144-458: Theresa May served as home secretary from 2010 until 2016. As a member of David Cameron 's first government May was appointed as home secretary on 12 May 2010, shortly after Cameron became prime minister , and continued in the post as part of the Cameron's second government following the 2015 general election . She held the post until she succeeded Cameron as prime minister on 13 July 2016. May
288-648: A Roman Catholic independent school in Begbroke , which closed in 1984. At the age of 13, May won a place at the former Holton Park Girls' Grammar School, a state school in Wheatley . During her time as a pupil, the Oxfordshire education system was reorganised, and the school became the new Wheatley Park Comprehensive School . May attended the University of Oxford , read geography at St Hugh's College , and graduated with
432-610: A really hostile environment for illegal migration". May rejected the European Union's proposal of compulsory refugee quotas . She said that it was important to help people living in war-zone regions and refugee camps but "not the ones who are strong and rich enough to come to Europe". In May 2016, The Daily Telegraph reported that she had tried to save £4m by rejecting an intelligence project to use aircraft surveillance to detect illegal immigrant boats. In June 2012, May announced that new restrictions would be introduced to reduce
576-560: A report of June 2012, has adopted the view that, despite the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, the retention of DNA in England and Wales remains an uncertain and illiberal regime. During the summer of 2011, Hugh Orde, then president of the ACPO, was seen wearing a dark blue police-style uniform with ACPO insignia, and was accused of wearing a fake uniform. Senior police officers claimed that the uniform
720-785: A "controlled archive", a term used to try to hide the fact from authorities and auditors that it was a list of lost applicants. Following allegations that staff were told to relax some identity checks, in November 2011 the UK Home Office suspended Brodie Clark , the Head of the UK Border Agency ; Carole Upshall, director of the Border Agency South and European Operation; Graham Kyle, director of operations at Heathrow Airport. The Home Office investigated allegations that Clark had agreed to "open up
864-684: A British partner, and owning a pet cat was simply one of many pieces of evidence given to show that the relationship was "genuine". The Home Office had failed to apply its own rules for dealing with unmarried partners of people settled in the UK. Amnesty International said May's comments only fuelled "myths and misconceptions" about the Human Rights Act and Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke subsequently called May's comments "laughable and childlike." In June 2013, May signed an order prohibiting Pamela Geller and Robert Spencer , two American bloggers who co-founded
1008-506: A Caribbean background trust the police. That is simply not sustainable ... I will soon publish proposals to strengthen the protections available to whistleblowers in the police. I am creating a new criminal offence of police corruption. And I am determined that the use of stop and search must come down, become more targeted and lead to more arrests. On 9 December 2010, in the wake of violent student demonstrations in central London against increases to higher-education tuition fees , May praised
1152-453: A UK Immigration Detention Centre. As she eventually allowed the prisoner to be freed, May avoided further sanctions including fines or imprisonment. May responded to a Supreme Court decision in November 2013 to overturn her predecessor Jacqui Smith 's revocation of Iraqi-born terror suspect Al Jedda's British citizenship by ordering it to be revoked for a second time, making him the first person to be stripped twice of British citizenship. May
1296-450: A bakery on Saturdays to earn pocket money and was a "tall, fashion-conscious young woman who from an early age spoke of her ambition to be the first woman prime minister," according to those who knew her. A university friend, Pat Frankland, said, "I cannot remember a time when she did not have political ambitions." Between 1977 and 1983, May worked at the Bank of England . From 1985 to 1997, she
1440-598: A chartered private jet. To strengthen the Home Office's tough stance, an "end of life" plan was reportedly offered to Muazu, who was one of a number of hunger strikers at the Harmondsworth Immigration Removal Centre . In July 2013, Abu Qatada , a radical cleric arrested in 2002, was deported to Jordan after a decade-long battle that had cost the nation £1.7 million in legal fees, and several prior Home Secretaries had not resolved. The deportation
1584-660: A confidence-and-supply arrangement with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). Following the 2017 election, May's premiership continued to be dominated by Brexit, in particular by her government's negotiations with the EU, adhering to the Chequers plan , which led to a draft Brexit withdrawal agreement . Other events that occurred during May's premiership were terrorist attacks in Westminster , Manchester Arena and London Bridge ,
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#17328557924371728-554: A confidential letter to May's colleagues, and that Michael Gove , the Education Secretary, apologise to the Home Office's head of Security and Counter-Terrorism , Charles Farr , for uncomplimentary briefings of him appearing on the front page of The Times . UK Border Agency had a chequered history. There were difficulties with the management of student visas under Tier 4 of the Points-Based System. The assessment of
1872-500: A fair trial, and to refrain from torturing him. May has frequently pointed to Qatada's deportation as a triumph, guaranteeing in September 2013 that "he will not be returning to the UK", and declaring in her 2016 leadership campaign announcement that she was told that she "couldn't deport Abu Qatada" but that she "flew to Jordan and negotiated the treaty that got him out of Britain for good". The Qatada deportation also shaped May's views on
2016-419: A few bad apples ”. The problem might lie with a minority of officers, but it is still a significant problem, and a problem that needs to be addressed...according to one survey carried out recently, only 42% of black people from a Caribbean background trust the police. That is simply not sustainable...I will soon publish proposals to strengthen the protections available to whistleblowers in the police. I am creating
2160-427: A leader who is doing an enormous amount to change a party which has suffered two landslide defeats". She admitted that constituency selection committees seemed to prefer candidates they would "be happy to have a drink with on a Sunday morning", continuing to say, "At the last general election 38 new Tory MPs were elected. Of that total, only one was a woman and none was from an ethnic minority. Is that fair? Is one half of
2304-404: A legal agreement to free an Algerian from a UK Immigration Detention Centre. As she eventually allowed the prisoner to be freed, May avoided further sanctions including fines or imprisonment. May responded to a Supreme Court decision in November 2013 to overturn her predecessor Jacqui Smith 's revocation of Iraqi-born terror suspect Al Jedda's British citizenship by ordering it to be revoked for
2448-600: A national policy rather than replicate the work in each of their forces. For example, after the 1980–81 riots in 27 British cities including in St. Pauls and Brixton ACPO began to prepare the Public Order Manual of Tactical Operations and Related Matters . Police forces began training in its tactics late in 1983. ACPO was not a staff association. It acted for the police service, not its members. The separate Chief Police Officers Staff Association acts for chief officers. ACPO
2592-527: A net flow of 298,000 migrants to the UK in the 12 months to September 2014—up from 210,000 in the previous year." In total, 624,000 people migrated to the UK in the year ending September 2014 and 327,000 left in the same period. Statistics showed "significant increases in migration among both non-EU citizens—up 49,000 to 292,000—and EU citizens, which rose by 43,000 to 251,000." In May 2012 she told The Daily Telegraph of her intention "to create here in Britain
