UK Takes Further Measures To Tackle Knife Crime

PM's "shock" at knife deaths

The Government will announce further measures to tackle knife crime on Monday following several knife-related deaths this week.

Speaking in a Downing Street statement, the PM said that he had been in contact with Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair and asked to be kept up to date on investigations.

Mr Brown said the stabbings are "shocking and tragic" and offered his condolences to the friends and families of those hurt.

He then revealed that the Government will be publishing the first ever cross-government youth crime plan later next week. The plan will contain new enforcement measures, improvements to sentencing, and a new approach to youth crime prevention.

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FULL STATEMENT

"The terrible stabbings that have occurred this week are shocking and tragic, and my thoughts are with the families and friends of those who have been hurt or killed in these attacks.

"On Monday the Home Secretary Jacqui Smith will announce further measures to tackle knife crime, taking forward the approach we set out last month. Later in the week we will publish the first ever cross-government youth crime plan which we have been working on over recent months. It will contain new enforcement measures, improvements to sentencing, and a new approach to youth crime prevention - including tough parenting programmes targeted on areas with the most problems.

"We will continue to make absolutely clear that carrying a knife is unacceptable in our society.

"People prosecuted for carrying a knife are now almost three times as likely to go to prison as in 1997. Those prosecuted for carrying or using knives get far tougher sentences. Just in the last month, we have announced and put into immediate effect an end to cautions for knife possession, replacing it with a expectation to prosecute. We are also giving more money and equipment for police forces in key areas to do more stop and searches.

"I have spoken to Sir Ian Blair today about the situation in London, and I know the police are doing everything in their power to bring those responsible to justice. I have asked to be kept updated on any developments. I thank the police for their efforts, and urge people to give them any help they can."

ENDS

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