Diane Abbott MP

Hackney MP Diane Abbott has warned Hackney will “burn again” in future riots, if the government does not learn lessons from the disorder that wreaked havoc through the borough last summer.

Ms Abbott, who represents Hackney North and Stoke Newington, hosted a discussion about the riots, called “The Fire Next Time”, with various speakers, including young people who participated in the looting, violence and vandalism.

She said: “I love Hackney too much to see it burn again. We must listen to what our young people are telling us and do more.

“They are asking for jobs, for support in achieving their potential, for a stake in their local communities.

“A year on not enough progress has been made and I fear this could lead to a repeat.”

Tottenham police officer, Chief Insp Ade Adelekan, and journalist Tim Newbie, who has worked on the research study Reading the Riots, also attended the event at the House of Commons last Thursday (July 12).