Public Order: Covid-19

Throughout the pandemic, our police officers have been on the streets every single day working tirelessly to stop the spread of coronavirus. I am in contact, virtually every day now, with the National Police Chiefs Council and policing leaders to ensure that we have the right plans and the right approach to make sure that the police play their role in stopping the spread of the virus and maintaining public order.

During the lockdown in Runnymede and Weybridge, we saw a huge community response and support to get through some of its real challenges. Unfortunately, though, a small minority have been making life miserable for people through antisocial behaviour. I have already heard that, with the new measures coming in, this is starting up again. Will my right hon. Friend confirm the importance of tackling antisocial behaviour and assure me that the police have the support and resources necessary to do so?

My hon. Friend is absolutely right to point out the full impacts of antisocial behaviour previously that are manifesting themselves again. That is why police leaders are working with local authority partners to address many of these issues. He is also right to point out that we must back the police so they have the tools, the powers and the support that they need. We will back them all the way to make sure that we deal with issues such as antisocial behaviour.