2736-403: A net flow of 298,000 migrants to the UK in the 12 months to September 2014—up from 210,000 in the previous year." In total, 624,000 people migrated to the UK in the year ending September 2014 and 327,000 left in the same period. Statistics showed "significant increases in migration among both non-EU citizens – up 49,000 to 292,000 – and EU citizens, which rose by 43,000 to 251,000." May rejected
2880-556: A new National Crime Agency . In common with the Conservative Party 2010 general election manifesto's flagship proposal for a " Big Society " based on voluntary action, May also proposed increasing the role of civilian "reservists" for crime control. The reforms were rejected by the Opposition Labour Party . Following the actions of a minority of Black bloc in vandalising allegedly tax-avoiding shops and businesses on
3024-450: A new criminal offence of police corruption. And I am determined that the use of stop and search must come down, become more targeted and lead to more arrests. May also championed legislation popularly dubbed the Snooper's Charter , requiring internet and mobile service providers to keep records of internet usage, voice calls, messages and email for up to a year in case police requested access to
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#17328557924373168-410: A number of politicians have behaved disgracefully and then compounded their offences by trying to evade responsibility. We all know who they are. Let's face it, some of them have stood on this platform." She accused some unnamed colleagues of trying to "make political capital out of demonising minorities", and charged others with indulging themselves "in petty feuding or sniping instead of getting behind
3312-527: A package of reforms to policing in England and Wales in the House of Commons . The previous Labour Government's central crime agency, Soca (Serious Organised Crime Agency) , was to be replaced by a new National Crime Agency . In common with the Conservative Party 2010 general election manifesto's flagship proposal for a " Big Society " based on voluntary action, May also proposed increasing the role of civilian "reservists" for crime control. The reforms were rejected by
3456-462: A police collaboration agreement under Section 22A of the Police Act 1996 . UK policing sprang from local communities in the 1800s. Since the origins of policing, chief officers have regularly associated to discuss and share policing issues. Although ACPO as now recognised was formed in 1948, records of prior bodies go back to the early 1900s. The UK retains a decentralised model of policing based around
3600-466: A relative in the UK. An MP, who was concerned about this, addressed May in Parliament as to whether she had examined the impact on communities and families on modest incomes, but he received no direct response. Liberty concluded that the new rules showed scant regard to the impact they would have on genuine families. The All-party parliamentary group on Migration conducted an evidence based inquiry into
3744-535: A report into drug policy commissioned by the Home Office. The Home Office denied that its officials had considered this as part of their strategy. Baker cited difficulties in working with May as the reason for his resignation from the Home Office in the run-up to the 2015 general election. In 2010, May promised to bring the level of net migration down to less than 100,000. The Independent reported in February 2015, "The Office for National Statistics (ONS) announced
3888-478: A report into drug policy commissioned by the Home Office. The Home Office denied that its officials had considered this as part of their strategy. Baker cited difficulties in working with May as the reason for his resignation from the Home Office in the run-up to the 2015 General Election. In 2010, May promised to bring the level of net migration down to less than 100,000. In February 2015, The Independent reported, "The Office for National Statistics (ONS) announced
4032-473: A retired Deputy Assistant Commissioner then seeking to be the Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of London , said: "It's unusual for the president of ACPO to appear in all these interviews in uniform. He is sending a clear signal: how would I look in the commissioner's uniform?" In 2013, an independent review of ACPO by General Sir Nick Parker was published. It recommended that ACPO be replaced by
4176-440: A second class BA degree in 1977. She was taught political geography at St Hugh's by John Patten, Baron Patten , a future Conservative Secretary of State for Education under John Major . At St Hugh's, May's contemporaries included the barrister Alicia Collinson, wife of May's future deputy Damian Green ; businesswoman Louise Patten ; and Emma Hood, wife of former Oxford University Vice-Chancellor John Hood . May worked at
4320-424: A second time, making him the first person to be stripped twice of British citizenship. May was accused by Lord Roberts of Llandudno of being willing to allow someone to die "to score a political point" over the deportation of mentally ill Nigerian man Isa Muazu. According to Muazu's solicitor, May had arranged for the asylum seeker, who was said to be "near death" after a 100-day hunger strike, to be deported by
4464-477: A snap general election , with the aim of strengthening her hand in Brexit negotiations and highlighting her " strong and stable " leadership. This resulted in a hung parliament with the number of Conservative seats reduced to 317 from 330, despite the highest vote share since 1983 and the largest increase in electoral support enjoyed by a governing party since 1832. The loss of an overall majority prompted her to enter
Theresa May as Home Secretary - Misplaced Pages Continue
4608-540: A speech to the Police Federation , in which she criticised aspects of the culture of the police force. In the speech, she said: When you remember the list of recent revelations about police misconduct, it is not enough to mouth platitudes about "a few bad apples ". The problem might lie with a minority of officers, but it is still a significant problem and a problem that needs to be addressed ... according to one survey carried out recently, only 42% of black people from
4752-663: A statement to the House on the matter. On 5 September, May told the BBC that there were "no grounds for a public enquiry". The Metropolitan Police said it might consider re-examining evidence on the allegations. On 6 September 2010, May faced parliamentary questions over the allegations following an intervention by the Speaker of the House of Commons , John Bercow . At the Conservative Party Conference on 4 October 2011, while arguing that
4896-675: A year in case police requested access to the records while investigating a crime. The Liberal Democrats had blocked the first attempt , but after the Conservative Party obtained a majority in the 2015 general election May announced a new Draft Investigatory Powers Bill similar to the Draft Communications Data Bill, although with more limited powers and additional oversight. Speaking at the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) conference in June 2010, May announced radical cuts to
5040-461: Is a British politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party from 2016 to 2019. She previously served as Home Secretary from 2010 to 2016. She was Member of Parliament (MP) for Maidenhead from 1997 to 2024, and has been a member of the House of Lords since August 2024. May is the second female Prime Minister, after Margaret Thatcher , and
5184-630: Is funded by contributions from each of the police forces. The Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU) was set up in 2010 by ACPO (and run by the Metropolitan Police ) to remove unlawful terrorist material content from the Internet with a focus on UK based material. The December 2013 report of the Prime Minister's Extremism task force , said that it would "work with internet companies to restrict access to terrorist material online which
