Should English Rioters Lose Council Homes?

UK Prime Minister David Cameron MP has said that people who have been found rioting will lose the tenancy of council homes if they live in one.

I don't believe that this is the right approach to take. I also disagree with the proposal put forward that they should lose benefits if they have been caught rioting. It will only make matters worse and create more looting. I would rather see them asked to do community service. They should play an active part in re-building the communities that they inflicted great damage to.

This would make the punishment fair. Not all rioters live in council homes and claim benefits so why should some pay more than others just because of their social background? I can understand why people are angry and would like to see people thrown out of council homes and lose benefits over this but we must look at the bigger picture.

Many of the people rioting believe that they have no opportunities open to them. That they have no chance in life. This would only make these feelings stronger which will push them into a position where they will commit more crime to survive.

Rioters have to learn a lesson. The things they did and took part in is completely unacceptable and there is no excuse but, the UK Government also has a lesson to learn. Cut off opportunities, cut back on youth workers and police, cut back on support for the most vulnerable and there may be a bigger price to pay which makes the saving become more expensive.

Now is the opportunity for the UK Government to sit up and listen to the people. I hope they grab the opportunity with both hands and make changes to ensure that the most vulnerable people in society have the best possible support that we can give them.

Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP

English Riots

I am saddened to see the riots that have broken out in England. The amount of damage it has caused is awful and my heart goes out to all people who have been effected by people causing mayhem. I understand why it started in the first place but it has clearly gotten out of control.

To start from the beginning, it all started with a protest over a man being shot by a police officer. People were angry and held a protest. It seems to have been taken over by, what I can only describe as ,an anarchist mob who are happy to inflict great damage to communities and ordinary people, using it as an opportunity to steal.

It started out in Tottenham in London. It has now spread to other parts of London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham, Newcastle and other places in England. It is spreading fast and I fear that it is getting more and more out of control as time goes on.

The question I have been asking myself is will it spread to Scotland? I honestly doubt it. I don't think that people are in that kind of mentality in Scotland. Obviously I can't be certan but it just seems unlikely.

What can the UK Government do to get the situation under control? will the army be sent in? Maybe, if it keeps going the way it is I don't think we should rule it out or be surprised if they do become involved over the next couple of days if things don't calm down.


Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP.