Adam Dance MP calls for stronger government action to tackle county lines exploitation in Somerset

Adam Dance, Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil, has called for urgent and sustained action to tackle county lines drug trafficking in Somerset, following a parliamentary question to the Home Office.

In response, the Government highlighted recent enforcement activity, including 17 arrests and the closure of five drug lines by Avon and Somerset Police during a national crackdown in late 2024.

However, Mr Dance criticised the Government's approach as reactive and insufficient, stating:

“While I welcome the efforts of our local police, the Government's strategy lacks the long-term investment and coordination needed to dismantle these criminal networks. County lines operations exploit vulnerable children and adults, devastating families and communities across Somerset. We need a comprehensive plan that includes early intervention, support for victims, and robust enforcement to prevent these gangs from taking root.”

Recent national data reveals the scale of the challenge. As of December 2024, 7,148 county lines had been closed, 21,729 people had been arrested, and 10,689 individuals—many of them children and young people—had been referred to safeguarding services. In Somerset alone, 139 children were identified in 2024 as being at risk of criminal exploitation, alongside 93 at risk of going missing, 65 linked to gangs, and 19 identified as at risk of trafficking.

Despite these worrying figures, the Home Office continues to publish limited information on the demographics of those targeted or arrested, leaving a significant gap in national understanding and transparency. The National Crime Agency has not published detailed intelligence assessments on county lines since 2019, which hampers efforts to ensure that interventions are effectively reaching those most at risk.

Adam Dance has consistently raised the need for stronger youth services as part of the solution. Having begun his political career at the age of 14, campaigning to save his local youth club, he knows first-hand how vital early intervention and community-based support can be in protecting young people from harm.

He is calling for a joined-up national strategy that enhances support for local law enforcement, invests in education and youth provision, improves safeguarding for those at risk, and ensures tougher penalties for those who exploit vulnerable individuals. He also believes greater transparency is needed from central government to fully understand the scale of the issue in places like Yeovil and across South Somerset.

“Communities in Yeovil and across Somerset deserve to feel safe,” Mr Dance added. “It's time for the Government to match its words with action and provide the resources and leadership necessary to combat this growing threat.”