Steve O’Connell AM, Chairman of the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee said:
“It is absolutely tragic that eight people have been fatally stabbed and shot in London in the last week.
"This simply can’t go on. The Mayor and the Metropolitan Police need to get a grip. People are dying on the streets and tough action needs to be taken to stop the carnage now. Politicians and health representatives meeting at City Hall today need to urgently address this issue and find a way to educate young people.
"£15 million has already been allocated by the Mayor for the Metropolitan police to tackle knife crime and £1.4 million to go towards a number of community and anti-knife crime projects.
"The Police and Crime Committee wants clear and robust action. These types of crime need a distinct and specific approach, that doesn't just focus on gangs. Something must be done about both knives and guns on London’s streets because this can’t keep happening in our city.”
Notes to editors
- 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 Lisa Lam on 020 7983 4067. 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.