5328-621: Is hosted overseas but illegal under UK law" and "work with the internet industry to help them in their continuing efforts to identify extremist content to include in family-friendly filters " which would likely involve lobbying ISPs to add the CTIRU list to their filters without the need for additional legislation. The National Wildlife Crime Unit is a national police unit that gathers intelligence on wildlife crime and provides analytical and investigative support to law enforcement agencies. ACPO had been criticised as being unaccountable to Parliament or
5472-400: The 1992 general election May was the Conservative Party candidate for the safe Labour seat of North West Durham , placing second to incumbent MP Hilary Armstrong , with future Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron placing third. May then stood at the 1994 Barking by-election , which was prompted by the death of Labour MP Jo Richardson . The seat had been continuously held by Labour since it
5616-468: The 2019 European Parliament election , she left office in July and was succeeded by Boris Johnson , her former foreign secretary . May remained in the House of Commons as a backbencher until she stood down at the 2024 general election . She was elevated to the House of Lords later that year as Baroness May of Maidenhead. In historical rankings of prime ministers , academics and journalists have ranked May in
5760-599: The College of Policing and the National Crime Agency . Although she supported the remain campaign , May supported Brexit following the victory of the leave campaign at the 2016 referendum . Also after the referendum, she was elected Prime Minister unopposed, succeeding David Cameron . As Prime Minister, May began the process of withdrawing the UK from the EU, triggering Article 50 in March 2017. In April, she announced
5904-673: The English Defence League (EDL) from holding a march in Bradford , West Yorkshire, on 28 August. The EDL protested against the ban, claiming they planned a "peaceful demonstration". Around 2 pm on the day of the ban, violent disturbances in Bradford between EDL members and their opponents were reported, calling for intervention by riot police. On 9 December 2010, in the wake of violent student demonstrations in central London against increases to higher-education tuition fees , May praised
Theresa May as Home Secretary - Misplaced Pages Continue
6048-522: The European Convention on Human Rights and European Court of Human Rights , saying that they had "moved the goalposts" and had a "crazy interpretation of our human rights laws", as a result, May has since campaigned against the institutions, saying that British withdrawal from them should be considered. By mid 2014, American company 3M which makes the RFID microchips in new passports, and their client,
6192-798: The Grenfell Tower fire and Windrush scandal . Her government announced the NHS Long Term Plan and was responsible for negotiating and approving the near-entirety of the UK's terms of exit from the EU. May was also a prominent figure in leading the international condemnation and response to Russia over the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal in March 2018. May survived two votes of no confidence in December 2018 and in January 2019 , but after versions of her draft withdrawal agreement were rejected by Parliament three times and her party's poor performance in
6336-546: The House of Commons as home secretary in a statement on this incident, later visiting the victims with the Prime Minister. Also in June 2010, May banned the Indian Muslim preacher Zakir Naik from entering the United Kingdom. Home Office officials who disagreed with this decision were suspended from work. In late June 2010, May announced plans for a temporary cap on UK visas for non-EU migrants. The move raised concerns about
6480-449: The House of Commons , she was elected MP for Maidenhead at the 1997 general election . From 1999 to 2010, May held several roles in shadow cabinets and was Chair of the Conservative Party from 2002 to 2003. Following the formation of the coalition government after the 2010 general election , May was appointed Home Secretary and Minister for Women and Equalities , giving up the latter role in 2012. Re-appointed Home Secretary after
6624-603: The Independent Chief Inspector , carried out between July and August 2010, found that there was an inconsistent response towards applications, with some cases given extra time to prepare and others dismissed for minor reasons. In November 2011, the Home Affairs Select Committee issued a report that found that 124,000 deportation cases had been shelved by the UKBA. The report said the cases had been dumped in
6768-546: The Independent Police Complaints Commission ruling that there was no new evidence to warrant further investigation, after discussions with Doreen Lawrence , May commissioned Mark Ellison to review Scotland Yard's investigations into alleged police corruption. The report was presented to Parliament by May on 6 March 2014. Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe , Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police said
6912-622: The Police National Information and Co-ordination Centre (PNICC), which it set up in 2003. This included ensuring policing resilience during major events such as emergency response to serious flooding or the investigation of a terrorist attack. PNICC sat alongside the government in COBR ( Cabinet Office Briefing Room ) to advise on national issues. PNICC also handled support to overseas crises involving UK nationals. It employed three full-time staff, with other staff seconded to it as needed and
7056-705: The UK Supreme Court in May 2011. They were found to be incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights , following the ruling by the European Court of Human Rights in S and Marper v United Kingdom . On 1 May 2012, the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 completed its passage through Parliament and received Royal Assent . Up until it ceased to exist in 2015, ACPO did not reissue revised guidelines to replace its unlawful DNA exceptional procedure. Big Brother Watch , in
7200-663: The Windrush scandal was highlighted in a 2019 parliamentary report. MPs sitting on the Public Accounts Committee accused the Home Office of "complacency" and a "lack of concern" over its handling of the cases of wrongly deported British citizens. The Public Accounts Committee report found that the Home Office had not acted on a report produced by the Legal Action Group in 2014, warning of the negative effects of hostile environment policies on Jamaican migrants who arrived in
7344-525: The formation of the coalition government after the 2010 general election on 12 May 2010, May was appointed Home Secretary and Minister for Women and Equalities by Prime Minister David Cameron as part of his first Cabinet. She became the fourth woman to hold one of the British Great Offices of State , after Margaret Thatcher ( Prime Minister ), Margaret Beckett ( Foreign Secretary ) and Jacqui Smith (Home Secretary). As Home Secretary, May
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#17328557924377488-543: The phone-tapping scandal ; tabloid paper journalists had been jailed in 2009 for intercepting the mobile phone messages of major public figures. The case involved a journalist employed by former News of the World editor Andy Coulson , who had later become director of communications for Prime Minister David Cameron . (Coulson was absolved of any role in the bugging incidents during a House of Commons enquiry in 2009.) Labour Party leadership candidate Ed Balls called on May to make
7632-565: The widespread rioting in Summer 2011 and said: "the way we police in Britain is not through use of water cannon. The way we police in Britain is through consent of communities." May said: "I condemn utterly the violence in Tottenham.... Such disregard for public safety and property will not be tolerated, and the Metropolitan Police have my full support in restoring order." She returned to the UK from holiday to meet senior police officials on 8 August. In
7776-400: The widespread rioting in summer 2011 and said: "the way we police in Britain is not through use of water cannon. The way we police in Britain is through consent of communities." May said: "I condemn utterly the violence in Tottenham... Such disregard for public safety and property will not be tolerated, and the Metropolitan Police have my full support in restoring order." In the aftermath of
