In 1977 punk rock group the Sex Pistols sang about “Anarchy In The UK”; now Tory leader David Cameron is using it as a political slogan.  To quote another Sex Pistols title this is “Pretty Vacant”.

Spreading fear through sloganising is the worst kind of politics.  We need to look at the reality calmly and seek solutions.  It is no good one minute talking about “hug a hoodie” and the next minute about anarchy.  He and his party opposed almost every measure the Labour Government have introduced to clamp down on anti-social behaviour and toughen measures to protect citizens.

Interestingly serious and violent crime is now lower than in 1995 when David Cameron himself was working at the Home Office.

Tragic incidents like the killing of Rhys Jones show that we must continue to be tough on crime.  But politicians should balance these measures with positive actions.  The 10 year Youth Plan announced by the Government with real resources will do more than any sloganising.

70% of stories about young people in the media are negative.  Yet every day most young people are studying hard at school, achieving record exam results, raising money for charity, playing sports, creating music and campaigning against poverty and climate change.  In trying to eliminate the negative, let’s not forget to accentuate the positive.