Jake Berry MP takes no-nonsense approach to riots
However, even with a strong society, it has to be acknowledged that there are large groups of people who do not feel they are part of this - evident from the recent riot in Bacup.
The last forty years has seen innumerable social experiments including comprehensive schools, selling council homes and the breakup of what used to be known as the nuclear family. The results of these experiments are now in, and they are damning. The youths involved in rioting were unarguably the Blair/Brown generation but much responsibility must rest with the parents.
Jake commented:
‘While the underlying causes of the riots must be looked into in more detail over the coming months, the most immediate issue to be dealt with had to be the stamping out of the criminal disorder that besieged our streets.
Lancashire has the finest police force in the country and the response of Chief Constable Steve Finnigan and his officers has been outstanding. I am meeting with him on Friday to offer my support for the police. They should be able remove the kid gloves and to use the full force of the law to prosecute and imprison those who have engaged in such disgraceful behaviour.
In addition, I will be offering support to local housing associations in Rossendale and Darwen seeking to remove disruptive tenants that took part in riots.
In the meantime, the government and local authorities must do more to support community partnerships such as the White Horse project in Waterfoot and the boxing club in Lower Darwen where young people can spend time constructively and out of the grip of gangs.’
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