Typical furore over early release prison sentences. The RWPress are wetting themselves trying to humiliate Burnham. I would point out that it takes 7 years to build a prison – who was in power for the first 5 years of the last 7? Dumbass stupidity to complain about it now. And then has the crime rate increased with austerity (under the Tories). Letting prioners out early has long been a policy followed by successive governments. Re-offending rates are much too high, over half of all inmates have learning difficulties. None of my comments will take away the very real trauma of victims of crime. Over 10% are foreign nationals – deport them once they have served a commensurate amount of time for their offences. Prison should be a punishment, but is it commensurate with the offence – a retired lady holding up a poster saying “I support Palestinian Action, stop the genocide” has not commited an act of terrorism (what ever the law says) and should not be taking up space intended for real criminals. Also many people are convicted of offences induced by circumstance – surely in the 21st century we can develop a form of tagging to keep offenders away from vulnerable spots. Society also needs to highlight the cost of crimes like shoplifting; can shops have alarms that are activated when a convicted shoplifter enters, or attempts to enter. Domestic violence and violence towards women needs careful examination of how to counter – the internet needs and demands some governmental control. Perhsps we should follow the Dutch example where prison spaces are not filled!
Climate change – France estimates that 5700 people died due to the heat wave in June. 9 million tonnes of grain crops have been lost due to the heatwave in Western Europe worth £1.7 billion – this will have an impact on food prices. Trump’s war with Iran is escalating again, oil prices are up at the pumps in the UK, going past £1.50 a litre for petrol. The guy is a fucking maniac – his latest is to help Saudi Arabia develop nuclear weapons – how can that make the world a safer place? Could Trump be rehabilitated? Unlikely – he is too rich and emboldened by his wealth and power!