“What her policy is on the use of live facial recognition technology by police forces.”
Asked by
Sir John Whittingdale
Answering Minister
the Secretary of State for the Home Department
Answer from Hansard
The Minister for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention (Dame Diana Johnson)
I thank the right hon. Member for his interest in this subject and for the Westminster Hall debate that he secured last year. I want to support the police to use live facial recognition safely while balancing public safety and safeguarding individuals’ rights. The Home Office invested over £3 million in 2024-25 to develop a small national live facial recognition capability by purchasing and equipping 10 mobile LFR units for deployment later this year. I have been listening to stakeholders and will outline our plans in the coming months.