Politics can be a grubby business. During the expenses scandal, Lembit Opik MP blamed the death of his brother (six months prior) on claiming for a council tax summons.
Cameron in his own nauseating manner was plumbing similar depths yesterday. He gave a speech on the evils of the 'Broken Society' and spiced it the intro with a catalogue of horrific knifings. He rolled out Eastenders actress, Brooke Kinsella, whose brother, Ben, was murdered two years ago and gave her a gratuitous “ambassadorial” role on knife crime.
Leaving to one side the fact that violent crime has fallen by over 40% since 1997, this was really shameful stuff. He used the televisual qualities of the pretty Brooke to stimulate media interest and then started again on his drivel about a ‘Big Society’. In response to the annihilated lives of poverty, despair and addiction he offered these insulting platitudes.
“A society where we see social responsibility, not state control, as the principal driving force for social progress. A society where we come together, and work together, to solve problems. A society where we remember every day that we're all in this together.”
There didn’t appear to be anything tangible to report on how the Tories will tackle knife crime. Tough sentencing has, predictably, already had no impact. Even his key section named bathetically, ‘Common Sense and Rigour’ was neither sensible nor rigourous on this point.
All parties accept an enhanced police presence can help prevent violent incidents, particularly in established scenarios like city centres on Saturday nights. However, Conservatives plan to devolve responsibility of Police Community Support Officers to Chief Constables which will lead to a cut in their numbers. Several hundred PCSOs were inspired to write a protest letter to the Guardian today.
Nevertheless Cameron’s campaign national newsletter, known more commonly as the Sun, sought to exploit the naive Brooke Kinsella to the full, by imploring voting Tory was a ‘Vote For Ben.’ Yuck.
Cameron in his own nauseating manner was plumbing similar depths yesterday. He gave a speech on the evils of the 'Broken Society' and spiced it the intro with a catalogue of horrific knifings. He rolled out Eastenders actress, Brooke Kinsella, whose brother, Ben, was murdered two years ago and gave her a gratuitous “ambassadorial” role on knife crime.
Leaving to one side the fact that violent crime has fallen by over 40% since 1997, this was really shameful stuff. He used the televisual qualities of the pretty Brooke to stimulate media interest and then started again on his drivel about a ‘Big Society’. In response to the annihilated lives of poverty, despair and addiction he offered these insulting platitudes.
“A society where we see social responsibility, not state control, as the principal driving force for social progress. A society where we come together, and work together, to solve problems. A society where we remember every day that we're all in this together.”
There didn’t appear to be anything tangible to report on how the Tories will tackle knife crime. Tough sentencing has, predictably, already had no impact. Even his key section named bathetically, ‘Common Sense and Rigour’ was neither sensible nor rigourous on this point.
All parties accept an enhanced police presence can help prevent violent incidents, particularly in established scenarios like city centres on Saturday nights. However, Conservatives plan to devolve responsibility of Police Community Support Officers to Chief Constables which will lead to a cut in their numbers. Several hundred PCSOs were inspired to write a protest letter to the Guardian today.
Nevertheless Cameron’s campaign national newsletter, known more commonly as the Sun, sought to exploit the naive Brooke Kinsella to the full, by imploring voting Tory was a ‘Vote For Ben.’ Yuck.
Cameron could call the Sun editor to cool it but he must think this odious, gutless line will win votes with the Yout’. Dave struggles to master sincerity. But he’s certainly trying his best.
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In response to the Conservatives barrel-scraping over knife crime, Labour shoved acid-burn victim, Katie Piper up to the lecturn of their daily press conference. Home Sec, Alan Johnson said, “Women like Katie and others would be in greater danger on our streets if we reduce the level of CCTV."
The insinuation that the Lib-Dems and Tories alleged plans to cut CCTV cameras will lead to more such attacks "Women like Katie will be in greater danger..." was just as disgraceful as what Cameron said on Tuesday.
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