Minister attacks child criminals: Redwood backs youth detention
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.CHILDREN who commit crimes should be treated as criminals, John Redwood, the Secretary of State for Wales, said yesterday.
'Let us not call them probation service clients, disadvantaged youngsters or young offenders. Let us call them thieves, vandals and hooligans to show our disapproval,' he said.
Mr Redwood, who caused controversy by criticising the number of single mothers on one Welsh estate, used a speech to Welsh businessmen to support the measures announced at the Conservative Party conference by Michael Howard, the Home Secretary, for young offenders to be detained.
'The idea that the yobs who do these things have no choice, that they are creatures of circumstance, is nonsense. They are not prisoners of time and place - they should be prisoners at Her Majesty's pleasure if nothing else will stop them,' Mr Redwood said. Parents and teachers should take more responsibility for imposing discipline on children.
'A 10-year-old should not be out of control. Parents should know where their children and younger teenagers are after dark. If we do not deal firmly and quickly with the 10-year- olds we will have little chance when they are 15.
'People know intuitively that the task of parents, teachers and relatives is to encourage young people to take responsibilty for their lives.
'Most children need and respect a framework of discipline. It is a pity some educationalists have been reluctant to give them one. If children misbehave outside school, neighbours, parents and friends have to tell each other and take action. If children misbehave at school it is up to teachers to sort it out.'
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments