VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Locksmiths: Standards

Asked by Mr Tanmanjeet Singh DhesiLabourDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 26 February 2026UIN 115115

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent discussions he has had with online advertising platforms regarding the adequacy of safeguards in place to prevent rogue locksmiths from using their advertising services.

Answered by Kate Dearden

There have been no recent discussion with online platforms on this specific matter. However, the department regularly engages with stakeholders on issues affecting consumers.

Online platforms must comply with The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. The Act clarifies that online platforms must exercise professional diligence in relation to consumer transactions promoted or made on their platforms. The legislation carries criminal penalties and is enforced by Trading Standards officers and the CMA.

The Government encourages consumers to use providers that operate under a regulated trusted trader scheme, such as the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA), which has a Police Crime Prevention-approved licensing scheme in place to ensure approved locksmiths are appropriately vetted, inspected and qualified.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim