Daily Politics from the New Statesman Is London a crime-ridden cesspit?
Jan 17, 2026
This week, the conversation dives into London's crime narrative, questioning whether the city truly is a chaotic mess. They dissect Labour's political U-turns, particularly on the controversial digital ID policy. A critique of Kemi Badenoch's misleading crime heatmap sparks debate on public perception of safety. They explore the psychological impact of petty crimes and the alarming spending on government consultancies. Adding humor, they tackle cultural critiques, screen time's impact on kids, and the absurdity of sensational headlines.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Chaos Creep Explains London’s Unease
- London feels less safe due to visible, low-level disorder rather than violent crime statistics.
- Anoush Chakelian calls this phenomenon "chaos creep": creeping public-realm decline that everyone notices.
Low Clear-Up Rates Fuel Distrust
- Many offences go unresolved, reinforcing public frustration and visible disorder.
- Anoush highlights that only tiny fractions of phone thefts and car thefts result in charges or solves.
Moving To London Felt Safer
- Will Dunn recounts feeling safer on many London streets than in some smaller towns when he moved at 18.
- The memory illustrates how perceptions of safety can differ by place and experience.