On 23 March 2020, Andrew Jones, the MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, put questions to Priti Patel around county lines.
Andrew Jones MP said:
What steps her Department is taking to dismantle the operations of county lines drugs gangs.
Priti Patel The Secretary of State for the Home Department, said:
We will not tolerate the abhorrent gangs that are terrorising our towns and exploiting our children, when it comes to county lines drugs gangs, and we have committed £25 million of targeted investment to boost law enforcement to roll up these drug lines.
Andrew Jones Conservative, Harrogate and Knaresborough, said:
It is very good to hear about the Government’s robust approach to tackling county lines.
The issue of dealing around schools, including even at school gates, has been raised with me by anxious teachers and parents over the past year.
Will my right hon. Friend ensure that when schools reopen, her focus will be on making sure that they do so safely for all those attending?
Priti Patel The Secretary of State for the Home Department, said:
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. This is about protecting children, including vulnerable children, but it is also about safeguarding. Everyone has a duty and a responsibility when it comes to safeguarding children.
When schools finally reopen, they will play a very important role in making sure that children are protected, that they get back into education and on a stable footing, and that they will not be susceptible and vulnerable to these types of criminal activities.
