‘There is an epidemic on our streets-knife crime is becoming an all too familiar headline’.
Labour representative Andrew Achilleos today writes in the Havering Daily.
There is an epidemic on our streets. Knife crime is becoming an all too familiar headline in places like Romford, and it needs to be addressed. I think this is a fact which all sensible, conscientious politicians regardless of Party can agree on.However, the people of Romford deserve more than populist rhetoric and finger pointing – they deserve honesty.
Romford has had a Conservative MP for decades with a Conservative national government for the last 14 years. Any finger pointing from the local MP should be in front of a mirror. If I am privileged enough to be Labour’s candidate at the next election, I will give the people of Romford more than rhetoric. I will give local people their voice back. I will fight for what really matters.
The Government has reduced funding for the Metropolitan Police by over £1bn since 2010. We see the consequence of this in every tragic headline we read. The safety of communities across Britain should be absolutely and unapologetically paramount. These heartbreaking incidents which make our high streets, town centres, and parks feel unsafe need a decisive voice. Cheap publicity stunts invitingthe Prime Minister for a walk about won’t cut it.
As a voice for the people of Romford, and God willing, as part of a Labour Government, I would ensure that Labour’s plan to take back our streets will mean more Officers and PCSOs locally. Rebuilding the successful community policing model which was scrapped by the Tories to the detriment of places like Romford.
Our police do a remarkable job under the circumstances, but with limited numbers and resources they are essentially unable to deliver the level of service and safety we deserve. We must also recognise that this isn’t solely a police issue either. We can’t arrest our way out of violent crime.
Since 2010 government cuts to local authorities have meant a reduction of 40% in council spending for youth services. Over the same period knife crime has gone up by 34%. It is clear that more meaningful work must be carried out on preventative intervention with young people. Often the reasons which lead to a life of crime are complex and require a multi-agency approach.
Violent crime and increasing anti-social behaviour are a blight on our community and whoever is in government we need a strong voice to address these issues. Romford doesn’t need an MP who plays politics. Romford needs an MP who acts. If I am Labour’s candidate, I will put Romford first.
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The police are stretched and trying their hardest, however cps don’t prosecute because it’s not cost effective, the sentencing for things like carrying knives and fighting needs to be addressed, these children aren’t afraid of being arrested because they’re released without charge time and time again. My house was burglarised while I was out, the police took the kids home, with my jewellery in their pockets because they’d told the police that they were friends of ours and had permission to be there, they’d ransacked the place and stole all my valuables, but were never charged as the goods were never recovered. I could go on for hours about these incidents.