Amanda Martin, MP for Portsmouth North, has met with the Chancellor and a Treasury Minister to press the case for stronger action against rogue businesses and criminal activity on Britain’s high streets.
The meeting follows the work and campaign led by Amanda, in response to growing concerns from residents about so-called “dodgy shops” linked to illicit tobacco and vape sales, money laundering and wider organised crime.
During the discussion, Amanda welcomed steps already taken by the Government, including:
- A £45 million package announced in the Autumn 2025 Budget to boost enforcement and tackle high street crime.
- A new cross-government taskforce to map organised criminality.
- Additional Trading Standards officers and enhanced HMRC investigations targeting fraud and illicit trade.
Ms Martin also highlighted the importance of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will introduce a licensing scheme for retailers and new enforcement powers, alongside measures such as duty stamps to clamp down on illegal products.
However, Amanda Martin MP stressed that further action is urgently needed. Speaking after the meeting, she said: “Residents are fed up with rogue operators undermining our high streets, exploiting loopholes and fuelling criminal activity. While the Government has taken welcome steps, we need to go further and faster.
“I made clear to the Chancellor and Treasury Minister that we need stronger enforcement powers to shut down criminal shops, tougher penalties for repeat offenders and better coordination between agencies. At the moment, the system is too slow and too fragmented.
“My campaign is about standing up for legitimate local businesses and restoring pride in our high streets. That means ensuring the rules are enforced properly and that those who break them face real consequences.”
The campaign is calling for a package of further measures, including new closure powers for local authorities, a “three strikes” system for repeat offenders, faster implementation of closure orders, stronger landlord responsibilities, and a nationwide investigation into the scale of high street criminality.
Amanda also urged the Government to accelerate its upcoming High Street Strategy and ensure it includes robust action to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, alongside support for regeneration.
Ms Martin added: “I will continue working with ministers, local authorities and enforcement agencies to deliver the changes our communities are demanding.”