7920-617: The ASBO's role as the flagship crime control policy legislation under Labour. Former Labour Home Secretaries David Blunkett (who introduced ASBOs) and Alan Johnson expressed their disapproval of the proposals. In July 2013, May decided to ban the stimulant khat , against the advice of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD). The council reached the conclusion that there was "insufficient evidence" it caused health problems. Explaining
8064-505: The Act, a large proportion of ACPO's work is public already or available under FOI through any police force". In January 2011 its website still said it: "is unable to do is to respond to requests for information under the Act. The organisation is too small and there are too few members of staff to be able to conduct the necessary research and to compile the responses". From November 2011, however, FOI requests could be made to ACPO. The organisation
8208-469: The Conservatives won the 2015 general election , she became the longest-serving Home Secretary in more than 60 years. During her tenure as Home Secretary , she pursued reform of the Police Federation , implemented a harder line on drugs policy and further restricted immigration . She oversaw the introduction of elected Police and Crime Commissioners , the deportation of Abu Qatada and the creation of
8352-425: The European Union's proposal of compulsory refugee quotas . She said that it was important to help people living in war-zone regions and refugee camps but "not the ones who are strong and rich enough to come to Europe". In May 2016, The Daily Telegraph reported that she had tried to save £4m by rejecting an intelligence project to use aircraft surveillance to detect illegal immigrant boats. The Home Office's role in
8496-403: The Home Office budget, likely to lead to a reduction in police numbers. In July 2010, May presented the House of Commons with proposals for a fundamental review of the previous Labour government's security and counter-terrorism legislation, including "stop and search" powers, and her intention to review the 28-day limit on detaining terrorist suspects without charge. In July 2010, May announced
8640-531: The House of Commons in December 2005 and as Shadow Minister for Women and Equality in July 2007. In January 2009, May was made Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions . On 6 May 2010, May was re-elected MP for Maidenhead with an increased majority of 16,769 – 60% of the vote. This followed an earlier failed attempt by the Liberal Democrats to unseat her in 2005, as one of that party's leading "decapitation-strategy" targets. Following
8784-537: The House of Commons with proposals for a fundamental review of the previous Labour government's security and counter-terrorism legislation, including "stop and search" powers, and her intention to review the 28-day limit on detaining terrorist suspects without charge. In mid-July 2010, the second major gun incident during May's term took place in the north of England: a week-long police operation failed to capture and arrest Raoul Moat , an ex-convict who shot three people, killing one. The suspect later shot himself dead. During
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#17328557924378928-515: The Human Rights Act needed to be amended, May gave the example of a foreign national who the Courts ruled was allowed to remain in the UK, "because—and I am not making this up—he had a pet cat". In response, the Royal Courts of Justice issued a statement, denying that this was the reason for the tribunal's decision in that case, and stating that the real reason was that he was in a genuine relationship with
9072-543: The Opposition Labour Party . Following the actions of some members of Black Bloc in vandalising allegedly tax-avoiding shops and businesses on the day of the March 2011 TUC march, the Home Secretary unveiled reforms curbing the right to protest, including giving police extra powers to remove masked individuals and to police social networking sites to prevent illegal protest without police consent or notification. In 2012, despite inquiries by both Scotland Yard and
9216-474: The PM in Parliament as to whether she had examined the impact on communities and families on modest incomes, but it received no direct response. The human rights group Liberty concluded that the new rules showed scant regard to the impact they would have on genuine families. The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Migration conducted an evidence based inquiry into the impact of the rules and concluded in their report that
9360-457: The Passport Office, revealed allegations of a large backlog in developing processing passport applications appeared. David Cameron suggested that this had come about due to the Passport Office's receiving an "above normal" 300,000-rise in applications. It was revealed, however, that May had been warned the year before, in July 2013, that a surge of 350,000 extra applications could occur owing to
9504-478: The Prime Minister. Also in June 2010, May banned the Indian Muslim preacher Zakir Naik from entering the United Kingdom. According to The Daily Telegraph , a Home Office official who disagreed with this decision was suspended. In late June 2010, May announced plans for a temporary cap on UK visas for non-EU migrants. The move raised concerns about the impact on the British economy. In August 2013, May supported
9648-442: The Royal Courts of Justice issued a statement, denying that this was the reason for the tribunal's decision in that case, and stating that the real reason was that he was in a genuine relationship with a British partner, and owning a pet cat was simply one of many pieces of evidence given to show that the relationship was "genuine". The Home Office had failed to apply its own rules for dealing with unmarried partners of people settled in
9792-669: The Shadow Cabinet when in 1999 she was appointed Shadow Education and Employment Secretary. After the 2001 election the new Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith kept her in the Shadow Cabinet, moving her to the Transport portfolio. May was appointed the first female Chairman of the Conservative Party in July 2002. During her speech at the 2002 Conservative Party Conference, she explained why, in her view, her party must change: "You know what people call us? The Nasty Party. In recent years
9936-719: The UK before 1973. It had also not taken action in response to a 2016 diplomatic telegram sent by the Foreign Office to the Home Office that informed of warnings from Caribbean Commonwealth Ministers about Windrush migrants. On 11 June 2012, May, as home secretary, announced to Parliament that new restrictions would be introduced, intended to reduce the number of non- European Economic Area family migrants. The changes were mostly intended to apply to new applicants after 9 July 2012. The new rules came into effect from 9 July 2012 allowing only those British citizens earning more than £18,600 to bring their spouse or their child to live with them in
10080-435: The UK, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands were also members. As of March 2010 , there were 349 members of ACPO. The membership elected a full-time President, who held the office of Chief Constable under the Police Reform Act 2002. ACPO was responsible for several ancillary bodies, which it either funded or which received Home Office funding but which reported to ACPO: The ACPO Criminal Records Office (ACRO)
10224-415: The UK. Amnesty International said May's comments only fuelled "myths and misconceptions" about the Human Rights Act and Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke subsequently called May's comments "laughable and childlike." In June 2012, May was found in contempt of court by Judge Barry Cotter, and stood accused of "totally unacceptable and regrettable behaviour", being said to have shown complete disregard for
