THERE was a surprise customer dropping in for a cuppa and a slice of cake at Tilehurst café today – Sir Keir Starmer.
The Labour leader dropped into the Dee Caf Community Café in Spey Road to meet with residents and party members.
He heard their stories about anti-social behaviour and called for action.
The venue won the Business in Action award at last year’s Pride of Reading awards and is based in the heart of the Dee Park estate.
Keir Starmer, Leader of the Labour Party, told Reading Today he was in town to listen to the people he met.
“In Reading today, I heard from residents about just how deeply antisocial behaviour affects their lives. Everyone has the right to feel safe in their community and must never feel intimidated going about their daily lives,” he said.
“Respect is something I care deeply about. I served as Chief Prosecutor for five years because I believe those who respect the law must be protected, victims must get justice and those who flout the law must carry the consequences.”
With the forthcoming general election in mind, he continued: “The people of Reading deserve better than Conservative failure.
“The Tories talk tough, but look at their record, not their rhetoric. They’ve allowed antisocial behaviour to spiral in Reading, suppressing growth in our communities and undermining respect across Britain.
“With my changed Labour Party, Britain’s authorities will get the tough powers and extra manpower they need to stamp out the crime and disorder of Tory Britain.
“Labour will bring confidence and pride back to our communities.
“We’ll take Reading back from the yobs. And we will bring respect back to Britain.”
Tilehurst will be part of the new Reading West seat at the forthcoming general election. Labour and the Conservatives have yet to select a candidate for this seat.
The Liberal Democrats have selected Helen Belcher, the Greens have chosen Carolyne Culver, and Adrian Abbs will stand as an independent.
