British Prime Minister David Cameron has recalled Parliament from its summer recess for an emergency debate on the recent wave of riots in London and several other cities in the U.K. Today, Cameron and Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne went before lawmakers to be questioned on the government’s latest efforts.
Opposition Leader Ed Miliband and House of Commons members asked the Prime Minister this morning to detail the government's latest plans in reaction to the riots. Attempting to reassure the nation, Cameron said that Britain will not allow a "culture of fear on its streets." He added that it is now time for the U.K. "to pull together" and said that authorities are considering restrictions on social media and curfew.
During a two and a half hour question and answer session, Cameron reiterated that any homeowner or business affected by the riots can seek compensation under the Riot Damages Act - whether insured or not. He also said that Parliament’s Home Affairs Select Committee will hold hearing on the London riots when the body returns from thier summer recess.
After Cameron answered 160 questions for 2.5 hours, U.K. Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne followed with a statement on the state of the U.K. economy and took Member's questions.
Osborne opened his remarks by saying that Britain has entered the "Most dangerous time for the economy since 2008." He added that the government’s "expectations for this year's growth have fallen."
Stating his faith in British banks, Osborne used his speech to defend the nation's spending cuts bill, known as the Austerity Plan. He also criticizes the U.S. stimulus plan by claiming that the decision to borrow and spend more in response to the global recession has produced weak growth in the U.S.
So far, more than 450 arrests have been made and authorities have tripled the number of police on the ground since the riots began last Saturday.