10368-428: The UK. This figure would rise significantly in cases where visa applications are also made for children. They also increased the current two-year probationary period for partners to five years. The rules also prevent any adult and elderly dependents from settling in the UK unless they can demonstrate that, as a result of age, illness or disability, they require a level of long-term personal care that can only be provided by
10512-586: The United States, and Canada, are being processed manually by email, during the forced shut down, until the systems are fixed. The Association of Chief Police Officers Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (AVCIS), later the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NAVCIS), was managed by ACPO, and was responsible for combating organised vehicle crime and the use of vehicles in crime. The National Community Tension Team (NCTT)
10656-519: The United States. The organisation continues under the style "ACRO Criminal Records Office" under the control of Hampshire Constabulary . Between 17 January 2023 and 21 March 2023, a two-month cybersecurity incident affected the ACPO Criminal Records Office (ACRO) website. On 21 March 2023, ACRO announced that applications were no longer available online. Applications for police certificates, crucial for some visas to New Zealand,
10800-408: The abolition of the " Anti-social behaviour order " (ASBO). She identified the policy's high level of failure with almost half of ASBOs breached between 2000 and 2008, leading to "fast-track" criminal convictions. May proposed a less punitive, community-based approach to tackling social disorder. May suggested that anti-social behaviour policy "must be turned on its head", reversing the ASBO's role as
10944-408: The actions of the police in controlling the demonstrations but was described by The Daily Telegraph as "under growing political pressure" due to her handling of the protests. In December 2010, May declared that deployment of water cannon by police forces in mainland Britain was an operational decision which had been "resisted until now by senior police officers." She rejected their use following
11088-405: The actions of the police in controlling the demonstrations but was described by The Daily Telegraph as "under growing political pressure" due to her handling of the protests. In December 2010, May declared that deployment of water cannon by police forces in mainland Britain was an operational decision which had been "resisted until now by senior police officers." She rejected their use following
11232-772: The activities and accusations of PC Mark Kennedy of the National Public Order Intelligence Unit within the National Extremism Tactical Co-ordination Unit, and the collapse of the subsequent trial of six activists, a number of initiatives and changes were announced: ACPO has supervised the creation of one of the world's largest per-capita DNA databases, containing the DNA profiles of more than one million unconvicted people. ACPO's guidelines that these profiles should only be deleted in "exceptional circumstances" were found to be unlawful by
11376-408: The adjournment of the deportation to the United States of alleged computer hacker Gary McKinnon . She also suspended the registration scheme for carers of children and vulnerable people, with May saying that the measures were "draconian. You were assumed to be guilty until you were proven innocent, and told you were able to work with children." On 4 August 2010, it was reported that May was scrapping
11520-489: The aftermath of the riots May urged the identification of as many as possible of the young criminals involved. She said: "when I was in Manchester last week, the issue was raised to me about the anonymity of juveniles who are found guilty of crimes of this sort. The Crown Prosecution Service is to order prosecutors to apply for anonymity to be lifted in any youth case they think is in the public interest. The law currently protects
11664-473: The anti-Muslim group Stop Islamization of America , from entering the United Kingdom on the basis that their presence would not be "conducive to the public good". The pair had been invited to attend an English Defence League march at Woolwich , where Drummer Lee Rigby had been killed earlier that year. The pressure group Hope not Hate led a campaign to exclude the pair, whom the Home Office described as "inflammatory speakers who promote hate". May supported
11808-605: The borders" at certain times in ways ministers would "not have agreed with". The BBC reported that staff may have been told not to scan biometric passports at certain times. A biometric passport contains a digital image of the holder's face, which can be used to compare with the printed version and check the passport has not been forged. It is also believed that "warning index checks" at Heathrow and Calais were also suspended, which would have applied strict security checks against official watchlists of terrorists, criminals, and deported illegal immigrants. Clarke stated that May had agreed
11952-452: The bottom fourth quartile. Theresa May was born on 1 October 1956 in Eastbourne , Sussex. She is the only child of Zaidee Mary (née Barnes; 1928–1982) and Hubert Brasier (1917–1981). Her father was a Church of England clergyman (and an Anglo-Catholic ) who was chaplain of an Eastbourne hospital. He later became vicar of Enstone with Heythrop and finally of St Mary's at Wheatley, to
12096-557: The change in the classification May said: "The decision to bring khat under control is finely balanced and takes into account the expert scientific advice and these broader concerns", and pointed out that the product had already been banned in the majority of other EU member states, as well as most of the G8 countries including Canada and the US. A report on khat use by the ACMD published in January 2013 had noted
12240-419: The change in the classification May said: "The decision to bring khat under control is finely balanced and takes into account the expert scientific advice and these broader concerns", and pointed out that the product had already been banned in the majority of other EU member states, as well as most of the G8 countries including Canada and the US. A report on khat use by the ACMD published in January 2013 had noted
12384-519: The closure of processing overseas under Chancellor Osborne's programme of cuts. Around £674,000 was paid to staff who helped clear the backlog. In June 2014, an inflamed public argument arose between Home Office and Education Ministers about responsibility for alleged extremism in Birmingham schools . Prime Minister David Cameron 's intervened to resolve the row, insisting that May sack her Special Advisor Fiona Cunningham for releasing on May's website
12528-413: The current two-year probationary period for partners to 5 years. The rules also prevent any adult and elderly dependents from settling in the UK unless they can demonstrate that, as a result of age, illness or disability , they require a level of long-term personal care that can only be provided by a relative in the UK. The House of Lords was concerned about the immigration issue and therefore addressed
12672-430: The day of 26 March TUC march, May unveiled reforms curbing the right to protest, including giving police extra powers to remove masked individuals and to police social networking sites to prevent illegal protest without police consent or notification. In July 2013, May welcomed the fact that crime had fallen by more than ten percent under the coalition government, while still being able to make savings. She said that this
12816-600: The detention legal. A 2016 ruling by the Court of Appeal found that the provision of the Terrorism Act used for Miranda's detention was "incompatible with the European convention on human rights ", but that the detention itself was lawful. May also championed legislation popularly dubbed the Snooper's Charter , requiring internet and mobile service providers to keep records of internet usage, voice calls, messages and email for up to
12960-402: The detention legal. A 2016 ruling by the Court of Appeal found that the provision of the Terrorism Act used for Miranda's detention was "incompatible with the European convention on human rights ", but that the detention itself was lawful. On 29 August 2014, the British government raised the terrorist threat level to "severe", as Prime Minister David Cameron and May warned a terrorist attack
