For the first time in my life I went to bed in London last night and did not feel safe. I was right to feel that way. Stories are emerging this morning of houses being entered by criminals and householders threatened and no police to attend while your life is at risk.
Neighbours met last night to discuss how we could make our houses more secure as the local shopping mall, Westfield, was surrounded by a ring of steel and security staff with large hungry dogs moved in.
How could we protect our homes and ourselves? One television news reported that householders in one part of London were left to protect their homes with all they had - pots and pans.
The unchecked orgy of gangs of feral scum indulging in criminality, thieving, arson and looting has spread from London to Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool and Nottingham. Police cells in London are full and criminals are being held in other parts of the country. One shop manager had thugs breaking into her shop and telling her they would kill her if she did not open her safe. She escaped to the basement and called the police. Three hours later, none had come. One huge building in Croydon was consumed by fire, and the fire brigade could not get near it because of the presence of thugs.
I can't remember a time when the British people were more angry. And demanding action. And not getting it.
Britain has been shamed across the world, not only by the actions of thousands of criminals, but by our inability to deal with and the total lack of political leadership, most of whom were on holiday. It raises serious question marks about London's ability to secure the 2012 Olympics.
In the midst of this, the bravery of the police, fire and ambulance services has been outstanding. We are planning to cut the pensions, working conditions and numbers of these people (read that again and make sure you understand it in the light of what is happening). But there are not enough of them. And they need more power.
In a crisis, leadership comes before communications. The function of communications in a crisis is to communicate decisions and reassure the public.
What of the relevant leaders in Britain?
The Prime Minister Finally has returned from his holiday in Tuscany, but much too late. Convening a meeting of COBRA (The Cabinet national emergency committee) but not till today, after widespread civil disorder last night that was out of control. Too late. There was no-one from the government appearing on television and radio yesterday in the midst of this appalling emergency. An unbelievable absence of visible leadership which could have created a sense of calm and control. Where was the Deputy Prime Minister? Supposedly in charge but not very visible.
The Home Secretary Theresa May is the Government minister responsible for public order and the police. Made firm and reassuring statements very quickly, returns immediately from holiday. Gives appearance of control, but it's clear this morning she doesn't appear to have the authority to make tough decisions before COBRA meets. She has done a good job but hands appear to be tied. Mrs May, who is a good woman, is very damaged now because in defending forthcoming cuts to the police service said in September 2010 that the Government could cut budgets without risking civil unrest.
The Mayor of London was criticised by newspapers for being slow to return from holiday. He did so, however.
The Acting Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Tim Godwin was a good authoritative presence in media statements yesterday but lacks the authority of being the permanent Commissioner. The reputation of the police was badly damaged in the News International scandal and the previous Commissioner was forced out for political reasons. Now we are paying the price for it.
Local Members of Parliament Some, like Diane Abbott and David Lammy, have done their best to condemn the criminality and call for calm. Others have caused anger by making the frankly daft assertion that criminality was linked to a sense of inequality (as if injustice is righted by stealing flat screen televisions, designer clothes and mobile phones). Nothing has angered the public more. In general a lack of leadership by out of touch politicians (with the above exceptions).
The Leader of the Labour Opposition Ed Miliband weighs in critical of the government - from his holiday in Devon. He's finally prised away from his cream tea to return to the blazing capital.
What needs to be done in crisis communications terms?
1. Significant and tough decisions need to be made by COBRA. The public want the Army to be brought in to re-inforce the Police. Many want an enforced curfew, although I doubt that would work in London which is a 24 hour city.
2. The Prime Minister needs to get out to the media for the rest of the day talking directly to the public. He should also make a Prime Ministerial broadcast. His aim should be to promote calm, address public anger with reassurance of severe consequences
3. An announcement should be made suspending plans to cut the emergency services pending a further review. This will boost the morale of exhausted officers and meet the requirements of the public.
That is just the task list for this morning. As the day progresses, citizens need more information, more advice, more reassurance. How should we protect our homes and ourselves if trouble comes our way? It's time to right the lack of information.
Leaders are judged not by what happens to their organisations or countries, but how they deal with it. So far they have failed this test in the public mind. They probably have 24 hours to put this right.
