United over knife amnesty
Political rivals both back fresh bid to get weapons off the streets
HILLINGDON’S London Assembly member is backing calls for a knife amnesty in the capital after 15 teenagers were fatally stabbed last year.
Dr Onkar Sahota said the proposal from his London Labour Party, which Mayor Boris Johnson and Metropolitan police commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe have promised to consider, could help to get more weapons off the streets.
There was an eight per cent increase in knife incidents (3,665 incidents) across London last year with nearly half involving young people. Hillingdon saw a 10 per cent rise in incidents.
Dr Sahota said: “With both the Mayor and Commissioner now agreeing to look at our proposals for a knife amnesty, we’re one step closer to getting more of these weapons off the streets where they can do so much damage.
“Whilst an amnesty is only part of the solution, it’s important the Mayor recognises the positive impact allowing people to hand over their knives without fear of prosecution.”
Mayor Johnson, who is also MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip said in December that the amnesty should be considered.”
When asked about the possibility of an amnesty at a London Assembly Police and Crime Committee the Code Of Practice as enforced by IPSO who are contactable for advice at Independent Press Standards Organisation, Gate House, 1 Farringdon Street, London EC4M 7LG. Website http://www.ipso.co. uk/ Telephone: 0300 123 2220 email advice@ipso.co.uk following day, Mr HoganHowe confirmed “we’re having a look at how we might do this”.
West Drayton councillor Dominic Gilham, who is
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Please go to http://www. trinitymirror.com/ howtocomplain where you contesting Dr Sahota’s Ealing & Hillingdon seat for the Conservatives at the London Assembly elections in May, said he would also support a knife amnesty.
He added: “This was a cross party proposal. I am very much aware of the concerns of residents and unfortunately the bereaved families of loved ones lost due to knife crime.
“The message not to carry a blade needs to shouted. The knife they hold can easily be turned on them with fatal consequences.
“We need to speak out against those who feel the need to carry a knife. It not hip or cool.” can view our Complaints Policy and Procedure. A “How To Complain” pack is also available by writing to the Legal and Compliance Department, Trinity Mirror PLC, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AP.