The right have gone quiet on the tough justice they advocated in 2011 riots
One does not need to possess the prophetic talents of Elijah, or for that matter the wisdom of Solomon, to know that the great British public would be aghast at these scenes. And so it has proved., with the overwhelming majority laying the blame for the riots at the rioters themselves, rather than any outside influence. Except for a tiny fringe – almost a statistical error – no one entertains any sympathy for those causing the unrest.
When the 2011 riots took place, the consensus on the right was that there was no excuse or “legitimate grievances” that triggered such events. The riots only reflected anything beyond the agency of the criminal individual, insofar as they were symptomatic of a “broken society”. Culture, family structure, parenting and the moral upbringing of the young people who looted Footlocker and Topshop were all put under the microscope.
Then prime minister David Cameron declared the riots were a sign that he was right about a “broken Britain”. This analysis even had some purchase with some on the centre-left, such as current Foreign Secretary David Lammy , the trebling of tuition fees and jobcentre cuts were examples cited by her.former London mayor Ken Livingstone and political activist Lee Jasper as fellow apologists, presumably for linking the riots to austerity.
Much could be said about this change of position. But what is interesting is that some sections of the right are now adopting the delusions that some on the left had in 2011. It was untrue to suggest that young people were burning down shops or looting from Foot Locker because of EMA being axed. Most people who are poor do not riot. Most people who are black and poor do not riot. The vast majority of those young people who did not get EMA – I was one! – did not riot.
The thought of organising a rampage on Blackberry Messenger did not cross their minds. And the same is true here. The vast majority of working-class people who object to small boats, or net migration at 700,000 per year or think more needs to be done on integration, have not rioted. In fact, the thought of burning asylum seekers in a hotel or attacking black people in parks would horrify them. Still, it is interesting to note what a difference 13 years can make.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Deprivation, a flashpoint and misinformation: How 2024 echoed the 2011 riots13 years ago, England was hit by its worst riots in over 200 years. The current far-right violence offers both similarities and differences with the chaos of August 2011
Read more »
Father bereaved in 2011 Birmingham riots appeals for calmTariq Jahan’s son was killed while protecting property from looters in Birmingham 13 years ago.
Read more »
– Paddy Pimblett shares 2011 message to Dana White after submission win at UFC 304...Throwback to when UFC star Paddy Pimblett tapped out 10 American Marines in a row during training
Read more »
State pensioners to receive automatic £150 boost in bank accountsThe scheme first launched in April 2011.
Read more »
Casualty's Dylan Keogh's life off-screen from arrival of twins to TV star wifeActor William Beck has played Dylan Keogh in the popular drama since 2011.
Read more »
Shannen Doherty’s final act for ex-husband Kurt Iswarienko one day before tragic death revealedShannen and Kurt married in 2011
Read more »