The Riots
09 Aug 2011 Leave a Comment
in British Politics Tags: david cameron, london riots
The violence that erupted in London and other cities last night was horrific, and how much this government is out of touch with it’s people is staggering.
Today David Cameron returned, and stated that those involved would “see the consequences of their actions”. Sixteen thousand police officers will be on the streets of London tonight. What this government doesn’t understand is that these people have no fear of the police, they know that the prisons and young offenders institutions are full and they know that London’s custody cells are full.
For three nights the rioters have run rings around the police despite their riot gear and their truncheons, they can out run them and crucially, they have no fear.
Both Mervyn King and Nick Clegg warned of the social unrest that would result from such savage cuts to the services that people depend on in areas like Lewisham and Peckham. Countless people in the papers and on the news channels have highlighted the closure of youth services as a catalyst for the anarchy that consumed so many areas of our nation last night.
Those involved in this violence are the underclass who live in the council estates in our country. They have been forgotten by society and are profoundly suffering from the slash and burn of public services. What is most worrying is that these cuts are only just starting to bite.
What we need to ensure against is a right-wing backlash. The “lock ‘em all up” attitude is not helpful and will not stop this violence happening again. We need to address the social inequality and deprivation that has meant that these people don’t think twice about smashing up their local areas and taking whatever they like.
These events have shown the huge extent to which David Cameron has absolutely no idea of the kinds of lives some people live in this country, he ought to read the article written by Camila Barmanghelidjh in todays Independent.
Those involved are the forgotten underclass, their actions are wrong in every way, but their anger is understandable.
What has happened in Croydon and elsewhere is horrific and very, very upsetting and it requires a thoughtful and considered response.
