Gang's Riot Role Less Than Thought

Home Secretary, Theresa May has told MPs it appeared the role of organised gangs during the London riots was "not as high as people first thought". Just 19% of those arrested were gang members, but there however, "some evidence" gangs were involved in at least inciting rioting on social media, she said. More than 2,700 people were arrested after violence and looting spread from London to other English cities.

Coroner Efficiencies

Reforms to the coroner system will ensure that inquests are more timely, more efficient and more effective, Minister Jonathan Djanogly said. In an article published this week on the Politics Home website, the Minister wrote that reform "is absolutely necessary to place the needs of the bereaved at the heart of the coroner system and I am committed to achieving this". He added: "My focus is on outcomes, and I am confident these reforms will ensure that inquests are more timely, more efficient and more effective."

Met Boss 'Short List'

The former Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has admitted she is not surprised so few are in the running for the Metropolitan Commissioner's job given the pressures the successful candidate will be under. Ms Smith said that a raft of difficult and multi-layered challenges faced the new incumbent, with budget cuts and potentially difficult political relationships at the top of the list. During a seminar at the London HQ of think-tank Policy Exchange, Ms Smith agreed with current Home Secretary Theresa May, who said she wanted a committed crime fighter as Commissioner, but added that the reality of the role would be complex. She added: "The new Commissioner will be operating at a time where savings have to be made - and that will have to be done through cuts and reform. "The initial work published by Policy Exchange gives some idea of the breadth of change that I think is necessary if we are not going to engage in salami slicing."

(BMcC)