This year has seen heightened controversy over the relationship between rap music and youth violence in urban areas, especially London. ‘Drill’ – a type of gangsta rap known for striking a pose of menace and alienation, set to sparse yet catchy minor-keyed beats – has replaced ‘grime’ as the main focus for concern and condemnation. […]
The pathway to violent extremism: is socio-economic inequality, or our perception of it, to blame?
As part of our new publication ‘OnCohesion’ read Hilary Pilkington’s blog which focuses on violent extremism and what drivers may lead to it. Accurate information about suicide bomber Salman Abedi’s plans, it appears, had been received but its significance was not identified soon enough. Radicalisation research is a relatively new field of study that seeks […]
UK modern slavery policy: the structure of the problem and government commitment
In the context of renewed criticism of the 2015 UK Modern Slavery Act, Rose Broad and Nick Turnbull discuss human trafficking and modern slavery policy development. They find continuities in policy that, despite being repackaged as ‘slavery’ have resulted in unintended consequences and implementation difficulties leading to recently highlighted failures. In the last 12 months, […]
Cohesion again? Learning lessons from the ‘between’
As part of a preview to our new publication ‘OnCohesion’ read Dr Necla Acik and Dr Ajmal Hussain’s blog on why the renewed focus on social cohesion represented in the Mayor’s Independent Commission matters. Manchester’s Commission to tackle violent extremism and promote social cohesion was established because of the Manchester attack in May last year. […]
Little – if any – evidence to suggest increased stop and search can reduce levels of violent crime
The use of stop and search has reduced in recent years in London, but there have been recent calls to increase its use. Matteo Tiratelli argues that a new study finds little, if any evidence, to suggest increased stop and search can reduce levels of violent crime. As violent crime has risen, there’s been a […]
A halt to prosecutions in Northern Ireland – but what does this mean for miscarriages of justice?
Throughout Northern Ireland’s many efforts to deal with its turbulent past Dr Hannah Quirk believes that one group has been overlooked – the victims of conflict-related miscarriages of justice. For her, the Attorney General’s recent suggestion that there should be no more prosecutions for conflict-related crimes highlights the need for a bespoke solution for these […]