Britain 'Not Broken', Say Top Ministers

The notion of a 'Broken Britain' has been smashed by the women heading-up homeland security and social cohesion.

Jacqui Smith and cabinet colleague Hazel Blears rejected claims that modern culture has created a generation of disenfranchised youths.

Home Secretary Ms Smith and Communities Secretary Ms Blears spoke out while visiting an inner city project aimed at tackling youth crime.

The politicians met with teenage girls plagued by gang violence in their local area.

The girls form part of the Reclaim project - aimed at steering youngsters away from gang activity in south Manchester, and instead instiling self-respect and pride in not being involved with violence and crime.

"It's a really important project because what it's doing is bringing girls together from different areas of south Manchester which in the past has had a pretty difficult reputation," said Ms Blears.

She described the empowerment of young women as very important, and this particular scheme as personally inspirational.

"It has been quite an inspiration for me. They want a different future for themselves and they are determined to make it happen," said the MP.

"I don't accept Britain is broken. We are not only doing it now, this is one of a number of projects that's been going on for a number of years.

"I think what we are doing here is sowing the roots of something that for many years to come will make a big difference," added Ms Blears.

Meanwhile, the wife of former-Prime Minister Tony Blair has insisted the country is not 'broken' despite ongoing knife crime.

In recent month Cherie Blair has led a high profile campaign, speaking out against gun murders and gang attacks, but now the QC has maintained the UK is "strong".

However, Mrs Blair hinted that incumbent PM Gordon Brown may not be the best leader to tackle the current crisis.

She previously caused controversy by claiming her children would not be safe walking the streets of Britain.

(PR/JM)