A debate on riot sentencing takes place tonight in Dalston, to discuss what some people regard as the reactionary and damaging prison sentences currently handed out to accused rioters.

The free event which will be aired on internet radio station, ntslive.co.uk, aims to give a wider view of the political and social context that contributed to the recent unrest, to challenge the official view of the authorities and to explore the effects of their policies.

Speakers include Cllr Patrick Vernon, chief executive of the Afiya Trust, Andrew Neilson assistant director of the Howard League for Penal Reform, Adam Elliott-Cooper, associate editor of Ceasefire Magazine and member of Tottenham Defence Campaign.

The event takes place from 7pm to 9pm at Vortex Downstairs, 11 Gillett Square in Dalston.