VICIOUS new repressive measures are being planned by the Tories. In a desperate bid to divert attention from mass unemployment and the floundering preparing a massive crackdown against youth.
In front of baying Tory MPs supposed Tory press 'softie' Secretary William Whitelaw * THREATENED stop anu scaren powers lo the police. This will restore the blatantly 'sus' law which had allowed police to arrest any black youth they cared to on 'suspicion'.
* PROMISED full backing 'snatch squad' techniques pioneered to pick up "ringheaters turther youth rebellions.
* DEMANDED that judges and nasirale give longer sentences. Two new prisons are to be built economy they are each year to accommodate them. The 'short, sharp shock' LOLLUIC of youth is to be extended.
* APPEALED to fascistminded white 'vigilantes' that they join the part-time police specials.
These promises are in response to a Tory press campaign sponsored by the police. They indicate the next stage of Tory attempts hang ODEL power. Despite the temporary rejection of a reintroduction of capital punishment, the 'hanging and flogging brigade always the apple of Mrs Thatcher's eye clearly have the upper hand.
An example of Tory frenzy is the attempted censure • ot Labour GLC councillor Paul Boateng. He had criticised the pollce for being racist in the wake the Dulrounding the publication racially biased street crime statistics by the London police.
This goes hand in hand Whitelaw's targeting 'liberal' police chief John Alderson for his calls for a return to 'community policing rather than tackling hardline crusader James Anderton who has simply retused work under even a semblance of 'control the Manchester police committee.
It is highly unlikely that youth, black youth especially, be cowed by these new attacks our democratic rights. The problem that weekend's meeting of the North west carried a Transport Union resolution demanding the resignation of James Anderton. This is good. But the labour movement cannot be content ding to the most blatant manifestations campaign.
The Labour leadership already disgraced itself by its failure to defend the vouth during summer's uprisings. In the past they have allowed the initiative to be in the hands of the Tory press to such an extent that Whitelaw is able to be presented as a moderate.
debate in House Commons on 'law and They oracl paulicul should make it known that the Labour Party and the unions intend to defend youth and black people in particular against these new repressive moves ana that the next Labour government will repeal all repressive legislation. This is the least that needs to be done.
• 'law and order' general election.
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