Conservative conference: Tories must end 'Broken Britain' slur, says children's commissioner

Sir Al Aynsley Green said the phrase had “raised awareness” of social problems and provided the Tories with a “useful strapline.” But he warned there was now a danger of it becoming a “self-fulfilling prophecy”.

Speaking at a fringe during the party’s conference, he also challenged the party to speak out against the notorious Mosquito ultrasonic device, which emits a whining sound heard only by young people to deter them from congregating in certain areas.

However, shadow justice minister David Burrowes said local authorities should be able to decide for themselves whether to use the device if necessary.

And on “Broken Britain”, he said: “There are elements of brokenness throughout society. We are seeing the reality of brokenness but promoting and supporting positive solutions such as our national citizen service for young people.”