Lib Dems call for tougher sentences for knife crime

9.52.35pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 30th May 2006

Southwark Liberal Democrats have launched a petition calling on the government to increase the penalty for carrying knives or blades in public without good reason.

Last year the Liberal Democrats in Westminster proposed an amendment to the Violent Crime Reduction Bill that would raise the maximum sentence for carrying a knife from 2 years to 7 years. Bringing it in line with the penalties for carrying a gun.

While the Conservatives supported raising it to 5 years, the Labour Government completely opposed raising the sentence. Former Home Office Minister Hazel Blears MP said she did not agree that 2 years was an "inadequate" penalty.

Southwark Liberal Democrats are now asking local residents and businesses to join their call for tougher sentences for knife crime by signing their petition.

Launching the campaign, Cllr Jeff Hook, Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Community Safety [as of 31st May], said:

"Knife crime is destroying our communities and we need to send a strong message that it will not be tolerated."

"It is deeply worrying that many young adults now carry knives as a matter of course. They are on our streets and in our schools and the law is simply not providing the deterrent that it should be."

"Sadly, we have seen in our own community that knives are just as deadly as guns, and they should therefore carry a similar penalty."

"Labour Ministers have missed the opportunity to take a stand against knife crime, but we hope that this petition will get enough support to make them think again."

"For the safety of our residents I do hope that all of Southwark's politicians can work together to reduce the threat of knife crime and I am asking all councillors and MPs to sign up to our petition."

"Southwark Lib Dems are strongly urging people to take advantage of the knife amnesty across the borough before it's too late."