Cameron: Riots are 'sickening'

Tuesday, 9 August 2011 12:01 AM

David Cameron, prime minister, speaks following today's Cobra meeting and promises to make streets safe for the law-abiding:

"People should be in no doubt that we will do everything necessary to restore order to Britain's streets and make them safe for the law-abiding.

"These are sickening scenes. Scenes of people looting, vandalising, thieving and robbing.

"It is criminality pure and simple and it has to be confronted and defeated. I feel huge sympathy for the families who've suffered, innocent people who've been burned out of their houses and businesses who've seen their premises smashed, their products looted and their livelihood potentially ruined.

"I also feel for all those who live in fear because of these appalling scenes we see on the streets in this country.

"People should be in no doubt that we are on the side of the law-abiding people who are appalled by what has happened in their own communities. As ever police officers have shown incredible bravery on our streets in confronting these thugs but it's quite clear we need much more police on our streets and even more robust action.

"The Metropolitan police commissioner has said compared with the 6,000 on streets last night, there will be 16,000 officers tonight. All leave within the Metropolitan police has been cancelled. There will be aid coming from police forces up and down the country and we'll do everything necessary to strengthen the police forces.

"We will make sure court procedures and processes are speeded up.

"People should expect to see many more arrests in the days to come.

"I am determined that justice will be done and these people will see the consequences of their actions.

"I have this very clear message for those people who are responsible: you will feel the full force of the law and if you are old enough to commit these crimes you are old enough to face the punishment. To these people I would say this you are not only wrecking the lives of others, your own communities, you are potentially wrecking your own life too.

"Parliament will be recalled for a day on Thursday so I can make a statement to parliament and we can hold a debate."
 

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