MP DEMANDS ANSWERS ON KNIFE CRIME STRATEGY
EAST Runcorn MP Mike Amesbury has been seeking answers over efforts to tackle knife crime.
Mr Amesbury asked the Solicitor-General Robert Buckland what talks had taken place on the issue and for answers on why national data on the number of children killed by blades is not available.
In reply to the first query, Mr Buckland said the Home Secretary Amber Rudd had announced in October that a serious violence strategy is to be published in early 2018.
The Solicitor General added that he is a member of the inter-ministerial group on ending gang violence, of which knife crime can be a feature. On the issue of young people killed by blades, Mr Amesbury said The Guardian newspaper’s Beyond The Blade campaign had revealed that national figures were not available and asked Mr Buckland to explain why.
Mr Buckland said he too would be interested to find out why as he wanted to see knife crime recording standards raised.
He said: “I would be interested to know more about that, because I am particularly keen to ensure that the reporting and recording of knife crime are improved.
“We are seeing a rise in the number of reported cases because the police are recording them more accurately, and there is no doubt a problem in certain parts of the country where knife crime is rising, particularly here in London.
“I would be happy to talk further with the hon. Gentleman to explore a way forward to ensure that we have as much information as possible about this appalling crime.”
Runcorn experienced its share of offences involving blades throughout 2017, the most high-profile case involved an attack on a Police Community Support Officer.