Rifkind - essential to 'tackle lawlessness'

I recently had the chance to see the damage that had been caused during visits to the Ledbury Restaurant and Portobello Road.

Some of those who took part in the looting will have been swept up in the moment, and will have quickly realised the gravity of their mistake once tensions calmed down.

However, it is clear that those drawn to the riots also included a hardened core whose respect for authority had always been minimal.

How should we respond to these developments?

We must begin by noting that while riots sprung up across the country, most problems must be addressed at a local level.

With that in mind, I have met with members of the police, youth workers, business owners and local residents, in order to develop a greater awareness of local expertise and opinion in Kensington.

Steps will also have to be taken to re-order the police's priorities.

The government's determination to address the growing prevalence of gang related violence is a good place to start. However, in time there will need to be broader reforms of the police's presence in London, and their tactics when disturbances begin.

A final priority must be efforts to preserve the mood of the moment.

I have been tremendously impressed by the overwhelming response of the public to the disharmony.

The willingness of members of the public cleaning the streets in the early morning was inspiring, as were those I met at an anti-rioting event in Portobello Road.

The universal condemnation of those who chose to act outside of the law demonstrates both the resilience of our society, and the determination to address this unexpected challenge.

It is essential that this sentiment be maintained in the weeks and months ahead, as efforts to tackle lawlessness will only be successful if based upon strong public support.