13104-585: The detention of David Miranda , partner of Guardian journalist Glenn Greenwald under the Terrorism Act 2000 , saying that critics of the Metropolitan Police action needed to "think about what they are condoning". Lib Dem peer and former Director of Public Prosecutions Ken Macdonald accused May of an "ugly and unhelpful" attempt to implicate those who were concerned about the police action of "condoning terrorism". The High Court subsequently acknowledged there were "indirect implications for press freedom" but ruled
13248-533: The detention of David Miranda , partner of Guardian journalist Glenn Greenwald , under the Terrorism Act 2000 , saying that critics of the Metropolitan Police action needed to "think about what they are condoning". Lib Dem peer and former Director of Public Prosecutions Ken Macdonald accused May of an "ugly and unhelpful" attempt to implicate those who were concerned about the police action of "condoning terrorism". The High Court subsequently acknowledged there were "indirect implications for press freedom" but ruled
13392-490: The east of Oxford. May's mother was a supporter of the Conservative Party. Her father died in 1981, from injuries sustained in a car accident, and her mother of multiple sclerosis the following year. May later stated she was "sorry they [her parents] never saw me elected as a Member of Parliament". May initially attended Heythrop Primary School, a state school in Heythrop, followed by St. Juliana's Convent School for Girls,
13536-529: The first woman to have held two of the Great Offices of State . Ideologically, May is a one-nation conservative . May grew up in Oxfordshire and attended St Hugh's College, Oxford . After graduating in 1977, she worked at the Bank of England and the Association for Payment Clearing Services . She also served as a councillor on Merton London Borough Council . After two unsuccessful attempts to be elected to
13680-442: The flagship crime control policy legislation under Labour. Former Labour Home Secretaries David Blunkett (who introduced ASBOs) and Alan Johnson expressed their disapproval of the proposals. In July 2013, May decided to ban the stimulant khat , against the advice of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD). The council reached the conclusion that there was "insufficient evidence" it caused health problems. Explaining
13824-459: The former Labour government's proposed "go orders" scheme to protect women from domestic violence by banning abusers from the victim's home. In June 2010, May faced her first major national security incident as Home Secretary with the Cumbria shootings . She delivered her first major speech in the House of Commons as Home Secretary in a statement on this incident, later visiting the victims with
13968-546: The fourth woman to hold one of the British Great Offices of State , after (in order of seniority) Margaret Thatcher ( prime minister ), Margaret Beckett ( foreign secretary ) and Jacqui Smith (home secretary). As home secretary, May was also a member of the National Security Council . She is the longest-serving home secretary for over 60 years, since James Chuter Ede who served over six years and two months from 1945 until 1951. May's appointment as home secretary
14112-432: The identity of any suspect under the age of 18, even if they are convicted, but it also allows for an application to have such restrictions lifted, if deemed appropriate." May added that "what I've asked for is that CPS guidance should go to prosecutors to say that where possible, they should be asking for the anonymity of juveniles who are found guilty of criminal activity to be lifted". In July 2010, May proposed to review
14256-423: The identity of any suspect under the age of 18, even if they are convicted, but it also allows for an application to have such restrictions lifted, if deemed appropriate." May added that "what I've asked for is that CPS guidance should go to prosecutors to say that where possible, they should be asking for the anonymity of juveniles who are found guilty of criminal activity to be lifted." May launched an inquiry into
14400-422: The impact of the rules and concluded in their report that the rules were causing very young children to be separated from their parents and could exile British citizens from the UK. In June 2012, May was found in contempt of court by Judge Barry Cotter, and stood accused of "totally unacceptable and regrettable behaviour", being said to have shown complete disregard for a legal agreement to free an Algerian from
14544-484: The impact on the UK economy. Speaking at the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) conference on 29 June 2010, May announced radical cuts to the Home Office budget, likely to lead to a reduction in police numbers. In July 2010, it was reported that May had corresponded with Kate and Gerry McCann, the parents of the missing child Madeleine McCann . In August 2010, May attended a private meeting with Mr and Mrs McCann to discuss their case. In July 2010, May presented
14688-475: The incident, Moat was shot with a long-range taser . It later transpired that the firm supplying the taser, Pro-Tect, was in breach of its licence by supplying the police directly with the weapon. Its licence was revoked by the Home Office after the Moat shooting. On 1 October 2010 the BBC reported that the director of the company, Peter Boatman, had apparently killed himself over the incident. In August 2010, May banned
14832-423: The introduction of elected police and crime commissioners , police investigations including Operation Yewtree , the deportation of Abu Qatada and the creation of the College of Policing and the National Crime Agency . [REDACTED] On 12 May 2010, when Theresa May was appointed home secretary and minister for women and equality by Prime Minister David Cameron as part of his first Cabinet, she became
14976-451: The number of non- European Economic Area family migrants. The changes were mostly intended to apply to new applicants after 9 July 2012. The newly introduced rules came into effect on 9 July 2012 allowing only those British citizens earning more than £18,600 to bring their spouses or their children to live with them in the UK. This figure would rise significantly in cases where visa applications are also made for children. They also increased
15120-417: The plan and directed it, and that she was blaming a civil servant, rather than resigning as home secretary. After Clark refused the offer to take early retirement, he was suspended and the investigation began. A two-week inquiry led by former Metropolitan Police detective Dave Wood, head of the agency's enforcement and crime group at the time, sought to discover to what extent checks were scaled down, and what
15264-451: The police service. ACPO failed to convince its sponsors to contribute to its survival and in May 2011 the BBC reported that ACPO would run out of money in February 2012 without extra funding. ACPO was half-funded by the Home Office and half by 44 police authorities . A third of police authorities refused to pay in 2010 and another third were undecided. The Association of Police Authorities said
15408-665: The population entitled to only one place out of 38?" In 2003, after Michael Howard 's election as Conservative Party and Opposition Leader in November that year, May was appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Transport and the Environment . In June 2004, she was moved to become Shadow Secretary of State for the Family . Following the 2005 general election she was also made Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport . After David Cameron 's election as Conservative Party and Opposition Leader, he appointed May as Shadow Leader of
15552-466: The previous Labour Government's anti-social behaviour legislation signalling the abolition of the " Anti-Social Behaviour Order " (ASBO). She identified the policy's high level of failure with almost half of ASBOs breached between 2000 and 2008, leading to "fast-track" criminal convictions. May proposed a less punitive, community-based approach to tackling social disorder. May suggested that anti-social behaviour policy "must be turned on its head", reversing
