PMQs: Starmer’s attacks on crime flop
Spectator (UK)Nov 26, 2022
The Facts
The UK government is set to introduce new plans to reduce anti-social behavior, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stating that he hopes the new measures will "crack down" on social issues — such as graffiti and vandalism — "once and for all."
The plans were first detailed on Saturday, with England and Wales creating 26 areas that will receive funding to trial policies such as "hotspot" enforcement patrols and an "immediate justice" scheme. If successful, these measures would be implemented throughout all of England and Wales starting in 2024.
The Spin
Right narrative
Reducing anti-social behavior is a laudable ambition that is shared by all law-abiding citizens. While the likes of Tony Blair have certainly failed before, Sunak is building a reputation as a man who diligently applies himself to ensure he achieves what he wants. If these policy issues can be tackled, there will be many in the UK grateful to the Prime Minister.
Left narrative
So-called "anti-social behavior" has been allowed to thrive thanks to neighborhood police forces being decimated. The policies by Sunak and his party are simply empty rhetoric — the police have dwindled in the last 13 years, no matter what has been promised under Tory guidance. This is a cruel approach to addressing complex social issues.
