Thread by @docrussjackson

Darren Rodwell, leader of Barking & Dagenham council, & according to the @guardian "a rising figure in the @UKLabour party" is threatening to evict families if their children do not inform on people who commit knife crime.

I'm no expert, but WTAF?

theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/j…

Rodwell’s threat of eviction presents young people with a horrific & potentially life-threatening dilemma between fear of retribution if they inform, & the risk of their families losing their homes if they don't.

Imho, no child should ever be forced to face this decision.

The council said it would rehouse families if providing evidence placed them at risk. "IF"? And to where? This sounds crazy.

A London-based youth worker said the policy put the emphasis “on vulnerable young people, rather than tackling the inequalities that lead to knife crime”.

“The young people I work with are already scared by the risks they face every time they go outside. Making them & their families face sanctions like this will only increase their vulnerability & marginalise them further” - Jamie Masraff, CEO Onside, a charity running youth clubs.

In October, Rodwell was elected to replace Margaret Hodge as a @UKLabour MP candidate, despite him joking at a #BlackHistoryMonth event that he had “the worst tan possible for a black man”.

Any passing resemblance to #30pLee is purely coincidental... 😬

theguardian.com/politics/2022/…