WATCH: “People are frightened” – David Lammy on soaring crime rate

David Lammy, Labour MP for Tottenham, spoke passionately today about the rise of crime in his constituency and across the capital.

Another fatal stabbing last night brought the number of killings in London this year to more than 50. Four lives have been lost in Tottenham since Christmas.

Speaking to BBC News, Lammy said: “I have a teenager who comes home from school in north London. I’m scared for him if he’s late.

“My constituents are worried – they’re frightened.

“If you live on a housing estate or near one, if it feels like policing has vanished – it’s not around you… people are frightened. That’s why young people then carry knives.”

On BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the MP commented: “What we’re seeing today is the worst I’ve ever seen it.

“There are parents, friends, families, schools traumatised and grieving. And there is absolutely no sign at the moment of reduction in the violence.”

More from LabourList

DONATE HERE

Do you value LabourList’s coverage? We need your support.

Our independent journalists have been on the ground during this local and by-election campaign, which marks the first key electoral test of Keir Starmer’s government. 

We’ve been out and about with Labour activists and candidates across the country from Bristol to Hull, and will soon be heading to Cambridgeshire and Lancashire – as well as Runcorn and Helsby. We’ve also polled readers for their views on the campaign.

LabourList relies on donations from readers like you to continue its fair, fast, reliable and well-informed news and analysis. We don’t have party funding or billionaire owners. 

If you value what we do, set up a regular donation today.

DONATE HERE