15696-538: The previous Labour government's measures on data collection and surveillance in England and Wales. By way of a government bill which became the Identity Documents Act 2010 , she brought about the abolition of the Labour government's National Identity Card and database scheme and reformed the regulations on the retention of DNA samples for suspects and controls on the use of CCTV cameras. In May 2010, May announced
15840-410: The product had been associated with "acute psychotic episodes", "chronic liver disease" and family breakdown. However, it concluded that there is no risk of harm for most users, and recommended that khat remain uncontrolled due to lack of evidence for these associations. Liberal Democrat minister Norman Baker accused May of suppressing proposals to treat rather than prosecute minor drug offenders from
15984-409: The product had been associated with "acute psychotic episodes", "chronic liver disease" and family breakdown. However, it concluded that there is no risk of harm for most users, and recommended that khat remain uncontrolled due to lack of evidence for these associations. Liberal Democrat minister Norman Baker accused May of suppressing proposals to treat rather than prosecute minor drug offenders from
16128-551: The public by virtue of its limited company status. In October 2009, Sir Hugh Orde stated that ACPO would be "more than happy" to be subject to the Freedom of Information Act . On 30 March 2010, the Ministry of Justice announced that ACPO would be included under the FOI Act from October 2011. In its response, the organisation stated that "Although organisations cannot voluntarily comply with
16272-463: The records whilst investigating a crime. The Liberal Democrats had blocked the first attempt , but after the Conservative Party obtained a majority in the 2015 general election May announced a new Draft Investigatory Powers Bill similar to the Draft Communications Data Bill, although with more limited powers and additional oversight. On 28 July 2010, May proposed to review the previous Labour Government's anti-social behaviour legislation signalling
16416-506: The regulations on the retention of DNA samples for suspects and controls on the use of CCTV cameras. On 20 May 2010, May announced the adjournment of the deportation to the United States of alleged computer hacker Gary McKinnon . She also suspended the registration scheme for carers of children and vulnerable people. On 4 August 2010 it was reported that May was scrapping the former Labour Government's proposed "go orders" scheme to protect women from domestic violence by banning abusers from
16560-408: The report, which has prompted an inquiry into undercover policing, was "devastating". In July 2013, May welcomed the fact that crime had fallen by more than 10% under the coalition government, while still being able to make savings. She said that this was partly due to the government removing red tape and scrapping targets to allow the police to concentrate on crime-fighting. In 2014, May delivered
16704-419: The riots May urged the identification of as many as possible of the young criminals involved. She said: "when I was in Manchester last week, the issue was raised to me about the anonymity of juveniles who are found guilty of crimes of this sort. The Crown Prosecution Service is to order prosecutors to apply for anonymity to be lifted in any youth case they think is in the public interest. The law currently protects
16848-460: The rules were causing very young children to be separated from their parents and could exile British citizens from the UK. At the Conservative Party Conference in October 2011, while arguing that the Human Rights Act needed to be amended, May gave the example of a foreign national who the Courts ruled was allowed to remain in the UK, "because—and I am not making this up—he had a pet cat". In response,
16992-473: The security implications might have been. A second investigation, led by former MI6 official Mike Anderson, the Director General of the Home Office's strategy, immigration and international group, sought to investigate wider issues relating to the performance of UKBA regarding racism. The issues relating to lost documents and case files was still going on at the same time, along with a backlog of cases. It
17136-532: The settlement which emerged from the Royal Commission on the work of the Police in 1962. ACPO continued to provide a forum for chief officers across 44 local police forces and 13 national areas across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and provided local forces with agreed national policies and guidelines. Originally more of a gentleman's club, it soon evolved into an effective body for representing senior ranks in
17280-400: The status of ACPO, including charitable status, but all were discounted. Chief constables and commissioners are responsible for the direction and control of policing in their force areas. Although a national body and recognized by the government for consultation, ACPO had no powers of its own, nor any mandate to instruct chief officers. However, the organisation allowed chief officers to form
17424-405: The total of second-placed Andrew Terence Ketteringham of the Liberal Democrats, who took 13,363 votes (26.3%). Despite this, her party suffered their worst defeat in over 150 years. Having entered Parliament , May became a member of William Hague 's front-bench Opposition team, as Shadow Spokesman for Schools, Disabled People and Women (1998–1999). She became the first of the 1997 MPs to enter
17568-550: The treaty that got him out of Britain for good". The Qatada deportation also shaped May's views on the European Convention on Human Rights and European Court of Human Rights , saying that they had "moved the goalposts" and had a "crazy interpretation of our human rights laws", as a result, May has since campaigned against the institutions, saying that British withdrawal from them should be considered. Association of Chief Police Officers The Association of Chief Police Officers of England, Wales and Northern Ireland ( ACPO )
17712-460: The victim's home. This was followed on 6 August 2010 by the closure of the previous government's " ContactPoint " database of 11 million under-18-year-olds designed to protect children in the wake of the Victoria Climbié child abuse scandal. On 2 June 2010, May faced her first major national security incident as home secretary with the Cumbria shootings . She delivered her first major speech in
17856-515: The withdrawal of funding by police authorities was "partly due to a squeeze on their income". ACPO was due to wind up formally in April 2015. Over time, demands for coordination across the police service increased as society changed, for example to take account of new developments in international terrorism and organised crime, or roles such as monitoring offenders on release from prison or working with young people to divert them from crime. In 1997, ACPO
18000-583: Was Sir Hugh Orde , who was previously the chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland . ACPO was funded by Home Office grants, profits from commercial activities and contributions from the 44 police authorities in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Following the Parker Review into ACPO, it was replaced in 2015 by a new body, the National Police Chiefs' Council , set up under
18144-507: Was "highly likely" following the coming to prominence of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant . May said that there was no intelligence warning of an imminent attack. On 26 July 2010, May announced a package of reforms to policing in England and Wales in the House of Commons . The previous Labour Government's central crime agency, Soca (Serious Organised Crime Agency) was to be replaced by
18288-808: Was "very concerned" about the decision not to prosecute the Labour politician Lord Janner over allegations of historical child sex abuse. Alison Saunders , the Director of Public Prosecutions , said that although there was enough evidence to bring charges against Janner, he was unfit to stand trial. In March 2014, May signed a secret security pact with Saudi Arabia 's Crown Prince Muhammad bin Nayef . Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron told The Independent : "Deals with nations like Saudi Arabia should not be done in secret." Theresa May [REDACTED] Theresa Mary May, Baroness May of Maidenhead , ( / t ə ˈ r iː z ə / ; née Brasier ; born 1 October 1956),
