“We feel the punishments handed out so far are the final insult to victims, businesses and the courageous police service,” explained Richard Bingley, the chief executive of the City Security and Resilience Network (CSARN), the business membership-funded NGO that works tirelessly to promote staff safety and business security (and represents some 15,000 British and international businesses including those across the banking, finance, utilities and hospitality sectors).
“David Cameron flew back to work on Tuesday and promised that rioters and looters would face the full force of the law. If what we are seeing truly is the full teeth of British law, then his Government should spend the rest of the summer rewriting the statute book.”
Bingley continued: “By these scandalous sentences, the sheer hard work and bravery of the police, the emergency services and the poor victims has been further undermined.”
Although Bingley stressed that CSARN is an organisation which prides itself on being supportive to the UK Government, he went on to state: “No matter how one dresses this up, the national criminal justice system needs urgent overhaul, as was promised in last year’s Conservative manifesto.”
Most recently, CSARN actively raised the issue of terrorism offenders qualifying for large reductions to their prison sentences under the previous Labour Government’s early release initiative.
“The last week has seen a sea-change in the relationship between UK business and Government,” stressed Bingley. “For years now, we have been wanting to move on from polite dialogue around business crime to real action. Now action must happen or we will lose investment.”
In closing, Bingley said in strident tones: “This Government needs to prioritse new, firmer approaches to public order and the criminal justice system. Put simply, if there is no deterrent against looters, rioters and street gangs then potential entrepreneurs and investors will decide to create jobs elsewhere.”
Statement to the House of Commons
In yesterdauuy’s statement to the House of Commons, David Cameron said keeping people safe was the first duty of Government and pledged to do whatever it takes to restore law and order and rebuild communities.
“The whole country has been shocked by the most appalling scenes of people looting, violence, vandalising and thieving. It is criminality pure and simple and there is absolutely no excuse for it,” said our political leader..
“We have seen houses, offices and shops raided and torched, police officers assaulted and fire crews attacked as they try to put out fires. We’ve also witnessed people robbing others while they lie injured and bleeding in the street, and even three innocent people being deliberately run over and killed in Birmingham.”
Cameron continued: “We will not put up with this in our country. We will not allow a culture of fear to exist on our streets.”
The Prime Minister said he would change powers to give the police the discretion to remove face coverings under any circumstances where there is reasonable suspicion that they are related to criminal activity. The Government will also look at whether any wider power of curfew is necessary.
He also said that steps were being considered to ban those suspected of planning criminal acts from using social media networks such as Twitter and Facebook.
A cross-Government action plan to tackle gangs will report to Parliament in October 2011.
Government support for business and homeowners following recent public disorder
The Prime Minister also announced a package of support for homeowners and businesses which have seen their properties destroyed in the violence and looting, with compensation available under the Riot Damages Act.
The Government is setting up a GB pound 20 million ‘High Street support scheme’ to help affected businesses. Tax breaks and deferred payments will also be on offer to help firms get back on their feet.
“The Government will ensure the police have the funds they need to meet the cost of any legitimate claims,” said Cameron, “and whereas normally claims must be received within 14 days, we will extend that period to 42 days.”
On the deeper causes of the disorder, the Prime Minister asserted that family breakdown and poor parenting had played a significant role in this and pledged to restore a sense of moral responsibility.
He concluded by calling on the country to pull together, praising the “determined resolve” shown by communities across the UK who have helped to clean up their streets.
“To the law abiding people who play by the rules, and who are the overwhelming majority in this country, I say the fightback has begun. We will protect you. If you’ve had your livelihood and property damaged, we will compensate you. We are on your side.”
Working with local enterprise partnerships
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills is working with local enterprise partnerships, local authorities and business organisations to ensure that all affected businesses have access to practical advice, information and support to get back on their feet as quickly as possible.
Below is a link (http://bis.gov.uk/news/topstories/2011/Aug/public-disorder-business-support) to the written Ministerial Statement setting out the help and advice that Government will be offering to affected businesses
You can also obtain updated information from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills by visiting its website (www.bis.gov.uk) or, alternatively, by following the Department on Twitter (@bisgovuk)
Work is ongoing to promote the Government’s support package for businesses and communities, with a claims form available to download via the Direct Gov website (http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_198958)
The following information has been taken from that website for your information…
“If you’ve suffered loss or damage as a result of the riots, you may be able to claim compensation. If you have insurance, check that your policy covers riot damage. If it does, contact your insurer directly to claim. If your insurance doesn’t cover riot damage, or you don’t have insurance at all, you may be able to claim compensation from your local police authority.”
“To claim, complete a claim form and send it to your local police authority. You can download this form, and find your local police authority, by following the links on the given website.”
“You have 42 days to make a claim for compensation. These 42 days are counted from the first ‘clear day’ after the disorder.”
