Written questions by Lowe.

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.

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 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.

What estimate she has made of the number of (a) police misconduct cases and (b) police misconduct cases involving non-UK national police officers since 2020.

The Home Office does not hold the requested information.The Home Office collects and publishes information on cases handled under the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020 as a part of its published Police Misconduct: England and Wales statistical series:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/police-misconduct-statisticsThis includes information on the protected characteristics of those facing complaint, conduct matter and recordable conduct matter allegations. The Home Office does not collect information on the nationality of those who face allegations.

What guidance her Department provides to police forces on English language standards for police recruitment.

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 police officers have been subject to disciplinary action as a result of (a) poor communication and (b) language comprehension in the last five years.

The Home Office does not hold the requested information.The Home Office collects and publishes information on cases handled under the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020 as a part of its published Police Misconduct: England and Wales statistical series:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/police-misconduct-statisticsThis includes information on the volume of complaints, internal conduct matters and recordable conduct matters which, if proven, could result in disciplinary action.Allegations are categorised using the Independent Office for Police Conduct’s (IOPC) allegation types, which includes a category of impolite language/tone. Data on the volume of allegations and action taken, by IOPC allegation type can be found in the misconduct allegations by type open data table, available from:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/police-misconduct-open-data-tablesThe Home Office does not currently collect information on cases that resulted in disciplinary action for unsatisfactory performance, handled under the Police (Performance) Regulations 2020.

Whether her Department has engaged in (a) data-sharing, (b) surveillance coordination and (c) technology interoperability projects with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency since the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.

The Home Office strengthened cooperation with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency through the agreement of the UK-Frontex Working Arrangement in 2024. It would not be appropriate to disclose specific operational details of this framework as this could prejudice operational effectiveness. More information on the UK-Frontex Working Arrangement can found here.

Whether her Department has been (a) informed of, (b) consulted on and (c) involved in EU-funded projects for migrant (i) accommodation and (ii) reception facilities in (A) France, (B) the Western Balkans, (C) north Africa and (D) Türkiye since 2022.

Since EU Exit, the UK is not a participant in EU funding programmes that cover third country compliance with UN standards on reception facilities and migrant accommodation.We have not had specific discussions with the EU or member countries about EU-funded migrant accommodation or reception centres in France, Türkiye, North African or Western Balkan nations. That would be an internal matter for those countries.However, the Home Office works closely with international partners to address the shared challenge of irregular migration and as such we continue to engage on wider migration management with the EU and member countries.

How many police use-of-force incidents since 2017 involved individuals recorded as (a) property owners, (b) occupiers, and (c) complainants.

The government is clear police use of force must be reasonable, proportionate and necessary in all circumstances.The College of Policing is the body responsible for setting out the guidance and training for the police. Guidance on the use of force is set out in Authorised Professional Practice which can be found here APP (authorised professional practice) | College of Policing. Given the operational nature of use of force, the College of Policing is best placed to set these standards.Before officers can be authorised to use force, they must pass comprehensive training in Public and Personal Safety each year. This training reinforces the importance and legitimacy of use of force at every level.The government publishes annual statistics on police use of force. The latest publication can be found here - https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/police-use-of-force-statistics. These statistics have been developed in coordination with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and other stakeholders to ensure there is transparency and accountability around the police use of force,The Home Office does not hold any data on the number of police use of force reports that involved individuals recorded as property owners, occupiers or complainants..