Backbench Business

Acknowledges the importance of addressing child criminal exploitation and mentions her role in chairing the all-party parliamentary group on child criminal exploitation and knife crime. She highlights that a number of groups, including the Wave Trust, have been calling for a statutory definition of CCE.

Compliments Wendy Morton's speech on the importance of the whole community approach to tackling knife crime. She also thanks the Mizen Foundation, which was set up by a family in Sidcup after their son’s death from knife crime.

Pays tribute to the right hon. Member for Aldridge-Brownhills, highlights the increase in knife crime by over 70% in eight years, and cites a specific case of Johanita Dogbey's fatal stabbing. Emphasises the need for a holistic approach addressing trauma, psychological impacts, and child criminal exploitation. Urges recognition that children as young as seven are involved in county lines drugs trafficking and suggests early intervention is crucial to prevent future stabbings. Supports youth organisations working with vulnerable children and calls for better funding and distribution of first aid resources.

Recognises the importance of addressing knife crime in both urban and rural areas. Acknowledges that 20% of all knife crime is committed by individuals under the age of 17, highlighting that young boys often carry knives for personal safety. Emphasises that carrying a knife does not make one safer but rather increases risk of involvement in serious criminality. Welcomes Government's investment of over £110 million to tackle knife crime and highlights successful initiatives such as Operation Deter in Thames Valley which has resulted in more than 1,000 arrests and over 100 custodial sentences since its launch. Praises community efforts including the use of knife amnesty bins in churches and boxing initiatives for youth.

Intervened to support the idea that creating opportunities for anonymous disposal of knives is crucial. Emphasises the importance of continuous efforts in this area.

Acknowledges the work being done by faith communities such as Baptist churches to tackle knife crime. Stresses that families often turn first to their faith leaders for help.

Acknowledged Wendy Morton's efforts in securing the debate and discussed the tragic case of Ronan Kanda. Emphasised the importance of addressing knife crime to prevent it from affecting more children and their families.

Ensured that all contributions adhered to sub judice rules, emphasising the sensitive nature of discussing ongoing legal cases.

Acknowledged the importance of the debate and praised Wendy Morton for securing it. Discussed specific measures such as violence reduction units, serious violence reduction orders, and cross-Government initiatives to tackle knife crime. Highlighted new programmes like Building Futures and SAFE, which aim to provide mentoring and training to at-risk youth.

Acknowledged the contributions made by Michael Tomlinson and called for more funding to support young people's entry into creative industries and media, which can serve as a positive outlet.

Richard Foord raised a point of order regarding an inaccurate claim made by Mr Liddell-Grainger about the chair of the Mid Devon District Council scrutiny committee, Councillor Rachel Gilmour. He stated that Councillor Gilmour's Christmas party would be funded privately and not with local government funds as previously alleged.

Madam Deputy Speaker responded to Richard Foord's point of order by clarifying that it is not the role of the Chair to determine the veracity of statements made in the House. She noted that while Mr Foord wishes to draw attention to his disagreement with Mr Liddell-Grainger over factual matters, such issues are not for the Chair to adjudicate.