According to statistics released by the European Commission, the UK has shown a dramatic increase in violent crimes (77 per cent), such as murders and assaults since Labour came to power.

The figures place the UK at a higher level for violent crime than Europe and America and are now one of the highest in the world.

With 927 murders in 2007, the UK had a higher number relative to the population than many European countries.

The shadow home secretary, Chris Grayling, had the following statement: “This is a real damning indictment of this government’s comprehensive failure over more than a decade to tackle the deep rooted social problems in our society, and the knock-on effect on crime and anti-social behaviour.

“We’re now on our fourth Home Secretary in this parliament, and all we are getting is a rehash of old initiatives that didn’t work the first time round. More than ever Britain needs a change of direction.”

These are bleak times indeed for the United Kingdom.