Rudd to do ‘whatever it takes’ to make London streets safe again

Home Secretary Amber Rudd will commit to doing “whatever it takes” to make Britain’s streets safe as she launches a blitz on violent crime, emphasising 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.

“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 said that 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 2014-15 and 2016-17, homicides where either the victim or suspect were known to be involved in using or dealing illicit drugs increased from 50 per cent to 57 per cent.