UK riots: pass me a brick!

Official statistics from the Ministry of Justice and Home Office on the UK riots (August 2011) were revealed today. They contradict Iain Duncan Smith's (Secretary of State for Work and Pensions)  view that gang members played a significant role in causing the riots. Instead, the figures show that the overwhelming majority (87%) were not gang members, but were from socio-economically deprived areas and low educational backgrounds. More than two thirds of the young people involved were classed as having special educational needs and one third had been excluded from school in the past year. More than 42% received free school meals.

These figures should prompt the Government to investigate the root causes of the disturbances. They should start by listening to the youth involved and asking how they view their society and community - They could ask about the increasing divide between rich and poor, job prospects, or whether people feel that they have a role within the local community. Then, they could reflect on their cuts (£95 billion over next five years) as introduced in March. Large-scale cuts on public services always disproportionately affect the poor and vulnerable, increasing social inequality.

Perhaps, they will find that the problems do not lie with the rioters, but with a society which promotes inequality through unrestrained capitalism. A society that creates temporary happiness based on social comparison and materialism. Research by Unicef suggests that the UK is one of the worst places to live as a child or teenager in the developed world – largely thanks to the growing gulf between the haves and have-nots.

After investigating root causes, the Government could decide to create policies designed to tackle social inequality (although they've shown no interest yet, but fingers crossed). Or, they may continue to blame gang members, failed multi-culturalism and bad policing. Whatever they decide, it will be up to us to support, respect, love, or just tollerate one another. Struggle brings people together - whether it is to smash corporate windows, or clean up the mess.