Statement on knife and gun crime by the Race Relations Committee to the Black Workers' Conference 2007
STATEMENT ON KNIFE AND GUN CRIME BY THE RACE RELATIONS COMMITTEE TO THE BLACK WORKERS' CONFERENCE 2007
Conference deplores the tragic killings of young people as a result of the knife and gun crime. However, conference is gravely concerned at the suggestion that such killings are a result of black culture or that such violence is a problem for black communities alone
The problem of 'gang warfare' and the associated rise in knife and gun and crime should be regarded as a direct result of the racism institutionalised in British society.
Young people who see themselves as 'outside' society find the camaraderie and the power associated with being a gang member attractive when compared with the alternative of poor employment prospects and a future of economic and social depravation.
The recent shootings have highlighted that there is a crisis within some of Britain's inner cities where the rise in gang warfare has resulted in the senseless killings of young people.
Criminalisation of the people involved in these gangs is proving ineffective as a means of stopping the activity and some gang members now see ASBO's as a 'badge of honour'.
Black communities cannot be expected to 'sort matters out' as they are not responsible for the underlying causes.
The TUC Race Relations Committee resolves to work with the General Council to urgently engage the Home Office and the Police in discussions about how knife and gun crime and gang welfare can be effectively tackled and what preventative steps can be taken.
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