Nigel Farage has stated that his Reform Party, if elected, aims to reduce crime by half. This claim echoes the success of the Labour government during my tenure, which achieved a similar feat by the time we exited office in 2010. Our approach involved increasing police presence on the streets and effectively addressing anti-social behavior, resulting in a significant drop in overall crime rates. This accomplishment was supported by independently verified statistics, ensuring transparency and accuracy in reporting.

Contrary to relying on anecdotal information from uninformed individuals, an ordered society like ours places trust in meticulously compiled and publicly accessible data to gauge the true state of crime. Fear of crime can be as detrimental to public peace of mind as crime itself, highlighting the need for politicians to handle such sensitive issues with care, especially when addressing concerns of vulnerable groups like the elderly.

However, Farage’s recent claim that the Crime Survey for England and Wales is based on inaccurate data lacks substantial evidence. This assertion seems geared towards discrediting prevailing evidence that contradicts his narrative. The introduction of the Crime Survey was a response to the realization that police-recorded crime might not capture the full extent of criminal activities due to underreporting. While the survey may not cover all crimes like shoplifting, reliable data from sources such as the British Retail Consortium fills in these gaps.

Acknowledging the legitimacy of crime statistics also entails recognizing the positive trends they reveal. Over the past two decades, violent crime has decreased by half, burglary by two-thirds, and robbery by 60%. Yvette Cooper’s efforts in deporting foreign criminals have been instrumental in enhancing public safety, a stark contrast to Farage’s alarmist rhetoric about societal breakdown. Cooper’s leadership in policing ensures a proactive approach to maintaining order in our communities.

The recent maturity of the first Child Trust Funds, a concept introduced under Gordon Brown’s welfare reform, signifies a milestone in providing financial security to children as they transition into adulthood. These funds not only grant children a stake in society but also promote savings through initial tax-free contributions. Unfortunately, the closure of this scheme by the coalition government in 2011 went largely unnoticed compared to the outcry over other welfare cuts. Advocating for our children’s future with the same fervor as we do for our elderly population remains a pertinent issue.

Harold Wilson’s legacy in expanding university opportunities has facilitated most ‘A’ level students in securing their desired university placements. Wilson’s initiatives, including the Open University, have democratized higher education, ensuring access for a wider spectrum of individuals historically excluded from academia.