The riots have spilled over into Hackney and Hackney Green Party (HGP) continues to stand for a message of peace and non-violence.

We urge that the violence (only committed by a minority of people) isn't used as an excuse to undermine civil liberties or introduce harsher ways of curtailing unrest.

It is clear that the actions of these young people are no longer in the name of demonstration, protest or of raising awareness about the investigation surrounding Mark Duggan’s death, but of mindless violence and opportunism. The riots are the last thing Hackney needs and people should resist letting themselves get carried away by the excitement of violence.

Those of us who love Hackney must work together to continue to promote its many positive sides. It will take time to rebuild our community and to undo the damage to the opinion people will hold of Hackney after the violence and looting. Hackney will stand united and we celebrate the community spirit demonstrated by the riot clean-ups.

These riots are taking place in some of the most deprived boroughs in London and England(1)– with some of the highest unemployment and crime rates in England(2) and a lack of opportunities for young people. Services for young people are still being cut – Hackney Council has announced the cut of over 90 youth service jobs(3). This will have a negative impact on the borough, in particular youth crime and we wish the best for organisations and communities who are already working to create opportunities and recreation spaces for the youth of Hackney in order to prevent similar unrest in the future.

Mustafa Korel
Hackney Green Party Campaigns Officer
http://www.greenparty.org.uk