Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has vowed to support retail workers, as the Conservaitves have introduced a fresh clamp down on shoplifting offences.

Sunak told reporters: "Today, we've announced a strong set of measures to clamp down on retail crime. A brand new offence for assaulting shop workers, using facial recognition technology to catch perpetrators with CCTV.

"But also a greater use of electronic tagging of prolific shoplifters has been warmly welcomed by retailers and police I've spoken to today and, crucially, will demonstrate to our shop workers that we've got their back, and also that we will do what it takes to keep our streets and our communities safe. That's what everybody wants. That's what we'll deliver.

"But the prisons are full. We're in the midst of building the biggest building, building prison expansion program in many decades. In fact, actually thousands and thousands of new places. We're also increasing sentencing for the most violent criminals, ending the automatic halfway release point, because those are the right things to do, because the most violent offenders should be sent to jail for longer. That's what we're delivering, by the way, all opposed by the Labour Party when we pass those laws."