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Proceeding contribution from Robert Neill (Conservative) in the House of Commons on Thursday, 13 October 2011. It occurred during Adjournment debate, Backbench debate and e-petition debate on The Riots.


The Riots

That is specific targeting that goes to Tottenham and Croydon, in recognition of their circumstances, which no others receive. In addition, the Mayor has announced taskforces for Tottenham and Croydon. The one for Tottenham is headed by Sir Stuart Lipton, and that for Croydon by Julian Metcalfe, the entrepreneur behind Pret A Manger. It is not the end of the story. I welcome the support from the hon. Member for Derby North (Chris Williamson) for Louise Casey and her work in the problem families unit in my Department. The unit is working to deliver early interventions to 120,000 problem families. We are consulting on the question of evicting antisocial families. I know that different views have been expressed in the debate, but we think that that is a legitimate tool that should be in the box, and authorities of all political complexions have viewed it as an appropriate option. Ultimately, such matters are decided by the courts. Finally, the Home Secretary is leading a cross-Government review with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on the problem of gang violence, which is a huge issue that we certainly need to tackle. Powerful points were made in the debate, and I am sure that they will inform the work of that review. I hope that I have given hon. Members an indication of the serious steps that the Government have been taking to deal with the issue.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
533 c191-2WH 
Session
2010-12
Chamber / Committee
Westminster Hall
Subjects
Compensation Crime Courts Costs Police Prisons Young people Violence Reoffenders Civil disorder Gangs
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk