Naz Shah MP: 'Anti-social behaviour cannot be left unchallenged'

We enter the new Parliamentary term at a time of significant national challenges, and I will be working hard to ensure the people of Bradford West are able to get the best possible deal when it comes to the cost-of-living crisis, on jobs, investments and so much more.

However, there are also several local issues in Bradford which have been raised to me by constituents that I intend to use the new Parliamentary term to address.

I have received correspondence from an increasing number of constituents who have raised their concerns about anti-social behaviour in and around the Bradford area.
Therefore, tackling anti-social behaviour will be a key local priority for me.

Indeed, when looking at crime statistics, anti-social behaviour crimes amount to a significant proportion of crime which occurs locally.

It is clear to me that anti-social behaviour cannot be left unchallenged. These crimes have a significant impact on the quality of life and well-being of people across Bradford, and we must do what we can to ensure we can tackle this head-on.

In relation to anti-social behaviour, I will be leading campaigns to lobby government on two major issues: incidents relating to noise nuisance from fireworks and the use of nitrous oxide - “laughing gas”.

On fireworks, I have previously raised the issue in a Parliamentary Debate and have also tried to raise awareness of the matter by working with local groups such as Bradford4Better.

However, the fact that I am still receiving correspondence from constituents relating to the issue suggests that a solution to the problem has not been found, and the current approach is not good enough.

The loud noises created by fireworks being set off at unsociable hours, has had a profound impact on wildlife, pets, children, individuals with disabilities and the elderly. I also understand that many have struggled from the lack of sleep, stress and anxiety as a result fireworks being set off on a nightly basis in some areas.

Having spent a huge amount of time in the constituency over the recess period, I myself have been alarmed by the constant disruption caused by the fireworks into the early hours of the morning.

Whilst I understand that to many, fireworks are part of sociable events like weddings and other special occasions, they are being used during unsociable hours, often to the detriment of the most vulnerable in our society. Therefore, going forward, this is a matter which I will continuously raise in Parliament.

I will be pushing for there to be a tightening of rules and restrictions as well as examining the licensing surrounding the sale of fireworks, particularly to underage children.

Already this week, as Labour’s Shadow Minister for Crime Prevention, I have challenged the government Minister on the lack of action on anti-social behaviour, as well as the inept legalisation that fails to tackle fireworks from becoming a nuisance in our communities.

Moreover, we are seeing an alarming spike in young people inhaling so-called “laughing gas” (nitrous oxide) from balloons.

Worryingly, this is becoming a fast-growing trend without young people understanding the real dangers of inhaling 'laughing gas’. Whilst many young people may be told this is only there to provide a short-term ‘high’ that makes them laugh, what they are often unaware of, is how deadly this drug can be.

Just this week doctors have warned that the use of this drug is becoming an “epidemic” in young people, including those aged between 11-15. Inhaling nitro-oxide is the third most common cause of death by substance misuse. In England and Wales between 2001 and 2020, 56 deaths (eight per cent) were linked to nitrous oxide, with the vast majority (45) of those registered since 2010. Almost, monthly, we are now hearing of deaths due to this dangerous drug.

Additionally, this week Bradford Crown Court sentenced a 27-year-old man for three-and-a-half years for dangerously flipping his car, whilst overtaking a Porsche and injuring a young female passenger. The young man, at the time of the crash, was inhaling laughing gas.

The reality is this drug is becoming an epidemic throughout Bradford. Previously, I have supported local campaigners such as Sofia Buncy MBE to raise awareness on this issue.

As the problem is growing in Bradford, I believe we need serious legislative action in this area and therefore I will be making this a priority to raise in Parliament.

At a time when our communities are facing so many challenges, it is important that local issues such as anti-social behaviour are not neglected. I for one, will be making these issues my priority.