Keir Starmer LIVE: Prime Minister pledges end to 'free for all' on shoplifting ahead of key Mandelson decision
Prime Minister Keir Starmer will pledge tougher action on shoplifting, citing a small reduction in shop theft offences, and plans to boost neighbourhood police numbers and ramp up punishments for shoplifters. The announcement comes ahead of a key decision on whether to refer Starmer to the Privileges Committee over the vetting of former US ambassador Peter Mandelson.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to pledge tougher action on shoplifting, highlighting a small reduction in shop theft offences. The government aims to reduce shoplifting further by boosting neighbourhood police numbers and ramping up punishments for shoplifters. New figures show a 1% annual decline in shoplifting offences to 509,566 in the year ending December 2025. The announcement comes as the government faces a Tory-led attempt to refer Starmer to the Privileges Committee over the vetting of Peter Mandelson. Labour's Dame Emily Thornberry accused the Tories of trying to 'score points' ahead of local elections. Speaker Lindsay Hoyle will set out his decision on the referral later.
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