UK - Text messaging young voters

Tony Blair defends new pub hours after Labour is accused of promoting binge drinking with a texting campaign, reports the BBC.

"Tory Charles Hendry asked Mr Blair if he was "proud" of text messaging young voters before the 2001 election pledging to scrap closing time.

But Mr Blair told MPs at question time flexible pub hours would not lead to an explosion in drink-related violence.

And, he added, police will have new powers to shut down rowdy pubs and deal with anti-social behaviour.

Mr Hendry said: "Labour sent a text message to young people which said 'couldn't give a 'four x' for last orders? Vote Labour on Thursday for extra time'

"With increasing concerns about binge drinking, alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour, is he proud of that campaign?"

emily | 5:48 PM | SMS and Politics |
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