Last night’s spate of acid attacks across north-east London offers compelling evidence that more must be done to end the use of corrosive liquids in violent crimes. Such assaults are seemingly carried out with random casualness, yet the impact on victims is frequently life-changing. There have been a staggering 838 acid attacks in the capital since 2015.
Historically, the use of corrosive substances has been associated with domestic abuse and other crimes motivated by hate. Increasingly, however, acid has become a commonplace weapon among gangs, used to disable victims of robbery. It has the advantage of being relatively cheap and easily available. It works quickly, too, and can be thrown from a distance, meaning there is less chance of an attacker finding himself in a struggle.
Restricting the sales of the most dangerous substances is the key. Plainly, there are many household products that have corrosive properties and it is not realistic to take these off the shelves, although age restrictions could be introduced — as they have been in relation to knives.
When it comes to full-strength acids, tougher action is needed. Sulphuric acid is a “reportable explosives precursor” so sellers are already under an obligation to report suspicious sales to the police. Buying a small quantity, however, is unlikely at present to set alarm bells ringing. Cressida Dick, the Met Commissioner, indicated this morning that the police are working closely with the Home Office to review current laws — those discussions should lead to a more rigorous regulatory regime.
We can learn something from the example of Bangladesh, where acid violence — mostly against women — has been significantly reduced by limiting sales and increasing penalties. The Government must follow suit if it is to tackle the acid scourge here.
An American in Paris
On Bastille Day, France marks the overthrowing of an old, failing elite by a popular revolt. More than two centuries on, two leaders of modern popular revolts have come together in Paris to take part in the celebrations.
On the surface, Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron couldn’t appear more unalike. Mr Trump is the 71-year-old Right-wing reality TV star, who harnessed the anger of white working-class Americans at globalisation to capture the White House. Mr Macron is the 39-year-old Centrist ex-philosopher, who channelled France’s anxiety about its place in the world into a movement that celebrates modernity and internationalism. Yet, judging by their appearance together at today’s military parade in Paris, the two men seem comfortable in each other’s company.
Perhaps that is because they recognise they have a lot in common. Messrs Trump and Macron won power by overthrowing the old political establishments; both are confident in their own abilities; they each relish the grandeur of the big stage; they share a taste in Empire-style gold furniture and mirrored halls (Macron prefers the original; Trump the replica); and both leaders are intent on making their countries great again.
Of course, Mr Trump was supposed to be visiting London this summer. Announced in January as an early success for Brexit Britain’s diplomacy, the trip was quietly cancelled a few weeks ago. The suspicion was that the newly enfeebled Government here wanted to avoid more controversy. But Downing Street sources said it was Mr Trump himself who had been put off by prospect of large scale protests in London. The risk of similar protests in Paris, however, don’t seem to have deterred him.
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It’s all a bit of a mystery. All we know for sure, looking at the pictures from Paris, is that Mr Trump likes hanging out with winners.
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