London Riots Cause Distress in England

I have begun my adventure in England during one of the most critical times in Britain's history. The London riots began the day after I arrived in the country and have rapidly spread throughout the West Midlands, where I have been living for over a week now.

The riots began on Friday after a peaceful, planned protest against the killing of 29-year-old Mark Duggan, a man whom London police had scheduled a planned arrest for under the name of Operation Trident. Duggan was shot and killed by police who said he was armed with a gun.

From what I have gathered thus far from my fellow English civilians, English police are not using as much force as needed. I have heard from taxi drivers to shop owners to those walking down the street that the riots should be classified as terrorism.

After the killing of three Birmingham residents two days ago, residents of the West Midlands have said enough is enough, wishing that police officers were able to carry guns for more protection.

My own plans to visit a West Midlands police station with my English friend and policewoman Cathy were disrupted as she was called in to Birmingham to help the situation.

Prime Minister David Cameron earlier this year had proposed to cut the British policeforce by 16,000 officers as they were seemingly unneeded. It has now been confirmed that these cuts will take place. However, situations like these in England have proved most vital for the British police force.

A few others I have talked to about the riots have claimed that the violence is most likely in result of the Tories in office, claiming that the people of Britain are fed up with the Tory policies.

However, whatever may be the real reason behind why the riots sprang from such an act, there has been an alarming amount of youths involved and English police promise that they will prosecute every single last person to be seen on CCTV participating in the looting in any way possible, regardless of age.

I am traveling to London tomorrow afternoon and am curious to see the travel restrictions I may come across or possible acts of aggression. With the 2012 Olympics in London being only just a year away, the city of London has taken a few hard hits the past week as well as the West Midlands.