Mr Speaker
We are all appalled and ashamed at the carnage wreaked by rioters on our country over the last week.
Along with every other member of this House, I deplore the wanton destruction and extreme violence we have witnessed.
This behaviour is criminal … pure and simple … and it must be crushed.
There are no excuses.
What’s most alarming is that many of these thugs think behaving like this is fun!
The pack mentality takes over and the consequences are clear for us all to see.
I am a Conservative … and I believe in the individual … have faith in the individual … to make better decisions for themselves and their families than the state.
I am instinctively against state interference, but where individuals take no responsibility for their actions, have no respect for others and are not prepared to contribute to society and their country … then sadly, I believe the state must intervene.
There is no one simplistic solution … but surely it’s time to consider some form of national service.
It does not have to be military, but can range from community or charitable work to perhaps, serving in the emergency services …
Frankly, anything which places these rudderless and non-aspirational youths - in the main - in a supportive structure which encourages all the things we hold dear – hard work, friendship, selflessness, courage and service.
Apprenticeships are on-going … but if ever more taxpayer’s money should be directed at a good cause … this is it.
The problem now is that the pendulum has swung so far one way that only a radical solution will bring it back.
Of course, there are wider issues … not least our hopeless judicial maze, lack of any deterrent and over-crowded prisons.
We need a root and branch reform of the whole system.
As for the police, they are frequently criticized, but all too often, their hands are tied behind their back.
The police need a robust judicial organisation behind them, which complements their work … not undermines it.
And, while discussing the police, I would like to commend and thank each one of them – and other members of the emergency services - who have faced these rioters and looters in recent days.
I’m sure the police will learn many lessons from the past few days, not least the urgent requirement for more riot training.
With what sadness I even have to suggest this.
And I would call on the Government to review police cuts.
Yes, of course we should look at the way the police are funded … and get best value for money … but frontline officers must not be reduced.
I, and my constituents, want community stations and houses re-opened and bobbies back on the beat on their feet.
A visible and 24 hour police presence in all parts of our country will, in the end, prevent long term criminality and lawlessness on a scale we have now experienced.
Cuts in police numbers mean more reliance on CCTV and mobile patrols … understandable in a rural constituency like mine.
And while CCTV has its place, as the riots have shown, they should not replace the local bobby.
And, staying with the police for a moment longer, I do hope that we will let the police get on with their job.
Their job is to catch criminals … they are not social workers.
For over 20 years, successive reports and commissions have neutered their ability to act in our interests.
Political correctness has flown in the face of common sense … and even, the bald facts.
And, while looking at organizations, I don’t think we in this House are immune from scrutiny, either.
For too long politicians of all parties have buried their heads in the sand … perhaps more intent on securing a second term in office that doing what’s actually best for the country.
Leadership, courage and integrity have taken a knock in this place in recent years and the consequences are far reaching.
My view – and the view of many of my constituents – is that we need to listen a whole lot more to what they are telling us … and to act accordingly.
They are – like us – disgusted at the behaviour of a lawless mob.
They want a robust reaction and we should not shirk from considering some radical solutions to this rottenness in the heart of our country.
In the meantime, the perpetrators are being processed through the courts … and we are getting a much clearer picture of exactly who has committed these crimes.
Alarmingly, perhaps, they are not exclusively the underprivileged.
I’d like to think they will face the full force of the law … but again … like so many of constituents … I fear too many wrists will be slapped and too few cells filled.
Finally, the riots have shown there is plenty of energy out there … what we need to do now is harness that energy and re-direct it …