Decades of individualism, competition and state-encouraged selfishness – combined with a systematic crushing of unions and the ever-increasing criminalisation of dissent – have made Britain one of the most unequal countries in the developed world. Since the Tories came to power just over a year ago, we witnessed multiple student protests, occupations of many universities, several strikes, a half-a-million-strong trade union march and now unrest on the streets of the capital. Each of these events was sparked by a different cause, yet all take place against a backdrop of brutal cuts and enforced austerity measures. Tottenham has the fourth highest level of child poverty in London and an unemployment rate of 8.8%, double the national average, with one vacancy for every 54 seeking work in the borough. Finally, police are not omnipotent. This situation has underlined very clearly that law and order is generally maintained by consent, not coercion.
My view on current affairs, politics, cinema and travel.