Tories in denial about scale of violent crime, Jeremy Corbyn claims

The Conservative Party is in “denial” about the scale of violent crime, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has claimed.

Analysis of official crime statistics by his party suggested there has been a doubling of attempted murders since the Tories came to power in 2010.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) recorded 523 attempted murders in April 2010 to March 2011 in England and Wales, but in October 2017 to September 2018 there were 1,040 – a 99% increase.

Murders increased by 11% over the same period, and manslaughter rose by 35%.

But infanticide dropped from four in 2010/11 to two in 2017/18.

Earlier this week, Home Secretary Sajid Javid admitted the bloodshed on Britain’s streets has left him fearing for his children’s safety and he set out his blueprint for tackling the “national emergency” of surging violence.

Mr Corbyn said: “The rising scale of violent crime is shocking and clear, but the Tories are in denial.

“The Prime Minister continues to claim there is no connection between her police cuts and soaring levels of violent crime.

“Theresa May should listen to the people whose lives are being turned upside down by crime and to police chiefs around the country.

“As well as recruiting 10,000 more police officers to keep our communities safe, Labour has set out plans for a public health approach to crime.

“In government, Labour will ensure that our police, education, health and other public service workers work more closely together to tackle violent offending and prevent more of these crimes happening in the first place.”

Writing in the Daily Express, Mr Javid said the recent rise in serious violence is “deeply concerning” and millions was being spent on putting more police in hot spot areas and initiatives to link law enforcement with other public services.

The Home Secretary said officers were also being given “the right powers”, including Knife Crime Prevention Orders which aim to prevent young people from getting involved in knife crime without criminalising them.

“I’m determined to do everything in my power to prevent another young life being lost to violent crime,” Mr Javid said.

“The police are a vital part of our response. I will continue to listen and to support them.”