Opinion
Panel examining the riots lacks independence and teeth
To ensure the avoidance of politically expedient explanations, a public inquiry into the unrest should have been established, says Patrick Vernon
UK riots: don’t shut these kids out now
Put the shutters up on the shops, but not in our minds. A punitive and condemning reaction simply mirrors the alienation so many already experience
I’m in two minds over the riots
Half of me wants to whack the rioters with a cricket bat, and the other half blames the world, for being unfair
The militarisation of policing the riots would be a deadly mistake
Yes, we must regain control of the streets, but loose talk about rubber bullets and water cannon will achieve nothing
Leader: Sainsbury’s is wrong to use PR firm that boasts about overcoming residents’ opposition
Gung-ho PR firm choice will backfire for supermarket giant
Telling Ken: the Livingstone roadshow
A public meeting in North Hackney showed Labour’s mayoral candidate in platform-building and listening mode
Young Londoners still don’t feel police are on their side
Boris Johnson has given youth violence a high profile, but needs to ask whether stop-and-search does more harm than good
Leader: Healthy public debate is crucial for Hackney democracy
Cllr Linda Kelly’s defection raises issues about how councillors can best represent and communicate with their constituents
The buck has to stop with Sharon Shoesmith
There is no point making scapegoats of frontline staff. A case such as Baby P’s requires top managers to take responsibility
The Localism Bill: more power to the people
A Conservative councillor considers what this legislation, currently making its way through Parliament, could mean for Hackney residents
Hackney GPs speak out against government’s ‘destruction’ of the NHS
Local doctors express concern over the coalition government’s proposed health and social care reforms
AV: electoral reform is good for Hackney
A Hoxton resident gives his view on why we need to change how we elect our MPs
There is no such thing as a ‘free school’ for Hackney
A local resident explains why we should be concerned about plans for a publicly-funded school that has no democratic accountability
Popularity should not dictate public health policy
Andrew Lansley’s moves on tobacco are welcome – but waiting for a swing in public opinion to act is the counsel of despair
Justice For All campaigners seek support for Legal Aid
Hackney Citizens Advice Bureau explains how the proposed cuts to free legal advice will affect those in need