Our streets will be safe, pleads Rudd
AMBER RUDD will commit to doing “whatever it takes” to make Britain’s streets safe as she launches a blitz on violent crime.
The Home Secretary will emphasise the Government’s determination to halt the rising tide of stabbings, shootings and acid attacks. Ministers have faced sustained pressure over their response in recent days after a spate of killings in London.
Unveiling her multi-pronged blueprint today, Ms Rudd will say: “We will take the comprehensive approach necessary to make sure that our sons and daughters are protected and our streets are safe.
“As a Government, we will never stand by while acid is thrown or knives wielded.
“I am clear that we must do whatever it takes to tackle this so that no parent has to bury their child.”
Ms Rudd is expected to highlight the importance of stopping youngsters carrying knives in the first place as she publishes the Government’s Serious Violence Strategy.
Officials say the approach marks a “major shift” by striking a balance between prevention and law enforcement.
The strategy identifies the changing drugs market as a key driver of the violence affecting communities.
According to the document, around half the rise in robbery, knife and gun crime is due to improvements in police recording, with drug-related cases identified as an “important driver” behind the rest of the increase. Figures show that between 201415 and 2016-17, homicides where either the victim or suspect were known to be involved in using or dealing illicit drugs increased from 50% to 57%.
The strategy sets out how drug-market violence may be facilitated and spread by social media.
Plans for the crackdown were first announced last year.
The finalised strategy – underpinned by £40 million of Home Office funding and spearheaded by a new Offensive Weapons Bill – will call on social media companies to do more to rid the web of violent gang content; set out tough restrictions on online sales of knives following concerns that age verification checks can be sidestepped; make it a criminal offence to possess corrosive substances in a public place, reveal plans to consult on extending stop and search powers so police can use the tactics to seize acid from suspects carrying it without good reason and make it illegal to possess certain weapons, including zombie knives and knuckle-dusters, in private.
In a speech in London Ms Rudd is expected to say: “This strategy represents a real step-change in the way we think about and respond to these violent crimes which dominate the front pages of our newspapers with seemingly depressing regularity.”
Labour argued that “talking tough is not enough”.
Shadow home secretary Diane Abbott said: “The Tories need to put their money where their mouth is [and] give police the resources they need to keep people safe.”