Teather backs residents pleas for 'Not another drop'

11.41.31am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 12th Sep 2005

Local Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Teather yesterday attended the anti-gun crime march in Kensal Green organised by local residents. Speaking at the march the local MP reiterated her continuing support for the 'Not another drop' campaign.

The Brent East MP also vowed to lobby the Government and Brent Council over youth services in Brent. The local MP believes that an increased provision of youth services would help deter youngsters from crime.

Local Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Teather said:

"This march is so important for us in Brent because we all stood together across the community to say 'no more violence'. Everyone at the march is united in the call for 'not another drop'.

"There has been far too much blood shed in Brent. I don't want to meet another mother who has lost a son or daughter taken from them before they have lived. The message to those who commit these cowardly crimes is that it has to stop.

"I would like to pay tribute to the organizers of the march, particularly those who have lost loved ones. Their courage in speaking out and raising awareness the anti-gun campaign are to be applauded by the entire community. They are determined that their children's lives will not be taken in vain.

Commenting on the provision of youth and leisure services in Brent, Sarah Teather MP said:

"Brent has a scandalous lack of youth and leisure facilities. All the evidence says that providing better support networks and investing in better facilities cut youth crime.

"Labour politicians must hold their hands up for the shameful provision of youth facilities in Brent. It is far too easy to come down and show up in front of the cameras, what we need is real action to provide facilities for young people."