TV

London riots debate commissioned by Channel 4

Published Tuesday, Aug 9 2011, 21:28 BST | By Paul Millar | 6 comments

Channel 4 has announced that it will air a live debate on the London riots.

The broadcaster has reserved a one-hour slot on Saturday night as part of its Channel 4 News bulletin.

Presented by ex-News at Noon anchor Krishnan Guru-Murthy, the programme will explore the circumstances which caused the series of rioting and looting that has spread across the capital, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and Bristol.

Dorothy Byrne, head of news and current affairs, said in a statement: "These riots represent a national crisis.

"Confidence in the police to protect public safety has been undermined and many have felt that those in authority have been slow to respond.

"The sight of young people wrecking their neighbourhoods without hindrance has provoked outrage. These events raise some of the most important issues a democracy can face."

The BBC also announced tonight that a live Question Time debate will be shown this Thursday, following news that Parliament has been recalled over the violent protests.

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