Yvette Cooper MP

 

Yvette responds to riots in London and the rest of the UK

Shadow Home Secretary has responded to the scenes of rioting that have been seen across London and the rest of the UK in the last week. 

Yvette said:

"For the fourth night we have seen shocking violence and criminal looting on our city streets. The thuggery, theft and arson in Manchester, Birmingham and other cities overnight put people's lives and safety at risk as well as destroying property and livelihoods. And it is important robust action is taken so the criminals involved feel the full force of the law and public safety can be protected. 

In London, tje 16,000 police on the streets made a big difference last night in restoring calm. The Government needs to now set out the strategy for maintaining order throughout the summer. 

The impact of the extra police is further evidence the government needs to urgently rethink its cuts to police officers and police budgets. Now is not the time to cut 16,000 police officers across the country.

It is shameful that it has taken these appalling events for Boris Johnson to realise people are concerned about police cuts, as he has already cut 900 police officers from the Met in the last year and the Mayor's own plans mean 1800 officers are expected to go in total over the next few years. The police, communities and campaigners have been warning cuts were unsustainable for many months. It should not take awful criminal violence on the scale we have seen for those warning voices to he heard. 

People in London and across the country need reassurance that the police have the resources and officers they need to keep the streets safe and maintain law and order. Now is not the time for 20 per cent budget cuts that make it harder not easier for the police to do their jobs."