Noel Edmonds: Outspoken

Noel Edmonds yesterday called on the public to take matters into their own hands to help fix 'broken Britain'.

The TV presenter blamed out-of-touch politicians and joyless health and safety zealots for the country's downward spiral.

Speed cameras, gang culture and the London congestion charge were also among the 'components of what's wrong with the country', he said.

Edmonds, 59, said while people were frightened of growing violence on the streets, they also feared the suffocating influence of the nanny state and unnecessary laws.

He painted his grim picture of Britain as he unveiled a new television show in which random acts of kindness will be celebrated and rewarded.

The show, provisionally named Noel's HQ and to be seen on Sky One, will also 'name and shame' the greedy and ungenerous.

'We have issues in this country that need to be addressed,' Edmonds said.

'Whether we call it broken Britain or toxic Britain, we have to accept that something in our society has happened and someone needs to do something about it.

'Traditionally we have turned to our elected representatives but there's a realisation that what's going on in Britain needs to be addressed at a fundamental level and everyone has a contribution to make.'

He added: 'I personally believe our leading politicians are completely out of touch with reality.

'I really do think we can make a significant difference if we all do a little. This show is not going to change society.... but it is a tiny step.

'On a daily basis I feel less secure and I see people are quite clearly unhappy. Our future is in our hands and we must stop looking to politicians to fix matters  -  they can't.'

Edmonds said the recent spate of teenage stabbings was an example of what has gone wrong in society.

>He said for many the new 'tribal instinct' was to be part of a gang rather than a family.

The new show will see him attempt to set up a charity to talk to school children about the dangers of knife crime.

He was also scathing about the London congestion charge, labelling it 'insane'. And speed cameras, he claimed, were nothing to do with road safety and everything about making money.