Cameron pledges to repair Britain's 'broken society'

Prime Minister David Cameron has pledged to repair the damage caused to Britain's reputation by the worst riots in living memory, just a year ahead of London hosting the Olympic Games. “We need to show the world, which has looked on frankly appalled, that the perpetrators of the violence we have seen on our streets are not in any way representative of our country, nor of our young people,” Cameron said. “We need to show them that we will address our broken society, we will restore a stronger sense of morality and responsibility in every town, in every street and in every estate.” he said. “A year away from the Olympics, we need to show them the Britain that doesn’t destroy, but that builds; that doesn’t give up but stands up; that doesn’t look back, but always forwards.” he told MPs Thursday after recalling parliament following the riots, The prime minister on Wednesday condemned the “sickness” in parts of British society as he announced that police were ready to use plastic bullets and water cannons if necessary for the first time on mainland Britain to confront and defeat four successive nights of rioting around the country. In his speech to parliament, he referred to the “deeper problems” in the context of the riots “with children growing up not knowing the difference between right and wrong.” Unlike many who have pointed to the widening inequalities and lack of opportunities for some in British society, Cameron argued that it was “not about poverty.” “It’s about culture. A culture that glorifies violence, shows disrespect to authority, and says everything about rights but nothing about responsibilities,” he said in blaming parents for not looking after their children properly. “The potential consequences of neglect and immorality on this scale have been clear for too long, without enough action being taken,” the prime minister said. “There is no one step that can be taken. But we need a benefit system that rewards work and that is on the side of families. We need more discipline in our schools. We need action to deal with the most disruptive families.” “And we need a criminal justice system that scores a clear and heavy line between right and wrong. In short, all the action necessary to help mend our broken society,” he told MPs.