Further calls from Assembly to remember victims of knife crime

Knife crime across London has a severe impact on the families of victims and wider communities.

In December 2024, the London Assembly agreed a motion calling for the establishment of a Day of Remembrance for victims of knife crime. However, to date, there has been no progress in setting this up.

The London Assembly today expressed its frustration at a lack of progress, and called on the Mayor to recognise ‘Knife Crime Day of Remembrance’ during Knife Crime Awareness week next May.

It also urged the Mayor and the Met to use every tool at their disposal to tackle knife crime in the capital.

Emma Best AM, who proposed the motion, said:

“Knife crime destroys lives and families and is a scourge in our city that leaves deep scars.

“It is disappointing that despite the Assembly last year agreeing a motion calling on the Mayor to recognise a day of remembrance for the victims, the Mayor of London and Met Police have not yet done so, nor have they introduced the measures necessary to tackle this crime more significantly.

“How many more Londoners must lose their lives before something changes?” 

The full text of the motion is:

This Assembly wishes to remember the victims of knife crime across the capital, and recognise the impact of these crimes on the families of victims and wider communities.

This Assembly urges the Mayor of London and the Greater London Authority to recognise a ‘Knife Crime Day of Remembrance’ during Knife Crime Awareness Week next May.

This would provide an opportunity each year to remember all of those lives taken or affected by knife crime, and mark the impact on communities affected by knife crime and gang violence.

This Assembly wishes to express its frustration and disappointment that no progress has been made on establishing a Day of Remembrance, despite clear cross-party support for establishing one following a motion passed by the Assembly in December 2024.

This Assembly urges the Mayor and the Met to use every tool at their disposal to tackle knife crime, including stop and search, live facial recognition and preventative measures within communities.

The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.

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