Humfrey Malins

Conservative Party | Woking

Not how, but when- we need early intervention to fight antisocial behaviour

3 November 2009

In a speech to Parliament, Humfrey has suggested that the continual measures to fight antisocial behaviour over the past 10 years have failed. Speaking in a debate in the House of Commons, he said "The question for me is not how we intervene in relation to antisocial behaviour, but when we intervene. In my view, the earlier we do so the better. For years in the House, I have heard about the introduction of new measures by successive governments. I have heard about new policies, new orders from the courts, acceptable behaviour orders, parenting orders, referral orders, grounding orders, websites, helplines and night courts. The list of initiatives is endless. But does it get us anywhere? I do not think it does, and I think that most people out there in the community realise that that sort of top-down approach is not really effective."

"The myriad orders, agencies, new punishments and new sentences from the courts are no substitute for a good, loving home life with proper role models for young men in our communities and proper discipline in schools, so that people learn from a very early age how to behave properly. I think that the House should focus on that."