Tough on crime, soft on the causes

In 2004 Tony Blair made a speech blaming the "1960s liberal consensus" for increases in crime. His announcement represented a key element of New Labour's media and communications strategy - appear tough on crime, and maintain good relations with the right-wing media.

This "tough on crime" stance - and the similar stance adopted by the previous Tory government - contributed towards a huge increase in the prison population. Frustratingly, Labour's Blairite law and order policies were implemented in the face of mounting evidence suggesting that, for many offenders, prison was the worst option.

When Blair made his "liberal consensus" speech in 2004, numerous studies had already concluded that prison can increase the likelihood of re-offending. Inmates frequently find themselves unemployed, homeless, or addicted to drugs on leaving prison - factors which are likely to fuel further criminal acts.

Yesterday Kenneth Clarke announced the Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government's new approach to law and order. To the horror of many progressives he appears to be positioning the alliance to the left of Labour on crime and anti-social behaviour.

"We need ... an intelligent and transparent approach to sentencing that targets the causes of reoffending, so making our communities safer and better places to live", said Clarke.

Progressives will wonder how Labour have allowed themselves to be outflanked on the left on law and order. They will ask how Labour failed to make a strong case for reform of the criminal justice system to put rehabilitation at its heart.

The current Labour leadership contest must be seen as an opportunity to restore progressive values to the party's policy on law and order.

Labour must also resist the temptation to attack the coalition government with accusations that they are soft on crime. The Tory/Lib Dem policy is weak because of its dependence on hollow Big Society mumbo-jumbo. It can be attacked without the assistance of Jack Straw and his recent "prison works" comment piece in the Daily Mail.

Labour must change tack on law and order, and realize that strategies developed prior to 1997 will not be effective against this government. Modern Britain is rather fond of the 1960s liberal consensus, and wants to see an end to the vindictive, populist approach of the New Labour Home Secretaries.