Chris Hipkins: Labour Leader on the conflict in the Middle East, kids bringing weapons to school

Canterbury Mornings with John MacDonald

The Opposition Leader has laid out his view of what's needed for peace in the Middle East.

A wavering ceasefire remains between Israel and Iran after scolding from the US President, although both claim breaches by the other.

Donald Trump claims his country's strikes this week destroyed Iran's nuclear programme, but early US intelligence indicates it's only set it back by months.

Chris Hipkins told John MacDonald diplomacy is needed from everyone.

He says bombing isn't the answer to ending a nuclear arms race, and anyone believing that should think again.

When it comes to the rising number of children bringing weapons to school, Hipkins says the issue didn’t come up when Labour was in Government.

Figures show 526 students were stood down, suspended, or excluded for using or having a weapon at school last year – up 80% on 2018.

Hipkins told MacDonald his party gave schools the power to search kids' bags, but it's not a realistic way to deal with this problem.

He says it's time to get the Ministry of Education, Police, and schools to think of proactive solutions.

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