Violent crime increases in UK but Blair attacks peaceful G8 protesters
za | 19.07.2001 05:14
Home Office crime statistics released on Thursday suggest that recorded violent crimes have increased by 4.3% in the 12 months ending in March, but 31 of the 43 police forces solved fewer cases.
Blair targets G8 protesters
Tony Blair has launched his strongest attack yet on the protesters who plan to disrupt the G8 meeting of world leaders in Genoa this week.
Ahead of Mr Blair's pre-summit meeting with US President George W Bush in London, the prime minister's official spokesman said that the protesters were "misguided and wrong".
"Small groups of anarchists and hooligans have been using legitimate protest as a vehicle for causing chaos and mayhem"
Prime Minister's spokesman
"The public should reject their arguments", he said.
Tony Blair's New Labour government was elected in May with the direct support of less than 25% of the population eligible to vote.
za
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