'Britain is going to the dogs!' Alex Armstrong delivers scathing assessment of Labour for 'legalising shoplifting'

The broadcaster argued that the legislation, which came into force within the past month, amounts to decriminalisation of retail theft currently affecting high streets across Britain.

Under the new rules, magistrates and judges must limit prison sentences to exceptional circumstances for offences carrying terms below 12 months, Alex explained.

He suggested this restriction would dramatically reduce the number of shoplifters facing incarceration.

Alex pointed to prison statistics to illustrate his argument, claiming that 98 per cent of inmates currently serving time for shoplifting would not be behind bars under the new framework.

"They will be serving a local community. That means they'll be out on the streets back to doing what they do best, which is not working and ruining our high streets," he said.

The presenter highlighted the financial toll of retail theft, stating: "It costs the British economy £2billion, in the last few years, that is."

He emphasised this burden comes at a time when high streets are already facing significant pressure.

Alex questioned why the Government appeared so opposed to what he termed "pure justice" needed to address ongoing disorder throughout the country.

He also criticised the administration's early release scheme, which will see additional prisoners freed from custody.

"I just think this country is going to the dogs under this Government," Alex declared.

The presenter demanded that Justice Secretary David Lammy take decisive action on the matter.

He noted that major retailers including M&S and Iceland have been calling on the minister to address the shoplifting crisis affecting their businesses.

Iceland boss Lord Walker of Broxton has demanded that retail security personnel be equipped with truncheons and pepper sprays to combat what he described as an "epidemic of violent theft" sweeping British shops.

Lord Broxton told The Times: "You go to Spain and all the security guards have pepper spray and a truncheon, they don't mess about.

"We call it shoplifting, which sounds like a cheeky bit of pilfering, but actually we should just call it out for what it is, which is violent crime."

The calls from the Iceland boss as well as Marks & Spencer follow the violent disorder which erupted in Clapham on Tuesday, with hordes of balaclava-clad youngsters seen running riot through the streets.

In a statement on the Clapham incident, London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan said: "The scenes we saw in Clapham earlier this week were truly unacceptable.

"Not only did they spread fear in their local community, but insulting and intimidating hard-working retail staff and police officers are serious offences. More arrests are likely to follow over the coming days."