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23/09/2008
Britain 'Not Broken', Say Top Ministers
The notion of a 'Broken Britain' has been smashed by the women heading-up homeland security and social cohesion.
Jacqui Smith and cabinet colleague Hazel Blears rejected claims that modern culture has created a generation of disenfranchised youths.
Home Secretary Ms Smith and Communities Secretary Ms Blears spoke out while visiting an inner city project aimed at tackling youth crime.
The politicians met with teenage girls plagued by gang violence in their local area.
The girls form part of the Reclaim project - aimed at steering youngsters away from gang activity in south Manchester, and instead instiling self-respect and pride in not being involved with violence and crime.
"It's a really important project because what it's doing is bringing girls together from different areas of south Manchester which in the past has had a pretty difficult reputation," said Ms Blears.
She described the empowerment of young women as very important, and this particular scheme as personally inspirational.
"It has been quite an inspiration for me. They want a different future for themselves and they are determined to make it happen," said the MP.
"I don't accept Britain is broken. We are not only doing it now, this is one of a number of projects that's been going on for a number of years.
"I think what we are doing here is sowing the roots of something that for many years to come will make a big difference," added Ms Blears.
Meanwhile, the wife of former-Prime Minister Tony Blair has insisted the country is not 'broken' despite ongoing knife crime.
In recent month Cherie Blair has led a high profile campaign, speaking out against gun murders and gang attacks, but now the QC has maintained the UK is "strong".
However, Mrs Blair hinted that incumbent PM Gordon Brown may not be the best leader to tackle the current crisis.
She previously caused controversy by claiming her children would not be safe walking the streets of Britain.
(PR/JM)
Jacqui Smith and cabinet colleague Hazel Blears rejected claims that modern culture has created a generation of disenfranchised youths.
Home Secretary Ms Smith and Communities Secretary Ms Blears spoke out while visiting an inner city project aimed at tackling youth crime.
The politicians met with teenage girls plagued by gang violence in their local area.
The girls form part of the Reclaim project - aimed at steering youngsters away from gang activity in south Manchester, and instead instiling self-respect and pride in not being involved with violence and crime.
"It's a really important project because what it's doing is bringing girls together from different areas of south Manchester which in the past has had a pretty difficult reputation," said Ms Blears.
She described the empowerment of young women as very important, and this particular scheme as personally inspirational.
"It has been quite an inspiration for me. They want a different future for themselves and they are determined to make it happen," said the MP.
"I don't accept Britain is broken. We are not only doing it now, this is one of a number of projects that's been going on for a number of years.
"I think what we are doing here is sowing the roots of something that for many years to come will make a big difference," added Ms Blears.
Meanwhile, the wife of former-Prime Minister Tony Blair has insisted the country is not 'broken' despite ongoing knife crime.
In recent month Cherie Blair has led a high profile campaign, speaking out against gun murders and gang attacks, but now the QC has maintained the UK is "strong".
However, Mrs Blair hinted that incumbent PM Gordon Brown may not be the best leader to tackle the current crisis.
She previously caused controversy by claiming her children would not be safe walking the streets of Britain.
(PR/JM)
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'Frank' new drugs campaign launched
The government has launched a £3 million nationwide drugs awareness programme today for young people to anonymously get information and support on the effects of drug use. The 'Frank' campaign centres on providing young people with credible and reliable information to understand the risks associated with drug use.
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More women die of heart disease than men: WHO report
Contradicting conventional wisdom, the largest-ever worldwide collaborative study of heart disease has found that women are slightly more likely to die from cardiovascular disease (CVD) than men and that heart attacks and strokes kill twice as many women as all cancers combined, the World Health Agency said today. Out of the total 16.
More women die of heart disease than men: WHO report
Contradicting conventional wisdom, the largest-ever worldwide collaborative study of heart disease has found that women are slightly more likely to die from cardiovascular disease (CVD) than men and that heart attacks and strokes kill twice as many women as all cancers combined, the World Health Agency said today. Out of the total 16.
16 January 2006
Theft prevention scheme targets teens
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Theft prevention scheme targets teens
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Labour promise violent crime crackdown
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08 November 2004
Blears promises blitz on ‘drunk and disorderly’
In the run up to Christmas, Home Office Minister Hazel Blears has pledged a blitz on alcohol fuelled disorder and underage drinking. Following a crackdown in many town centres this summer, a further campaign in the December and January period promises to see a cut in alcohol-related violence.
Blears promises blitz on ‘drunk and disorderly’
In the run up to Christmas, Home Office Minister Hazel Blears has pledged a blitz on alcohol fuelled disorder and underage drinking. Following a crackdown in many town centres this summer, a further campaign in the December and January period promises to see a cut in alcohol-related violence.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
