Parliament launches inquiry into policing’s handling of summer violence

The Home Affairs Committee has launched an inquiry to consider the policing response to the disorder witnessed in England and Wales over the summer.

The inquiry is focusing on disorder that took place in several UK cities between 30 July and 7 August 2024, following the tragic murders of three young girls in Southport on 29 July.

The Government says more than 40,000 additional officer shifts were worked by public order officers over the course of 10 days, with 6,600 officers deployed on one day alone. As of 29 October 2024, 1,590 arrests had been made in response to the disorder.

Following the disorder, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper vowed to put “thousands” more police on the streets.

The Home Affairs Committee inquiry is currently accepting evidence from anyone with answers to its questions. People who wish to submit answers are advised to read the Call For Evidence as to understand the nature of the questions.

“Disorder like we witnessed in the summer poses a significant challenge to policing. We want to understand the situations they faced, as well as the resourcing, policy and safety considerations behind their response.

“Front line officers play a vital role in protecting communities in these situations, putting themselves in harm’s way and being required to make tough decisions to maintain order. It is vital that lessons are learnt to ensure they are in the best position to meet similar challenges in the future.”

Chair of the Home Affairs Committee, Dame Karen Bradley

Evidence can be submitted until 10 December 2024.

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