Tories launch 'three-dimensional' attack on crime
Cameron echoes Blair rhetoric on crime
Wednesday, 22, Aug 2007 12:00
The government failed on its promise to tackle the causes of crime and instead pursued a one-dimensional approach, David Cameron claimed.
The Tory leader accused the government of failing to "strengthen society" and instead focusing solely on the criminal justice system.
Mr Cameron told GMTV: "They have passed over 30 new laws, they have created over 3,000 new offences but I don't think any of us feel safer on the streets."
The Conservatives are attempting to pressurise the government over its record on law and order, after the promised "bare knuckle" fight over the NHS appeared to backfire.
Mr Cameron has made repeated references to "anarchy in the UK" over recent days, with his argument reinforced by the continuing spate of youth violence.
Today he launched the Conservatives' strategy for tackling youth crime, billed as a three-pronged approach.
Mr Cameron told GMTV: "What we need is a three-dimensional approach - looking at criminal justice, yes, but also looking at policing and thirdly looking at society and how to strengthen society and strengthen communities.
"It's only through that three-dimensional approach that we can get to grips with the problems on our streets and the fear in our society."
He reiterated the Conservatives' long-standing pledges to cut police paperwork, also arguing magistrates should be allowed to imprison offenders for up to a year.
At present, police spend only a fifth of their time on the beat, Mr Cameron said.
"The most important thing we can do to tackle the lawlessness on the streets is free up police from targets and paperwork and make them accountable to the local community."
But he continued to push his 'compassionate conservatism', arguing policies needed to strengthen society.
Mr Cameron said the tax and benefits system should be reform to encourage families to stay together, re-opening the debate on married taxes.
Yesterday, Jack Straw blamed the "continuing problem" of gang violence on the absence of father figures. The justice secretary welcomed a new initiative to provide mentors young black men.