Prime Minister Keir Starmer is vowing further action to stamp out what he calls a 'free for all' on shoplifting, as the government seeks to shift focus from last week's controversy over Peter Mandelson's vetting. Starmer will highlight new figures showing a small reduction in shop theft, arguing that the tide may be turning against the crime wave. He will also outline additional measures, including increased neighbourhood police numbers and tougher punishments for shoplifters.
New data from the Office for National Statistics reveals a 1% annual decline in shoplifting offences, with 509,566 recorded in the year ending December 2025. Starmer is expected to use this as evidence that his government's approach is working, while promising further crackdowns.
Mandelson Vetting Row Intensifies
Later today, Speaker Lindsay Hoyle will decide on a Tory-led attempt to refer the Prime Minister to the Privileges Committee over allegations he misled Parliament regarding the vetting of former US ambassador Peter Mandelson. Labour's Dame Emily Thornberry accused the Conservatives of 'trying to score points in advance of the local elections' by pushing for the investigation.
Thornberry, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said on BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'It is plain as the nose on my face what's going on here. Investigations are happening at the moment. I don't really see why we are doing this now apart from people trying to score points before the local elections.' She warned that a Privileges Committee probe could 'cut across' existing scrutiny work.
Political Reactions
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds dismissed the Tory move as 'silly political games,' noting that the opposition had previously claimed Starmer deliberately misled Parliament, a charge she said was 'categorically proven false' last week. She accused Kemi Badenoch and the Tories of playing politics ahead of crucial elections in Scotland and Wales.
The developments come as the government aims to refocus on its law-and-order agenda, with Starmer set to emphasize that attacks on shop workers will be made a specific criminal offence. The Prime Minister's speech is part of a broader effort to demonstrate progress on retail crime and bolster public confidence ahead of upcoming local elections.
