Michael Edwards

Today, we debated progress in the fight against crime in Nottingham.

Crime is down 22% in Nottingham since May 2003, but the Nottingham Tories still weren't happy, citing those elements of the crime statistics that had not shown a reduction.  The Nottingham Tories discerned between the various types of crime and said less progress had been made in those elements causing most distress to the public.  

This after starting the debate by expressing frustration at children playing in the new Old Market Square's water fountains.  Why couldn't PCSOs do something about it!

If you've seen the new fountains, you'll know that kids can play with the water, much as they can in Sheffield's main square. 

The Nottingham Tories had little to say in terms of analysis.  For analysis, we must refer to David Cameron, whose change of political tack was commented upon by Andrew Rawnsley in the Observer.  On Sunday, he wrote the following about David Cameron -

"A year ago, in the speech which became caricatured as Hug a Hoodie, he argued for a sophisticated approach which would concentrate as much on the causes of crime as on its effects. He invited his audience to empathise with why young people became troubled. In a arresting phrase, designed to get the headlines that it did, he said: 'We have to show a lot more love.'  ...

His language this summer has been very different. ... Mr Cameron declared: 'Common sense suggests that with young people you need to hit them where it hurts.' From Hug a Hoodie to Hit a Hoodie. 

So, hug a Hoodie, then hit young people where it hurts, and now Nottingham Tories say caution kids playing in water fountains.