""I completely condemn the scenes that we have seen on our television screens and in our communities. The violence and looting is not only shocking but also confusing as it has nothing to do with the shooting in Tottenham. We can only speculate on the motivations of the people who are engaging in this criminal behaviour but one thing is for sure and that is that it is unacceptable.
""I fully understand the concerns of my constituents about safety in our area. I am reassured by the Prime Minister’s comments that people should be in no doubt that the Government will do everything necessary to restore order to Britain’s streets and to make them safe for law abiding citizens.
""Leave within the Metropolitan Police has been cancelled and there are many more police on the streets of London than previously. I pay tribute to the police for the incredible bravery they have shown in confronting the thugs and I commend Barnet Police for the quick and effective manner in which they have dealt with local incidents.
""Hundreds of people have been arrested and the Government is making sure that court procedures and processes are speeded up. Our message to those who are responsible for this wrongdoing and criminality should be clear: they will feel the full force of the law. As the Prime Minister rightly said, if they are old enough to commit these crimes, they are old enough to face the punishment.
""We all need to look out for signs of trouble and inform the police about crowds in town centres and key places. Decent law abiding people must be resolute in our condemnation and rebuttal of violent behaviour.""