Westminster Insider “Lawless” Britain: Rhetoric and reality
17 snips
Dec 2, 2025 
Join Labour MPs Margaret Mullane and Sarah Jones, along with Gavin Stephens from the National Police Chiefs' Council, as they tackle the pressing issues of rising street crime. Mullane voices concerns from her Dagenham constituents about the impact of shoplifting, while Jones discusses government plans to bolster neighbourhood policing and modernize systems. Stephens highlights the balancing act of police visibility and effectiveness, stressing that perception often outweighs reality, especially in the age of social media.
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Phone Snatch On A Commuter Walk
- Patrick Baker describes having his phone snatched by an e-biker while watching news on his iPhone during a walk home.
- He reported it and police said lack of CCTV meant no further investigation.
Shopkeeper's CCTV And No Immediate Police Response
- Margaret Mullane and a councillor witnessed customers helping themselves in Greggs and shops installing glass counters after repeated thefts.
- A cafe owner watched CCTV, identified a thief spending stolen cash, then said police told her they "don't come for robberies" and asked for video links instead.
Stats Versus Street Experience
- Official statistics show serious violent crime has fallen over decades while visible day-to-day offences like shoplifting have risen.
- This mismatch drives a widespread public belief that Britain is becoming lawless.