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We demand curfews to curb violence, say public
Jonathan Oliver and David Leppard
A nationwide youth curfew to help combat knife crime was backed by the public and senior politicians last night.
In the strongest sign yet of the growing fear of violence on Britain’s streets, a Sunday Times poll reveals today that nine out of 10 parents would back legal restrictions on their children going out after dark.
A report from a House of Commons committee will say this week that a national curfew on young teenagers could curb anti-social and violent behaviour. Keith Vaz, the Labour chairman of the home affairs select committee, said: “I have sympathy with the view that children should not be out after 9pm.”
Last night Phil Woolas, the environment minister, admitted that the legislation targeting teen violence was failing. “There are parts of the country where for periods of time, you should be able to introduce curfews,” he said. “We need a heavy police presence and fines for parents.”
A No 10 source said there were no plans for a national curfew, but added: “It is something we might consider trialling in hotspot areas.”
Last week six people were stabbed to death in under 24 hours. Among the victims was London’s 20th teenage murder victim this year.
.......
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/p ... 322650.ece
Jonathan Oliver and David Leppard
A nationwide youth curfew to help combat knife crime was backed by the public and senior politicians last night.
In the strongest sign yet of the growing fear of violence on Britain’s streets, a Sunday Times poll reveals today that nine out of 10 parents would back legal restrictions on their children going out after dark.
A report from a House of Commons committee will say this week that a national curfew on young teenagers could curb anti-social and violent behaviour. Keith Vaz, the Labour chairman of the home affairs select committee, said: “I have sympathy with the view that children should not be out after 9pm.”
Last night Phil Woolas, the environment minister, admitted that the legislation targeting teen violence was failing. “There are parts of the country where for periods of time, you should be able to introduce curfews,” he said. “We need a heavy police presence and fines for parents.”
A No 10 source said there were no plans for a national curfew, but added: “It is something we might consider trialling in hotspot areas.”
Last week six people were stabbed to death in under 24 hours. Among the victims was London’s 20th teenage murder victim this year.
.......
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/p ... 322650.ece