The Home Secretary, Sajid Javid, today has announced new knife crime prevention orders in order to tackle knife violence.
The proposed measures include curfews and the limiting of social media use to prevent gang rivalries from escalating.
In response, Steve O’Connell AM, Chairman of the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee said:
"It is a tragedy that by the end of January, 8 people have lost their lives in the capital due to knife crime.
“The proposal from the Government would add to the tools that the police have to tackle violence, but it’s just one of a series of measures that we need to consider.
“Our recent letter to the Mayor about the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) was clear that the focus must be on real prevention which means tackling the root causes of violence.
“A child’s early years – especially if traumatic – can have a serious effect on their future mindset. Exclusions from school are also an issue as they can leave child with fewer safeguards. These are examples of the root causes of violence that the Government with the Mayor must look at.
“This approach must be taken to prevent the loss of more young lives to knife crime.”
Notes to editors
- Committee’s letter to the Mayor about the VRU can be read here.
- Steve O’Connell AM, Chairman of the Police and Crime Committee, is available for interview – see contact details below.
- London Assembly Police and Crime Committee.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Funmi Olutoye on 020 7084 2713. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.