An inquiry ordered by the prime minister into last summer’s riots will demand action against aggressive advertising aimed at young people, citing evidence that rampant materialism was an underlying cause of last year’s lawlessness.
The Riots, Communities and Victims Panel, set up by David Cameronand deputy prime minister Nick Clegg in the wake of the riots, will highlight the role of big business in creating a damaging consumerist culture in some of the most deprived parts of the country.
The violence last August was characterised by the looting of stores including Foot Locker, JJD Sports, Orange, O2 and Adidas. When it publishes its final report, the panel is expected to offer recommendations to limit the impact of advertising on the young and vulnerable.