I could have been drawn into a life of crime, says Javid

Sajid Javid has revealed he could have been drawn into a life of crime, as he admitted the bloodshed on Britain’s streets has left him fearing for his children’s safety.

The Home Secretary described how he avoided being lured into shoplifting or drug dealing when growing up on what was dubbed “the most dangerous street in Britain”.

He cited his personal experiences as a boy and a father as he set out his blueprint for tackling the “national emergency” of surging violence.

In a speech in east London, Mr Javid said: “It’s not so difficult to see how, instead of being in the Cabinet, I could have actually turned out to have a life of crime myself.

“There were the pupils at school that shoplifted, and asked if I wanted to help.

“There were the drug dealers who stood near my school gates and told me that if joined in, I too could make some easy money.

“But I was lucky. I had loving and supporting parents, who despite their own circumstances gave me security.

“I had some brilliant teachers who motivated me.

“I had a girlfriend who believed in me and supported me despite my lack of prospects and went on to become my wife.

“Thanks to them all I have built a better life for myself and my family.”

Mr Javid, a father-of-four, described how recent increases in serious violence and knife crime have affected him as a parent.

He said: “I may be the Home Secretary, but I’m not ashamed to confess I have stayed up late at night waiting to hear the key turning in the door.

“And only then going to bed knowing that they have come home safe and sound.

“I know that if I don’t feel safe on the streets, if I don’t think the streets are safe enough for my own children, or if we see our communities being torn apart by crime, then something has gone terribly wrong.”