London riots - Heed lessons of a society’s breakdown
It could happen in this country, or anywhere else. Hence it is important that we should learn from the mistakes in London, in order to ensure that if there is a similar outbreak here that it is nipped in the bud.
This week’s rioting has been the worst in Britain since those in Brixton and Toxteth 30 years ago. Following a public inquiry into the Brixton riots of 1981, Lord Scarman concluded that the under-representation of minority communities in the police service was a significant part of the problem. Much progress has undoubtedly been made in that area, but it too early to determine whether it was sufficient.