Miliband pledges inquiry into looting and rioting

(Thom Davies)

Labour leader Ed Miliband has pledged that if the Government does not launch a public inquiry into the riots and looting which swept England, then his party will conduct one.

During a visit to Hackney, east London, he said it was imperative for a "national discussion" to address the issues behind the disturbances which have swept the country.

Mr Miliband said those affected by the lawlessness in the area had told him the issues behind the looting included problems with parental responsibility, the relationship between the police and the public, and the lack of opportunities for young people.

He said: "I am determined to make sure that, if the Government doesn't conduct this national conversation that we need, we will do it ourselves at the Labour Party.

"We have got to make sure that it isn't just seven days in August when everybody focuses on these issues and everyone goes away again.

"After all other major disturbances in Britain there has been a proper public commission of inquiry - that is why the Government needs to get on with it.

"I am determined, whatever they do, to have a sustained national conversation with the people of Hackney and of Britain about how we can properly address these causes."

More to follow...