Prison’s the only way to stop the scourge of knife crime
ThERE is one problem that dominates modern society, yet remains completely out of control, and that is knife crime. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has said he will provide schools with metal detectors to identify those carrying knives. This is approaching the problem from the wrong direction — he should be trying to stop knives being carried at all times. Within certain age groups, it has become commonplace to carry a knife, Some claim it is for protection, others just want to ‘big themselves up’, and some, sadly, want to hurt people. It’s a development that no government seems to want to face up to. however, if the police are to achieve positive results, they need the courts behind and two toddlers. They are told to visit the food bank, but that has been tightened up due to abuse of the system.
It is not easy being on benefits. There seem to be a few who play the system. My granddaughter is ground down with worry for her children, as am I. DOROthY FORstER,
hyde, Cheshire.
Say no to bonus
I, Too, am embarrassed to receive a winter fuel payment (Letters), and I know many retired people who admit they do not need this payment.
however, I am even more embarrassed that my husband and I each receive the £10 Christmas bonus.
I am amazed at how many retired people among my acquaintance do not even realise they get this.
I will be sending my payment to charity again this year, as them wielding the big stick with the blessing of the public. In Romford, two young men have been stabbed in the past few months, one fatally. This madness has to stop. If we are going to win, then people who are prepared to arm themselves should be made aware that society’s response will be swift, harsh and painful. a sustained campaign should warn against carrying a knife, and explain in no uncertain terms the consequences of doing so. The ads should state that in a stated number of weeks or months, any person caught carrying a knife — who clearly doesn’t need it for their profession — will go to prison for five years, without remission for good behaviour. once society starts imprisoning all knife carriers, it will will my friends. Surely that’s not what the Government intended? how much could be saved if this bonus were to be scrapped — and how many would miss it if it were?
s. JENKINs, address supplied.
End online abuse
NaTIoNaLIST MEP alyn Smith has called for the SNP to ban its members from having anonymous social media accounts, in the hope this would reduce online abuse. This is an excellent idea.
The question is: how would it be policed? Would SNP central office be able to ascertain whether or not remaining anonymous accounts spreading SNP propaganda actually belonged to party members?
or would devoted online Nationalists resign from the party to continue their activity unmolested? JILL stEphENsON, Edinburgh. send a message to those who arm themselves or who contemplate doing so. Provided the police stay vigilant and make their presence felt at the right times and step up random stop and searches outside pubs and clubs and on the streets, who would gamble with their freedom? We are a modern civilised country, yet we can’t stop people carrying knives. Something is fundamentally wrong — we have to toughen up.
LEE pAttLE, Basildon, Essex.
Expats, pay tax!
RobERT EvaNS (Letters) is right: why do people think they can move abroad for a long time then simply return to a welfare state that has been subsidised by taxpayers who have remained here?
There should be a ruling that after so many years abroad, a contribution towards their health and welfare should be levied upon their return.
D. BOOst, address supplied.