Nigel Farage has stated that if his Reform Party wins the election, they will cut crime rates in half. This is a bold promise, but during my time in the Labour government, we achieved exactly that.
When we concluded our term in 2010, overall crime had decreased by 50%. This accomplishment was not widely publicized but was a significant achievement. With an increased police presence and a decrease in anti-social behavior to its lowest levels, public confidence in law enforcement had never been higher. The reduction in crime was verified by independently collected and publicly accessible statistics, which are crucial in a well-functioning society.
Unlike relying on anecdotal opinions, the official crime data is essential as crime is a major concern for the public. Fear of crime can have a detrimental impact on people’s well-being, making it crucial for politicians to handle such information responsibly, especially when dealing with vulnerable groups like the elderly, rather than using it for personal political gain.
However, Nigel Farage’s claim that the Crime Survey for England and Wales is based on inaccurate data is unfounded. His assertion lacks evidence and seems to be an attempt to discredit existing evidence that contradicts his views. The introduction of the Crime Survey was a response to the unreliability of police-recorded crime data, as people often do not report offenses, a fact recognized by the Home Office decades ago.
While the Crime Survey may not cover all types of crime, such as shoplifting, other reliable sources like the British Retail Consortium provide data on those offenses. Despite certain categories showing an increase, like shoplifting, fraud, and cybercrime, it does not suggest that the country is lawless.
Acknowledging the legitimacy of the statistics also means recognizing positive trends, such as the significant decrease in violent crime, burglary, and robbery over the past two decades.
Yvette Cooper’s efforts in deporting foreign criminals contribute more to enhancing street safety than Farage’s claims of societal collapse. It is reassuring that she oversees policing in the country rather than individuals with unsubstantiated opinions.
The first batch of Child Trust Funds has reached maturity. Introduced as part of Gordon Brown’s welfare state reforms, these funds aimed to provide every child born after September 1, 2002, with a financial stake in society upon reaching adulthood.
Additionally, the scheme promoted savings, with each newborn receiving an initial tax-free contribution of £250, supplemented for children from lower-income families. These funds could accrue interest and be augmented by contributions from parents and grandparents.
Although the coalition government terminated the initiative in 2011, the discontinuation of the Child Trust Fund did not elicit significant public outcry compared to other welfare cuts. There is a need to advocate for children’s interests as vigorously as we do for pensioners.
As a biographer of Harold Wilson, I find it noteworthy that most ‘A’ level students secure admission to their preferred universities. Wilson’s tenure oversaw a considerable expansion in university placements, making this achievement possible.
