Foreign drug smuggling gangs 'fuel London violence' says MP
EASTERN European gangs smuggling drugs and guns into Britain are fuelling the worst violence on the streets of London for decades, a senior MP said yesterday.
David Lammy admits Sadiq Khan hasn't called him about murders
Former minister David Lammy – who has backed calls to keep free movement of European workers after Brexit – blamed border guard cuts for a rise in foreign gangs drawing local youngsters into crime.
The Tottenham Labour MP also criticised London mayor Sadiq Khan and Home Secretary Amber Rudd for not phoning him, despite four murders and many knife attacks happening in his borough so far this year.
“I’ve been an MP for 18 years and what we’re seeing today is the worst I’ve ever seen it...and there is absolutely no sign of reduction in the violence.”
There was no single cause but he was particularly concerned about the “£11billion cocaine drugs market” which he said “drives the gangs”.
David Lammy MP said drugs fuelled London violence
David Lammy blamed the international drug trade
I’ve been an MP for 18 years and what we’re seeing today is the worst I’ve ever seen it.
"We are the drugs market of Europe and the police and our country has lost control of that drugs market,” he said, adding that children as young as 11 were recruited to deliver drugs.
“We have cut our Border Force. The National Crime Agency is the lead agency and it reports an increase in this activity.”
Mr Khan denied failing to show leadership, insisting: “We are doing what we can, working around the clock to make sure we grapple with this issue.”