Labour leader visits Sunderland
Sir Kier Starmer will also visit the North West and West Midlands this week
Keir Starmer condemns the rise of youth violence under the Conservatives, as new figures reveal the £11 billion cost inaction under this government
On a tour across the North East, North West and West Midlands this week, Keir Starmer will take his Contract with the British People - which guarantees security, prosperity and respect for all - directly to voters.
Today (Monday), the Labour leader will be in Sunderland, with Labour Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, to see the powerful work she is undertaking across Northumbria to provide security for young people and the communities she represents.
New research published by Labour shows the huge cost of serious violent youth crime to the taxpayer, amid an explosion of county lines drug operations and violent youth offending under the Conservatives.
The cost of youth violence is a key issue for Starmer, who as Director of Public Prosecutions saw first-hand the importance of preventative services and early intervention in cutting offending.
In a visit to Sunderland, Starmer will pledge “a Labour government will tackle the shocking lack of security being felt by young people and communities up and down the country as a direct result of complacent inaction by this Tory government.”
Labour’s analysis of government figures has revealed that the cost of violent youth crime in England since the Conservatives took office in 2010 now totals a remarkable £11 billion. The cost in 2020/21 alone was almost £200 million more than in 2010.
The number of violent offences committed by young people is estimated to have risen to over 70,000 in 2020/21, over 20,000 more and 40% greater than the most recent year of Labour government in 2010.
In addition, new data compiled for Labour by the House of Commons Library shows this has coincided with the Conservatives slashing youth service budgets by £610 million a year - 66% in real terms between 2011/12 and 2019/20 - with the most alarming figures seen in the Conservative-run West Midlands, where cuts total 80%.
In stark contrast, where Labour is in power, innovative projects are tackling the impact of the Conservative government. Kim McGuinness PCC has introduced new Youth Navigators to work directly with young people and their families to address the root cause that led them to commit crime, helping police to get on with the job of keeping us safe.
Keir Starmer MP, Leader of the Labour Party, said:
“Boris Johnson and his government do one thing and say another, and that’s no more evident than when it comes to law and order. The Conservatives are soft on crime and soft on the causes of crime, and we’re all paying the price.
“As Director of Public Prosecutions, I saw the difference preventative services and early intervention can make to give security, choices, to turn young people’s lives around.
“The Tories are creating a perfect storm of failing communities that don’t feel safe, failing to tackle violent crime, and failing to provide the ambition and opportunities young people need to make positive choices.
“When Labour is in power we are showing that with the right approach and investment, we can prevent crime, ensure people feel safe and secure where they live, and save taxpayer money.
“My contract with the British people will build a new Britain which guarantees security, prosperity and respect for all.”