Neighbours met last night to discuss how we could make our houses more secure as the local shopping mall, Westfield, was surrounded by a ring of steel and security staff with large hungry dogs moved in.
A ring of steel is being erected at the Westfield Shopping Centre in West London.
How could we protect our homes and ourselves? One television news reported that householders in one part of London were left to protect their homes with all they had - pots and pans.
The unchecked orgy of gangs of feral scum indulging in criminality, thieving, arson and looting has spread from London to Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool and Nottingham. Police cells in London are full and criminals are being held in other parts of the country. One shop manager had thugs breaking into her shop and telling her they would kill her if she did not open her safe. She escaped to the basement and called the police. Three hours later, none had come. One huge building in Croydon was consumed by fire, and the fire brigade could not get near it because of the presence of thugs.
I can't remember a time when the British people were more angry. And demanding action. And not getting it.
Britain has been shamed across the world, not only by the actions of thousands of criminals, but by our inability to deal with and the total lack of political leadership, most of whom were on holiday. It raises serious question marks about London's ability to secure the 2012 Olympics.
In the midst of this, the bravery of the police, fire and ambulance services has been outstanding. We are planning to cut the pensions, working conditions and numbers of these people (read that again and make sure you understand it in the light of what is happening). But there are not enough of them. And they need more power.
In a crisis, leadership comes before communications. The function of communications in a crisis is to communicate decisions and reassure the public.
What of the relevant leaders in Britain?
The Prime Minister Finally has returned from his holiday in Tuscany, but much too late. Convening a meeting of COBRA (The Cabinet national emergency committee) but not till today, after widespread civil disorder last night that was out of control. Too late. There was no-one from the government appearing on television and radio yesterday in the midst of this appalling emergency. An unbelievable absence of visible leadership which could have created a sense of calm and control. Where was the Deputy Prime Minister? Supposedly in charge but not very visible.
The Home Secretary Theresa May is the Government minister responsible for public order and the police. Made firm and reassuring statements very quickly, returns immediately from holiday. Gives appearance of control, but it's clear this morning she doesn't appear to have the authority to make tough decisions before COBRA meets. She has done a good job but hands appear to be tied. Mrs May, who is a good woman, is very damaged now because in defending forthcoming cuts to the police service said in September 2010 that the Government could cut budgets without risking civil unrest.
The Mayor of London was criticised by newspapers for being slow to return from holiday. He did so, however.
The Acting Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Tim Godwin was a good authoritative presence in media statements yesterday but lacks the authority of being the permanent Commissioner. The reputation of the police was badly damaged in the News International scandal and the previous Commissioner was forced out for political reasons. Now we are paying the price for it.
Local Members of Parliament Some, like Diane Abbott and David Lammy, have done their best to condemn the criminality and call for calm. Others have caused anger by making the frankly daft assertion that criminality was linked to a sense of inequality (as if injustice is righted by stealing flat screen televisions, designer clothes and mobile phones). Nothing has angered the public more. In general a lack of leadership by out of touch politicians (with the above exceptions).
The Leader of the Labour Opposition Ed Miliband weighs in critical of the government - from his holiday in Devon. He's finally prised away from his cream tea to return to the blazing capital.
What needs to be done in crisis communications terms?
1. Significant and tough decisions need to be made by COBRA. The public want the Army to be brought in to re-inforce the Police. Many want an enforced curfew, although I doubt that would work in London which is a 24 hour city.
2. The Prime Minister needs to get out to the media for the rest of the day talking directly to the public. He should also make a Prime Ministerial broadcast. His aim should be to promote calm, address public anger with reassurance of severe consequences
3. An announcement should be made suspending plans to cut the emergency services pending a further review. This will boost the morale of exhausted officers and meet the requirements of the public.
That is just the task list for this morning. As the day progresses, citizens need more information, more advice, more reassurance. How should we protect our homes and ourselves if trouble comes our way? It's time to right the lack of information.
Leaders are judged not by what happens to their organisations or countries, but how they deal with it. So far they have failed this test in the public mind. They probably have 24 hours to put this right.
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