Veteran broadcaster Selina Scott has launched a scathing attack on London Mayor Sadiq Khan following a violent mugging near the Houses of Parliament, exposing what she calls "a catastrophic failure" in public security.
Broadcaster's Outrage Over Parliament Mugging
The former BBC Breakfast presenter, 72, expressed fury after a brazen daylight robbery occurred just yards from Britain's political heartland. "When even Westminster isn't safe, what hope is there for ordinary Londoners?" Scott demanded in an impassioned statement.
Security Experts Sound Alarm
Crime prevention specialists warn that such incidents near high-security zones reveal dangerous gaps in protection:
- Over 300 violent crimes reported near Parliament this year
- Mobile phone thefts up 42% across central London
- Police response times worsening in 80% of boroughs
"This isn't just about stolen phones," Scott emphasized. "It's about fundamental failures in leadership when citizens can't walk safely in their own capital."
Mayor's Office Defends Record
City Hall sources countered that the Mayor has invested £150 million in violence reduction programs, with a spokesperson stating: "We're working closely with Met Police to tackle street crime through targeted patrols and youth intervention schemes."
However, critics argue visible policing has declined, with former Met Commissioner Lord Blair noting: "When criminals stop fearing consequences, society pays the price."
Public Safety Becoming Election Issue
With local elections approaching, opposition parties are seizing on security concerns:
- Conservatives pledge 5,000 more officers in London
- Liberal Democrats propose dedicated theft taskforces
- Reform UK calls for mandatory sentencing
As political tensions rise, Scott's intervention adds fuel to an already explosive debate about urban safety in post-pandemic Britain.
