statutory inquiry within five days of receiving that request.
Government answer
Answering body: Home Office
As the Home Secretary said in her statement to the House on 22 November 2021 when announcing the appointment of Rt Hon Dame Elish Angiolini QC as Chair of the inquiry, she will not rule out converting it to a statutory footing should Dame Elish feel that she is unable to fulfil the terms of reference on a non-statutory basis.
Any such decision would only be taken after discussion with Dame Elish, taking into account official advice, and the House would be informed accordingly.
Daisy Cooper · Liberal DemocratAnswering body: Home Office
Parliamentary excerpt
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will convert the Angiolini Inquiry into a full statutory inquiry in the event of such a recommendation from the independent chair.
Government answer
Answering body: Home Office
As the Home Secretary said in her statement to the House on 22 November 2021 when announcing the appointment of Rt Hon Dame Elish Angiolini QC as Chair of the inquiry, she will not rule out converting it to a statutory footing should Dame Elish feel that she is unable to fulfil the terms of reference on a non-statutory basis.
Any such decision would only be taken after discussion with Dame Elish, taking into account official advice, and the House would be informed accordingly.
Daisy Cooper · Liberal DemocratAnswering body: Home Office
Parliamentary excerpt
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will define and publish the criteria that will inform her decision on whether to convert the Angiolini Inquiry into a full statutory inquiry.
Government answer
Answering body: Home Office
As the Home Secretary said in her statement to the House on 22 November 2021 when announcing the appointment of Rt Hon Dame Elish Angiolini QC as Chair of the inquiry, she will not rule out converting it to a statutory footing should Dame Elish feel that she is unable to fulfil the terms of reference on a non-statutory basis.
Any such decision would only be taken after discussion with Dame Elish, taking into account official advice, and the House would be informed accordingly.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to increase public confidence in the Metropolitan Police Service.
Government answer
Answering body: Home Office
The Government is committed to do everything in its power to deliver improvements within policing and across the criminal justice system to secure confidence in the police and ultimately keep people safe.
As at 30 September 2021, the Metropolitan Police Service has recruited 2,070 additional officers and have been allocated a total of 2,713 additional officers for years one and two of the uplift combined. Preventative activity set out in the Beating Crime Plan is also vital to ensuring we create safer streets and neighbourhoods in London.
To provide assurance on progress made in counter-corruption, vetting and other areas of concern, Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) are currently undertaking a thematic inspection into the MPS at the Home Secretary's request. HMICFRS have also agreed to look at lessons learned from the investigative failings in the Stephen Port case.
The establishment of the Angiolini Inquiry which will shine a light on the failings that allowed a serving police officer to abuse his power in such a horrific manner and make recommendations for change within policing.
The Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities report highlighted a number of recommendations across crime and policing earlier this year, including on improving trust and confidence by strengthening the systems of accountability and transparency. The Government will respond to these recommendations shortly.