London Riots hit St Andrews

The Prime Minister seeks to assert his authority over civil unrest with promise of stronger police presence.

Four weeks since the first outbreaks of violence, a resolute Oliver Leyland has vowed to marshal the armed forces to tackle the civil unrest, in conjunction with the continued efforts of the Metropolitan, and regional Police forces. It is predicted that his pledge of a strategic application of an increased law-enforcing presence will be well-received throughout the country, particularly the further urban areas which are falling to similar outbreaks of disorder.

After weeks of infighting within Parliament as to the appropriate course of action to resolve the aggressive public discontent, the Prime Minister made a bold statement to commit unlimited funds to restoring order. His primary concern, he stated, is the safety of all English citizens. This adds weight to his decision to issue curfews and movement restrictions, in an attempt to localize the disruptions. Residents of many London boroughs, and now also areas of other cities, are reported as being seriously unsafe due to continued looting and arson. The worst-affected London areas are currently Hackney, Croydon, Lewisham and Enfield.

Authority forces appeared to be gaining the upper-hand against protestors during the initial week of violence, but this illusion dissolved when further cities fell to similar states of disorder. Violence against members of the police forces began in earnest during the second week of unrest, and have been continuous since. The Prime Minister also expressed a commitment to tough criminal sentences for all offenders.

The Prime Minister’s statement is viewed as largely motivated by the latest events in Birmingham, where 200 hooded youths assembled yesterday evening, and proceeded to smash windows of cars and shops, terrorize passengers on public transport, and engage in armed looting. 100 teenagers were arrested from within a half-mile wide cordon implemented by the police, but stations are ill-equipped to process and house such a large influx of arrests. Fires continue to blaze across the country, adding further pressure to the emergency services.

Although the violence currently remains limited to metropolitan areas, it does now include Leeds, Bristol, Liverpool and Manchester in addition to London, where the troubles began.

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Performance + transport ticket £10, Performance only ticket £7.

Funded by Mermaids Performing Arts Fund and The Antony Tudor Fund.