June 8, 2006 9:15

Tory leader attacks Radio 1

David Cameron claims they encourage crime

Conservative Party leader David Cameron has accused UK radio station Radio 1 of encouraging knife and gun crime.

Leader Of The Opposition Cameron cited the popular BBC station's Saturday night schedules, which feature DJ Tim Westwood's hip-hop show.

Cameron made his comments on Tuesday evening (June 6) at a British Society Of Magazine Editors event.

Responding to a question about growing knife crime in the UK, Cameron was quoted as saying: "I would say to Radio 1, do you realise that some of the stuff you play on Saturday nights encourages people to carry guns and knives?"

Cameron added his remarks were an example of him having "the courage to speak up when you see something that is wrong" despite the fact that "you will get a lot of bricks thrown at you".

Radio 1 strongly denied Cameron's accusation. A spokesman for the station added: "Radio 1 strongly refutes any suggestion that the station condones or encourages knife or gun culture.

"The station takes its responsibilities very seriously and has strict producer guidelines that govern all of the output.

"Hip-hop is a huge international genre with a vibrant UK scene and that music reflects the sometimes harsher realities of people's lives and cultures."