Charles: Halt ‘pervasive horror’ of knife crime
PRINCE Charles has spoken out on knife crime, saying anyone who commits ‘such brutal deeds’ must be brought to justice.
In his Easter message he spoke of his sadness at the ‘pervasive horror’ of stabbings on Britain’s streets.
Charles, who is working with his son Prince Harry to help the victims of knife crime and their families, joined calls to toughen up sanctions for anyone carrying or using a knife.
Last year the number of fatal stabbings rose to record levels, and already in 2019 there have been 26 deaths from knife wounds in London alone.
The Prince of Wales also referred to the attacks on two mosques in New Zealand last month, saying: ‘Already this year we have seen some terrible deeds of darkness, from young people being knifed on our streets to the slaughter of men, women and children while they were worshipping God.
‘There are times when it can feel as if the light has gone out of the world and darkness reigns. But Easter gives us hope.
‘Throughout my own life, it has been a humbling experience to meet and to listen to people who have suffered the most terrible personal tragedies.
‘The way they have grieved and turned their grief into action to help others in the most extraordinary way is an example of the light overcoming the darkness.’
Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Charles continued: ‘Recently, Prince Harry and I brought together some of those who have been affected by knife crime to see what more could be done to tackle this pervasive horror. Listening to those who have suffered from such attacks filled us both with immense sadness.
‘But their remarkable determination to move forward and address the causes of such crime and to find solutions was, for me, yet another example of the light shining in the darkness.’
The prince highlighted the power of forgiveness, saying: ‘Of course, those who commit such brutal deeds need to face up to their crimes through being brought to justice.
‘However, very often it is not the punishment that brings them to their senses and changes them, but
‘Power of forgiveness’
rather the extraordinary power of the forgiveness from those they have hurt.’
The Office for National Statistics reported 40,469 offences involving a knife in the year leading up to March 2018, a 17 per cent rise from the previous year and the highest level in England and Wales since records began in 1946.
In December, Charles and Harry convened a meeting at Clarence House for those affected by knife crime, which included victims, families, the emergency services and policy makers.
One of the cases discussed, which he uses his newspaper article to highlight, is that of talented black student Anthony Walker, who was murdered with an axe in a racist attack in 2005 at the age of just 18.
He praises the student’s mother Gee Walker as a ‘shining example to us all’ for offering forgiveness to his killers amid her overwhelming pain and grief.
He says her example was inspired by the Easter story and her reading of the Lord’s Prayer.
He also hailed the survivors of a terror attack on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, for their dignified response. His eldest son, Prince William, will travel to the city next week to pay tribute to those who lost their lives and the strength of the survivors.
Charles also expressed his solidarity with Christians from other countries who have been persecuted because of their faith. He concludes: ‘It is all too easy at this time, I know, to feel overwhelmed by the darkness, and by all that is going on in the world.
‘The Easter message, with its emphasis on the timeless and universal values of forgiveness and reconciliation, gives hope to us all whether we live by faith or not.’
Pastor Lorraine Jones, 46, whose 20- year- old son Dwayne was stabbed to death when he intervened in a fight in 2014, said Charles had given ‘the most powerful and comforting, most positive message that he could bring’.
She added: ‘Coming from Prince Charles it’s very comforting to know that he could be acknowledging us at this time of Easter and forgiveness.
‘The power of forgiveness is the greatest action that we can embark on as bereaved parents – which I have embraced.
‘I know there are some that are finding it difficult and I totally understand that. But I am feeling an immense wave of light and love through his speech of forgiveness. Forgiveness is the strongest emotion that can cleanse, heal and bring freedom to one’s soul.’
Pastor Lorraine was named the Daily Mail Inspirational Woman of the Year last month during a gala at the Marriott Hotel in Mayfair.