18432-788: Was a not-for-profit private limited company that for many years led the development of policing practices in England , Wales , and Northern Ireland . Established in 1948, ACPO provided a forum for chief police officers to share ideas and coordinate their strategic operational responses, and advised government in matters such as terrorist attacks and civil emergencies. ACPO coordinated national police operations, major investigations, cross-border policing, and joint law enforcement. ACPO designated Senior Investigative Officers for major investigations and appointed officers to head ACPO units specialising in various areas of policing and crime reduction. The last ACPO president, from April 2009 until its dissolution,
18576-654: Was a financial consultant at the Association for Payment Clearing Services (APACS). She served as Head of the European Affairs Unit from 1989 to 1996 and Senior Adviser on International Affairs from 1996 to 1997 in the organisation. May served as a councillor for Durnsford ward on the Borough Council of the London Borough of Merton from 1986 to 1994, where she was Chairman of Education (1988–1990) and Deputy Group Leader and Housing Spokesman (1992–1994). In
18720-405: Was accused by Lord Roberts of being willing to allow someone to die "to score a political point" over the deportation of mentally ill Nigerian man Isa Muazu. According to Muazu's solicitor, May had arranged for the asylum seeker, who was said to be "near death" after a 100-day hunger strike, to be deported by a chartered private jet. To strengthen the Home Office's tough stance an "end of life' plan
18864-419: Was also a member of the National Security Council . She was the longest-serving Home Secretary for over 60 years, since James Chuter Ede who served over six years and two months from August 1945 to October 1951. May's appointment as Home Secretary was somewhat unexpected, with Chris Grayling having served as shadow Home Secretary in opposition. May's debut as Home Secretary involved overturning several of
19008-441: Was an ACPO body which monitored religious, racial, or other tensions within communities, and provided liaison between police forces and community organisations. The National Counter Terrorism Security Office was funded by, and reported to, ACPO and advised the British government on its counter terrorism strategy. ACPO was responsible for coordinating the national mobilisation of police resources at times of national need through
19152-521: Was composed of the chief police officers of the 44 police forces in England and Wales and Northern Ireland , the deputy chief constable and assistant chief constable of 42 of those forces and the deputy commissioner , assistant commissioner , deputy assistant commissioner and commanders of the remaining two – the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police . Certain senior non-police staff and senior members of national police agencies and certain other specialised and non-geographical forces in
19296-482: Was created in 1945, and Labour candidate Margaret Hodge was expected to win easily, which she did. May placed a distant third. Around 18 months ahead of the 1997 general election , May was selected as the Conservative candidate for Maidenhead , a new seat which was created from parts of the safe seats of Windsor and Maidenhead and Wokingham . She was elected comfortably with 25,344 votes (49.8%), almost double
19440-401: Was criticised in February 2010 for allegedly spending £1.6 million per year from government anti-terrorist funding grants on renting up to 80 apartments in the centre of London which were reported as being empty most of the time. The organisation responded that it had reviewed this policy and would reduce the number of apartments. As a result of The Guardian articles with regards to
19584-602: Was incorporated as a private company limited by guarantee . As a private company, ACPO was not subject to freedom of information legislation . It was not a staff association; the staff association for senior police officers was a separate body, the Chief Police Officers Staff Association (CPOSA). The change in structure from a "band of volunteers" to a limited company allowed the organisation to employ staff, enter into contracts for accommodation and publish accounts. A number of options were considered for
19728-466: Was not that of any police force in the country but "closely resembled" the uniform worn by former Metropolitan Police commissioner , Paul Stephenson . Sam Leith , an author, journalist and literary editor of The Spectator , mocked Orde's decision "to wear this Gadaffi-style pretend uniform on television", and suggested it was "a subliminal pitch for the Met Commissioner's job." Brian Paddick ,
19872-418: Was partly due to the government removing red tape and scrapping targets to allow the police to concentrate on crime fighting. In 2014, May delivered a well-known speech to the Police Federation , in which she criticised many aspects of the culture of the police force. In the speech, she said: When you remember the list of recent revelations about police misconduct, it is not enough to mouth platitudes about “
20016-480: Was reportedly offered to Muazu, who was one of a number of hunger strikers at the Harmondsworth Immigration Removal Centre . On 7 July 2013, Abu Qatada , a radical cleric arrested in 2002, was deported to Jordan after a decade-long battle that had cost the nation £1.7 million in legal fees, and numerous prior home secretaries had been unable to resolve. The deportation was the result of a treaty negotiated by May in April 2013, under which Jordan agreed to give Qatada
20160-512: Was set up in 2006 in response to a perceived gap in the police service's ability to manage criminal records and in particular to improve links to biometric data. The initial aim of ACRO was to provide operational support relating to criminal records and associated biometric data, including DNA and fingerprint recognition . It also issues police certificates, for a fee, needed to obtain immigration visas for countries including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Cayman Islands, New Zealand, South Africa and
20304-479: Was the result of a treaty negotiated by May in April 2013, under which Jordan agreed to give Qatada a fair trial, by not using evidence that may have been obtained against him through torture. May pointed to Qatada's deportation as a triumph, guaranteeing in September 2013 that "he will not be returning to the UK", and declaring in her 2016 leadership campaign announcement that she was told that she "couldn't deport Abu Qatada" but that she "flew to Jordan and negotiated
20448-411: Was the second woman to be appointed as home secretary after Jacqui Smith , and the fourth woman to hold one of the Great Offices of State . The longest-serving home secretary since James Chuter Ede over 60 years previously, May pursued reform of the Police Federation , implemented a harder line on drugs policy including banning khat and brought in further restrictions on immigration . She oversaw
20592-553: Was then announced on 5 November by Theresa May that an independent inquiry would also be undertaken, led by the Chief Inspector of the UK Border Agency, John Vine. Following all these combined failings, UK Border Force became a separate organisation on 1 March 2012. It later emerged that May had directed and agreed the plan with Clarke, but May states that these checks went further than she agreed. In April 2015, May said she
20736-503: Was unexpected, as Chris Grayling had served as shadow home secretary in opposition. May's debut as home secretary involved overturning several of the previous Labour Government's measures on data collection and surveillance in England and Wales. By way of a Government Bill which became the Identity Documents Act 2010 , she brought about the abolition of the Labour Government's National Identity Card and database scheme and reformed
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