Loss Of Youth Provision In London

[agchristie]

How crucial have these losses been and could this be a reason for the increase in knife crime in the capital?

https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2019/mar/22/number-of-london-youth-clubs-nearly-halved-since-2011-riots-report-finds

//Diane Abbott, the shadow home secretary, said: “The Tories are in complete denial about the effects of austerity. Youth services play a crucial role in our communities. If the government are serious about protecting our young people, then they should put their money where their mouth is.”//

[anotheoldgit]

Bring back National Service that will find these little thugs plenty to do with their time.

[naomi24]

The more services available the better -probably - but I suppose the question is were the kids who are carrying knives using the facilities, or were they uninterested and roaming the streets regardless? I don't know.

[Rockrose]

What about those not old enough to do The sainted this will solve all problems national service?

[Old_Geezer]

This sort of thing is always used to excuse unacceptable behaviour. It's insufficient as a justification. Granted society should cater for all, but are there no sporting clubs youths could join ? We all have to find interest within the budget spending society can afford.

[youngmafbog]

I'm sure it could be a factor but here Abacus is trying to make a political point score rather than looking at the whole problem correctly.
//What about those not old enough to do The sainted this will solve all problems national service?//

Well, with a smaller number it would be easier to find something else. Although I must admit I dont agree with National Service.

[naomi24]

OG, //are there no sporting clubs youths could join ? //

That was my point. Were they using the facilities or are they simple disinterested?

[naomi24]

//Abacus is trying to make a political point score //

As ever.

[Old_Geezer]

Ah, but your point wasn't there when I started typing ;-)

[agchristie]

It's interesting isn't it.Youngsters of today have access to so many things and yet it seems it is still never enough.

Many of our ancestors never had a childhood and could only dream of accessing the many items available nowadays.

I hear so often that youths today 'have nothing to do' or that they are 'bored'.

Cuts to services don't help but it is never an excuse for anti-social behaviour or crime.

[naomi24]

Oh, right.

[naomi24]

^Thatbto OG.

ag, very true.

[youngmafbog]

I dont recall having anything paid for by the Government/Authorities that is not there currently in my area (Parks, footie, cricket, rugby fields etc).

This is just useless Abbot mouthing off again.

[agchristie]

As for Diane Abbott's comments,I would be willing to guess that many parents haven't a clue where their child is or what they get up to so hard are they trying to protect them?

It's not the Government's job to do it!

[steg]

//Bring back National Service that will find these little thugs plenty to do with their time.//

Aye then we will have fit thugs that know how to fight and use weapons

[agchristie]

Steg,if National Service was reintroduced then it would be a huge wake up call for some of them and teach them what discipline means!

[spathiphyllum]

"Bring back National Service that will find these little thugs plenty to do with their time."


*** hell

[spathiphyllum]

You know it's a parents job to raise kids they can be proud to call their own. Not the national services.

I think the sheer idea of forced national service would send the suicide rate up.

[spathiphyllum]

Fact is, loads of youth centres have been closed and police have been bought of the street, and knife crime has gone up? To ignore the obvious is almost endorsing it.

[retrocop]

What few amenities for youths we now have left in our London Borough were vandalised and trashed by youths years ago!!

[ummmm]

I don't think it's easier for kids nowadays. When I was young we played out. There were very few cars in the streets. Now you couldn't let your kids out to play football etc at the age we went out. Plus it's not possible, the street is lined with cars.