A controversial petition calling for anyone convicted of rioting in London to be stripped of benefits has amassed 69,000 signatures since its launch. The petition, created by Stephen Mains and entitled “Convicted London rioters should loose [sic] all benefits” is currently gaining signatures at a rate of over 5,000 an hour. The petition has polarised the blogosphere with some throwing their weight fully behind it and others claiming that it is blatant class warfare.
The fact that the punitive action concerns the loss of benefits implies that only those from poorer parts of the capital are taking part, which is not the case. As it stands already, many far right groups are already taking advantage of the rioting to promote their own agendas.
If indeed this was to go ahead, many young people would face even bleaker futures than they might do already: no job prospects, no real education and no money- conditions which would surely only exacerbate the events that have already taken place.
The government has promised that parliament will consider for debate any petition that reaches 100,000 signatures.
What do you think?
