Sunderland Echo

Sir Keir due in city to make pledge against violence

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Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is due in Sunderland to make a stand against the rise of youth violence.

SirKeirisv­isitingthe­North East, North West and West Midlands this week touring his ‘Contract with the British People’–whichhesay­sguarantee­ssecurity,prosperity­andrespect for all.

The Labour leader was expected in Sunderland today with Northumbri­a police and crime commission­er Kim McGuinness, to see what he says is the powerful work she is undertakin­g to provide securityfo­ryoungpeop­leandthe communitie­s she represents.

It comes as new research published by Labour claims thecostofs­eriousviol­entyouth crime to the taxpayer is £11billion, amid what the party calls an explosion of county lines drug operations and violent offending.

Sir Keir says youth violence is a key issue under his leadership,havingseen­first-handthe importance­ofpreventa­tiveservic­es and early interventi­on in cutting offending.

In a visit to Sunderland, Starmer will pledge “a Labour

Government will tackle the shocking lack of security being felt by young people and communitie­s up and down the country as a direct result of complacent inaction by this Tory Government.”

Sir Keir said: “Boris Johnson and his Government do one thing and say another, and that’s no more evident than whenitcome­stolawando­rder.

"The Conservati­ves are soft on crime and soft on the causesofcr­ime,andwe’reallpayin­g the price. The Tories are creating a perfect storm of failing communitie­s that don’t feel safe, failing to tackle violent crime, and failing to provide the ambition and opportunit­ies young people need to make positive choices.”

 ?? ?? Sir Keir Starmer has concerns over youth violence.
Sir Keir Starmer has concerns over youth violence.

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