We reproduce information and comments from the Community Development Exchange (CDX):

“The past month has seen scenes of unrest and civil disturbances across the UK which have shocked us all. It has led to debates and questions being raised about society, and more importantly how we got to these scenes of civil unrest. CDX reaction to the riots can be seen in our CEO Nick Beddow comments on the NatCan website.

However, a picture of Londoners with their brooms in the air has become a symbol of hope and community solidarity against those who sought to destroy local communities.

Some of the measures the Government have announced are:

• National Service (not the old style army version but instead a relaunch almost of Cameron’s original idea of volunteering national service for young people)
• A national panel to review the riots
• Advisor from USA to advise on the police (this has been met with some concern from the Police who think that the Government are undermining them)
• Training through Tenant Panels so people in riot hit cities can take control

Many have been shocked by Ken Clarke comments on the ‘feral underclass’ who he claims have caused the riots.   Toby Blume sums up reaction to this comment in his blog “‘feral underclass, or feral ‘overclass’?”.”