I wonder how much is actually because drug business is under threat. This has been the case in the US with the crack business hierarchy but here?

COYP

The problem is that, as a whole, the British left has always primarily defined itself by what it is against, as opposed to what it is for.

You can go back to Orwell who, in a British political world that was for all intents and purposes 100% white,argued that many Lefties did not actually like the poor nor really care about their fate but rather were driven more by a loathing of those richer than them.

Throw in the complexities, and nuances, of the identity politics of today and you get the insanity of the current situation in which poor white young male lives are deemed to be of so little political interest that the authorities can get one with what is required to stop them killing each other where as these black kids are effectively being almost given a freedom to stick knives in each other because wealthy/powerful left wingers would rather not confront what is required to stop it.

All I do know for certain is that the utter and catastrophic consequences for parents when they lose a child in such a pointless crime must be equally horrendous no matter your skin colour or culture. With the added injustice that the UK has a blue-print to prevent it. The Glasgow experience has been incredible in terms of its success.

And whilst I accept that you cannot apply it to the current problem in London on a word for word basis, I also refuse to believe that it does not contain the basics that would bring a halt to this current murderous wave.

The only question is why it is not being done? And all I can put that down to is that reality that for many in the British political spectrum, Black Lives simply do not matter enough.

"The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command." - 1984 - George Orwell.

A few years ago one of the councillors in Lewisham - Dwayne Brooks (remember him?) - wanted to introduce a free service so local youths would get text alerts telling them which areas the police would be operating stop and search each day

Dwayne is running for Mayor of Lewisham. Saw a video he made "Lewisham has problems I can fix them". He didn't explain what problems and how he could fix them. I believe he is running as an independent so no chance as Lewisham is solid Labour.

We have to re-introduce stop and search. Critics point out that many people who are stopped are not carrying but it is a deterrent. If teenagers start to complain to each other that they are being harnessed by the police they are less likely to carry a knife. If they don't feel they will be randomly stopped, well we can all see the results.

One more point

I'm sure that the mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters who have all lost loved ones would think it a worthwhile inconvenience

Yes. From those being stopped. Problem is the psychosis linked to skunk use, especially in young people.

Who knows on those protesting on their behalf.

COYP