UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

Tom Cruise, playing the part of Chief John Anderton in The Minority Report, headed up the department of pre-crime and was responsible for arresting criminals before they committed their misadventures. I wonder whether Jack Straw, Secretary of State for Justice, doesn't think of himself as the man who will detect and prevent criminal activity and mete out punishment on the basis of the possibility that a misdoing is about to take place.

Shay Clipson, a (former) magistrate from Grimsby, has been booted out of her job for criticising the police. Mr Straw said:

"It is clear that by mentioning you were a magistrate and then criticising the police, the two issues became linked and therefore there is doubt whether you would be able to consider matters involving the police impartially."

So there it is. You're employed. There is no suggestion that you've done a poor job. Then your 13-year-old daughter has the shit kicked out of her for being Welsh by a gang who has warned her of the upcoming beating. Despite your asking first the school and then the police to intervene, they refuse. Naturally, you complain about the inaction and the next thing you know you're out of a job because the police report your behaviour to the local bench committee.

So I'm wondering if the local bobbies are going to be joining civvie street or if they can continue to sit on their arses at Her Majesty's leisure.

I'm also wondering about the Government's Children's Plan. Back in December, Children's Secretary Ed Balls launched the programme saying:

"We have been listening to parents, teachers, professionals and children and young people and the Children's Plan responds to their concerns. Over the next ten years I believe this plan will herald a radical change in the range of positive activities for our young people and a revolution in the way parents are involved in their child's education."

What Mr Balls did not say is that the Government will not tolerate parents getting involved in their child's education. Meanwhile, here's the range of positive activities that the local constabulary permitted a gang to undertake upon Ms Clipson's daughter:

• racial abuse
• spit on her
• stub out cigarettes in her hair
• throw her into the traffic on a busy road
• kick her unconscious on the school playground
• enjoy watching the show on YouTube

So perhaps it comes as no suprise that the UK, according to the Children's Rights Alliance for England (Crae), fails to meet the minimum standards set out in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified by the UK in 1991. Mr Balls today admits that a good childhood is not a reality for evey child but pledges to do all he can to make this a "golden age for our children".

One suggestion: the police should intervene in situations where a child is walking the 'green mile' to a gang beating. Maybe schools should also be required to get involved. When 90% of children say they would consider carrying a knife or gun if they felt unsafe, it's time to do a little more than spend £3m on a 'viral' information campaign.

Threatening to shut down underperforming schools is probably not the solution either.

Just a thought.
Lord Goring