Alex Ballinger

Alex Ballinger

Labour — Halesowen

Speaking in the House of Commons on 17 June 2026

Debate

High Street Shops: Illicit Activity

Contribution

We can see the scale of the problem across the country from how many people have come to the debate today from different nations, cities, towns, seaside resorts and rural areas. It is great to see such interest. I am pleased about the steps the Government have taken so far. I thank the Minister in particular for taking away what the taskforce has been doing, which is really important work. We all know that a lot of this is down to cuts to trading standards and big cuts to police in the past, so the steps we are taking to resource those are welcome. I encourage the Minister to work with this group of MPs, as I am sure she will, as we go through changes and we can have some real results. Question put and agreed to. Resolved, That this House has considered the matter of tackling illicit activity in high street shops.

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